Last week, we informed you that sales of the Toyota Prius had sharply dropped off this July, falling some 30 percent from the reported numbers a year ago, yet Toyota was pleased with the results. While it seemed rather odd that Toyota was satisfied with a drop in sales, the fact that the Cash for Clunkers program kicked off in July of 2009 helped to make some sense of the decline.

Though sales of the Prius may have fallen, the company is surely pleased with its continued dominance in the hybrid market. Toyota and Lexus have combined to capture 73.9 percent of U.S. hybrid sales for July, and surely that’s something to be pleased about. The seven hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus accounted for 17,504 sales in July, with the Prius capturing a rather astounding 59.6 percent of the hybrid market for the month.

Ford placed a far distant second to Toyota by reporting just 2,896 hybrid sales in July, while Honda remained planted in third with a total tally of 2,475 hybrid sales. So, while Prius sales may have dropped off compared to last year, there’s no denying that Toyota still retains its position atop the hybrid market.

[Source:Autoblog]

If you were wondering whether there was a market for a $375,000 Lexus, wonder no more. Automotive News reports that all 500 copies of the 552-horsepower LFA are officially sold out. Not a surprise if you ask us, considering the fact that there always seems to be a healthy market for ultra-rare exotics with a ridiculously low production quota. But the fact that the LFA is resonating with the European elite is a bit of a shock, as the report claims that one-third of pre-sold LFAs are heading straight for the land of Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Lexus even brought eight of the German LFA owners to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race for some wining and dining.

Lexus hasn’t announced how many LFAs would go to which regions of the globe, but an earlier Wall St. Journal report quoted Lexus as saying that Toyota’s luxury arm would hand-pick which perspective buyers would gain the right to own the LFA. Looks like we didn’t make the cut, not that we had the $375k to spend one anyway.

[Source:Autoblog]

Bloomberg is reporting that Toyota will again be bit by the recall bug, this time due to steering problems with its Lexus LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600h and LS 600h L. The recall, reportedly announced by Toyota spokesperson Mieko Iwasaki, will cover 11,500 models globally, including 3,800 units in the States. The company says that some customers in Japan have complained that the front wheels don’t turn to their original position quickly enough after executing a turn, and the issue is reportedly both mechanical and software related

The reported recall comes just one month after the Lexus GX460, was recalled for a stability control issue that was discovered by Consumer Reports. Toyota recalled 9,400 GX460 SUVs in the U.S. and 13,000 units globally. The Lexus LS recall is not currently listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, and there is no word yet regarding which model year(s) will be covered under the recall.

[Source:Autoblog]

The last time we drove one of Lexus’ new HS 250h hybrid sedans, we found the experience to be about what you might expect. That is to say, eminently usable and well-designed with reasonable driving dynamics. We liked it, though we pointed out that the styling is pretty bland and performance is merely adequate.

We can’t say for certain whether that staid styling or its lack of driving emotion may be holding it back in the marketplace, but Wards Auto reports that the HS 250h is failing to live up to the sales volume projections set out by Lexus when the car was introduced late last year.

Since initially going on sale last August, Lexus has sold 11,228 HS hybrids. Last month, Toyota’s luxury division moved just 1,076 units, which makes for a grand total of 4,529 since 2010 kicked off five months ago. A quick calculation tells us that full-year sales, assuming they remain at something resembling a steady pace, will be under 14,000 units.

Lexus had previously set a target of 20,000-22,000 HS 250h sales in America – and even that figure represented a lowered expectation from the 25,000-30,000 sales initially quoted before Japanese consumers started ordering the model up at a faster-than-expected rate.

Why the below-par sales stats? Says Mark Templin, vice president of Toyota’s Lexus division, “I think we underestimated the power of the Prius brand… And we overestimated what the market would look like based on gas prices. But if we can do over 1,000 units a month, 1,000-1,500 units a month, we feel really good about what we’re doing in the marketplace.”

[Source:Autoblog]

Lexus has finally dropped a few official savory details about its special-edition LFA Nürburgring. Word is there’s an additional 10 horsepower on tap from the bat-guano V10, nudging the final figure to “more than 562″ blistering ponies.

To help handle the extra grunt and give the carbon-fiber wonder a little extra stick on track, the Lexus engineers have worked up a new aero package consisting of front and side spoilers, as well as a landing-deck sized fixed rear wing. And yes, they’re all made of carbon. Lexus has also firmed up the suspension even further, and fitted it with the mesh alloys seen above with “dedicated high-grip tyres.” Uh-huh. Even more surprisingly, Lexus has managed to trim the transmission’s shift times to just 0.15 seconds, officially putting the LFA into the cog-swapping hall of fame.

Lexus has managed to still get the LFA to 62 mph in around 3.7 seconds and net a top speed of 202 mph in spite of the car’s higher downforce. If you want one, you better start bribing people now. The company plans on handing out just 50 examples within the standard LFA production run of 500 units.

LEXUS UNLEASHES THE ULTIMATE LFA

Now available with new track-focused Nürburgring package

KEY POINTS

* Lexus introduces Nürburgring package for the LFA supercar, aimed at hardcore track driving enthusiasts
* New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear wing
* Power increased to more than 562bhp, gearshift times cut to just 0.15 seconds
* Nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202mph maintained in spite of higher downforce
* Performance package launched in celebration of LFA’s entry in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race
* Just 50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit of 500 cars

In celebration of its LFA supercar taking on the challenge of the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May, Lexus has launched a new performance package designed to appeal to customers seeking full-blooded track performance.

The new Nürburgring package provides additional aerodynamic features and technical revisions that improve handling and downforce without compromising the exceptional speed and acceleration that are central to the LFA’s driving character.

Greater downforce, essential to peak track performance, has been gained through revisions and additions to several of the LFA’s CFRP components, including a larger front spoiler, side fin-type spoilers and a new fixed rear wing.

Maximum power from the mid-front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 engine has been increased by 10bhp to more than 562bhp and gear shifts in the six-speed sequential transmission have been cut to just 0.15 seconds. Thanks to these changes, nought to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 202mph are maintained, in spite of the extra drag created by the new aerodynamic elements.

Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres.

Just 50 LFA will be available with the Nürburgring package, within the car’s strictly limited global production run of 500 examples. If they wish, customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the Nürburgring’s chief instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track.

[Source:Autoblog]

The rich are very different from you and we, now more than ever. First off, we don’t have the mental fortitude for jumping through all of the hoops that Lexus is making potential LFA customers limbo beneath. Let alone the cash. Thing is, the rigamarole involved never mattered because Lexus is only making 500 examples of the LFA and we’re simply not going to lose sleep over the process it takes to park one in our garage. However, a potential LFA owner sent us a copy of his order guide, and like any good train wreck, we can’t look away. Also, remember, this info ain’t intended for public consumption.

For your living-vicarious pleasure, here’s how it works: As reported, you cannot buy Lexus’ first ever supercar. You have to lease the mostly-carbon-fiber-and-unobtanium LFA. That’s sort of good news for the non-disgustingly wealthy, right? After all, leases are the cheap and easy way to get into a new car. Are you sitting down? The monthly lease payment on the Lexus LFA is $12.398.44. For 24 months. That’s $297,562.56 worth of lease payments over two years, at the end of which you own nothing. However, Lexus is quick to point out that the LFA’s MSRP is $375,000, so you’re technically not paying full price. And at the end of 24 months, lessees are free to plunk down an additional $93,750 (more than the base price of a very comparable Nissan GT-R, we should mention) and buy their LFA outright.

Of course, you can’t just waltz into your local Lexus dealership with $12,398.44 and rocket waltz out in an LFA. Lexus has to actually select you to lease its (admittedly awesome) car. Once you’re chosen, you’ve got 10 days to drop off a $10,000 deposit at your local Lexus dealer and submit to a credit check. We should mention that this will not be the only deposit and credit check Lexus requires.

Once your credit checks out, you then have to deposit an additional $50,000. To mini-recap, that’s $60,000 down on a $375,000 car. Sounds reasonable (from a detached, algebraic ratio perspective) until you remember that you’re not buying the car, just leasing it. All of this will be/is happening from March–June 2010. Production of the LFA doesn’t start until December. We don’t know how long each car will take to build, but customers lessees will be required to go through a second credit check immediately prior to delivery. We’re not entirely sure you really want to pass the second credit check. Here’s why.

Remember the $12,398.44 per month lease payment we mentioned a couple paragraphs up? That’s just the breakdown. All LFAs are being doled out via Lexus’ 1Pay Lease Program. Meaning that to lease the LFA, you hand Lexus a check for $237,562.56, which is the full amount of the lease minus your $60,000 pair of deposits. Oh, and there’s a $700 “aquisition fee.” Plus tax, title, license and registration. The good news? Even though you have to lease the LFA, because of the lengthy approval/deposit process, each car is still made to order. Meaning that even though you don’t own the car, you can still order it in Passionate Pink, a $3,000 option. Make the jump to read the pricing guide.

Lexus LFA Pricing Announcement

Lexus is pleased to announce the launch of the LFA, Lexus’ first ever supercar that delivers world-class design, performance, and cutting edge technology.

A Race Car that is Street Legal A radical departure from standard Lexus development, a band of engineers approached the LFA from a non-traditional angle, pushing their technological, material, and engineering boundaries every step of the way. The result, a tour de force powered by a 4.8L V10 engine that generates 552 hp and a remarkable 9,000rpm redline. Reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed over 200 mph = Super High Performance! This race-inspired power plant is mated to a uniquely developed six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with paddle shifters for ultimate driver control.

Weight-saving measures were implemented in every area in the development process. The LFA features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) construction for its chassis and much of its bodywork to deliver a light, extremely strong, and impact-resistant structure. It also has carbon ceramic brake discs, and a host of other technological marvels.
Production and Pricing Start of production will begin December 2010. Consumers will be able to choose from three configurations at the Base MSRP price of $375,000.

⇒ Configuration 1
Leather or Alcantara seats and trim in three standard colors
⇒ Configuration 2
Configuration 1 plus Navigation & Mark Levinson
⇒ Configuration 3
Configuration 2 plus Lexus Enform™ with Safety Connect™, which provides Destination Assist, eDestination, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location and Enhanced Roadside Assistance; Lexus Insider™; Voice Command; XM® Satellite Radio, XM NavTraffic®, XM NavWeather™ and XM® Sports & Stocks (includes 2 years of XM & Telematics subscription fees).

Consumers will have a tremendous amount of customization opportunity with each LFA thanks to: Exterior
10 Standard Exterior colors that may be chosen at no additional cost
20 Special Exterior colors (Note: These require additional lead-time for the order/production cycle)
3 Wheel finishes*

1.⇒ 6 Brake Caliper colors*
Interior
3 Standard Interior colors in Leather or Alcantara
9 leather colors and 7 Alcantara colors*
An interior divided into multiple zones, each customizable by several colors, down to the stitching itself

*Please note: Some customization selections have additional costs. Please see Appendix for detailed information
Customer Notification

Customers will be notified within a March – June 2010 timeframe of their opportunity to order a Lexus LFA. Due to the limited production of the Lexus LFA of 500 cars globally, and customer response which has exceeded the number of available cars, it is possible that not all customers who expressed interest will have an opportunity to order a Lexus LFA.

Once customers are notified of their opportunity to order a car, they will have 10 business days to place a $10,000 deposit with, and submit a credit screening form to, their dealer. A customer must obtain credit approval in order to remain eligible to order an LFA. If the customer’s credit has not been approved, the customer will not have the opportunity to order an LFA.

Once credit is approved, the customer will deposit an additional $50,000 with their selected dealer at the time they place the order for their car. A second credit approval immediately prior to the scheduled delivery date must also be obtained in order for the customer to take delivery of the LFA.

If you have any questions about the notification and/or ordering process, please contact [REDACTED].
LFA Lease Program is through Lexus dealer and Lexus Financial Services

All LFAs will be available only through a 1Pay 24 month lease via your Lexus dealer and Lexus Financial Services (LFS). You will have the option to purchase the Lexus LFA at lease maturity.

1Pay Lease Program for 24 months The LFA 1Pay Lease program is structured for you to prepay all monthly payments in a single payment at lease signing. In general, this single total lease payment is less than the amount you would pay over the life of a conventional lease.

How will the 1PAY lease work?

¾ Special reduced lease rate will apply.
¾ 24 monthly payments are calculated and collected in one lump sum (1PAY) at lease
inception. ¾ Any deposits made on the LFA will be applied to the 1PAY amount due
What will payments look like on a 1PAY lease?
Example:
MSRP:
$375,000
Term:
24 months
Monthly Payment x 24 = 1Pay Amount:
$12,398.44 x 24 = $297,562.56
Residual Value:
$93,750

Notes:

Rates used to calculate payments are for example purposes only and are subject to change and will vary depending on final price of the vehicle and credit qualification.

Lease payments do not include acquisition fee, sales tax, license, or title & registration fees.

A $700 acquisition fee is due at lease signing. A security deposit is not required.

The lease example above assumes a mileage limit of 15,000 miles/year.

LFS Lease FAQs

What is the credit application process?
The credit application process is a two-step process:
Step 1 – Complete a credit application which will be reviewed by your Lexus dealer and LFS at the
time the first deposit of $10,000 is placed with the dealer.
Step 2 – Upon vehicle arrival at the dealership, a second review of your credit prior to delivery of
the LFA.

Is there an acquisition fee due?
Yes, the standard acquisition fee of $700 will be due at lease inception.

Are there any additional fees due at lease signing?
Yes, all sales and/or use tax, license, title and registration fees are collected at lease inception.

How about Insurance coverage?
Customer is responsible to provide insurance coverage information to the dealer at lease
inception and maintain coverage throughout the lease term.

Can customers purchase the vehicle?
Per the terms of the lease agreement, at the end of 24 months (lease maturity), the customers may
purchase their vehicle for the purchase option amount listed on the agreement.

What happens if the customer wants to turn in their vehicle prior to the lease maturity date?
Per the terms of the lease agreement, the vehicle cannot be returned prior to the lease maturity
date.

Is the lease transferable?
No, during the term of the lease, customers will not be able to transfer the lease or vehicle to third
parties. However, in the event of a deceased consumer lessee, the consumer’s estate will have the
option to transfer the lease to a qualified transferee.

Can I lease the vehicle in my business name?
Yes, you can elect to lease the vehicle in your business name.

If the customer does not purchase the vehicle at lease maturity, are they responsible for any
excess mileage, or wear & use charges?
Yes. Per the terms of the lease agreement, any mileage that exceeds the amount listed on the
lease agreement will be assessed a charge of 0.20 cents per mile for each mile that exceeds the
contract limit. In addition, the vehicle will be inspected for excessive wear & use and any resulting
charges are the customer’s responsibility.

APPENDIX

Customers can choose between 3 configurations: All at $375,000 Base MSRP INTERIOR COLORS APPENDIX cont’d
Configuration 1
Leather or Alcantara Seats & Trim in three standard co lors
Configuration 2
Configuration 1 plus Navigatio n & Mark Levinson
Configuration 3
Configuration 2 pl us Lexus Enform with Safety Connect, which p rovi des Destination Assist, eDestination, Automatic Col lision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance; Lexus Insid er; Voice Command ; X M Satell ite Radio, XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather, and XM Sp orts & Stocks (includes 2 years of Telematics subscription fees)

Exterior Colors

- 10 Basic Colors
No Cost
- 12 So lid Colors*
$3,000
- 7 Metallic Colors*
$3,0 00
- 1 Matte Color
$20 ,000
- Custo m Co lors
TBD
Wheels

- Painted
No Cost
- IS F Finish (Dark G raphite)
No Cost
- Polished
$2,500
Brake Caliper Colors

- Black, Red
No Cost
- Yello w, Blue, Silver, Gold
$1,000
Interior Colors

- Red, Black, Camel Yellow
No Cost
- Stitching (9 special colors)
$1,000
- Steering Grip (9 special colors)
$1,500
- Seat Front (9 special colors)
$2,50 0
- Seat Back ( 9 special colors)
$2,50 0
- I/P & Door (9 special colors)
$2,500
- Carpet (black, cream , red, camel yellow, blue)
No Cost
- Floor Mats (black, cream, red, camel yellow, blue)
No Cost
- Headliner (black, red, camel yell ow)
No Cost
- Metallic Ornamentatio n (satin silver or blackish brown)
No Cost
Seats & Trim

Alcantara Seats
No Cost
Alcantara Trim
No Cost
Headlamp Washer
$100
Winglets
$200

* Special Selection Colors will only b e available for LFA s produced from December 2011.

[Source:Autoblog]

Lotus is officially returning to the IndyCar series in 2010 in partnership with engine builder Cosworth and KV Racing. Lotus, as you well know, has a long history with Indy-style open-wheel racing, dating back to the early 1960s. Its exploits include a victory by Jim Clark in 1965 and the all-wheel-drive, turbine-powered cars that arrived a few years later.

A few weeks ago, Lotus announced a revival of its cooperation with Cosworth for both road and race cars. The new collaboration with KV is described as being both technical and commercial. It’s not clear at this point what Cosworth will contribute from a technical perspective, since all the current IndyCars run Honda V8s. Perhaps KV will provide a platform upon which Cosworth can test and develop a new engine for the next-generation IndyCar regulations that are in the works.

The green and yellow Lotus/Cosworth-badged car will debut in two weeks at the St. Petersburg, Florida race with ex-Honda F1 pilot Takuma Sato at the controls.

Back in Indy!

Lotus and Cosworth have entered into a new technical and commercial partnership with established IndyCar competitors KV Racing Technology to run in the 2010 IndyCar Series.

The Lotus-Cosworth IndyCar will use the classic Racing Green and Yellow livery used on Lotus Racing cars in the 1950s and 1960s and this new livery will debut at the first USA round of the IndyCar Series.

Driving the Lotus-Cosworth IndyCar will be the former F1 driver Takuma Sato.

Lotus competed for a number of years in the IndyCar Series in the 1960s, winning the Indianapolis 500 race outright in 1965 with the pioneering Lotus Type 38, driven by Jim Clark, and narrowly missing victory to come second in 1963.

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus plc said, “Racing has always defined Lotus and on many occasions in motorsports history Lotus’ numerous innovations have re-defined racing. It’s only fitting that as the Lotus Racing name re-enters Formula 1, we will also race and innovate again in IndyCar. The Lotus name will, once again compete in the top two open-wheel racing series for the passion and enthusiasm of car fans around the globe.”

Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser, owners of KV Racing Technology said, “We are delighted to be part of Lotus and Cosworth’s return to the IndyCar Series, and with Takuma at the wheel of the classic racing green and yellow Lotus Cosworth race car, we expect to be formidable competitors this year.”

Takuma Sato said, “This is fantastic news for everyone. It is exiting for me to be a Lotus driver and I’m really looking forward to great success with this new project.”

The return to the IndyCar Series follows on from the recent announcement by Lotus and Cosworth are to become closely associated through a strategic partnership looking at the opportunity to develop high performance engines for Lotus cars.

The 2010 IndyCar Series starts with the Sao Paolo Indy 300, Brazil on the 14th of March 2010.

ENDS

About Lotus

The main operating subsidiary of Group Lotus plc is Lotus Cars Ltd, which has two operating divisions - Lotus Engineering and Lotus Cars. Lotus Engineering is an internationally recognized automotive engineering consultancy based in Norfolk, UK. Global facilities include those in Michigan (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), China and offices in Germany and Japan, with rapid expansion in new territories such as South East Asia.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, offering a full engineering service from initial concept and project design through development and integration of the complete vehicle to meet all worldwide markets and customers to full production. This includes third party ‘niche vehicle’ engineering and manufacture worldwide.

Lotus Cars builds world class, prestige, high performance sports cars for sale in 37 countries. These include the iconic Lotus Elise, the Exige, the 2-Eleven and Lotus’ latest model, the Lotus Evora. Lotus is a global high-tech company, expanding rapidly and committed to driving forward technology for both Lotus Cars and its Engineering clients, spearheading research into such areas as hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels.

About Cosworth

The Cosworth Group provides high performance technologies to a diverse range of global industries including automotive, defence, clean energy generation and sports.

The Cosworth Group is headquartered in Northampton, UK and operates additional facilities in the UK, North America and India to leverage its unique combination of advanced technologies, mechanical and electronic engineering expertise and globally recognized brand to deliver performance solutions.

Cosworth has been at the forefront of international motorsport for over 50 years and is a brand synonymous with success. Cosworth high performance race technologies have delivered championships in every major series across the globe including Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, World Rallying, World Touring Cars and MotoGP.

About KV Racing Technologies

KV Racing Technology was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team will contest its eighth open-wheel season and third in the IndyCar Series in 2010. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Indy Car Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team’s General Manager. KVRT has earned two victories, the first by Cristiano da Matta in Portland in 2005 and the second by Will Power in Long Beach in 2008. They have captured two poles, Tristan Gommendy at Mont Tremblant in 2007 and Vasser at Milwaukee in 2005 (Will Power captured the pole at the 2008 Surfers Paradise, Australia exhibition race).

About Takuma Sato

Sato, commonly known as “Taku”, a 33-year-old native of Tokyo, Japan, is a veteran of seven Formula 1 seasons and will be contesting his first IndyCar season. In 1996, he started karting and in 1997 won the Kanto region championship. In 1999, his first full year of car racing, Taku competed in Formula Opel Europe and British Formula 3 National Class B for Diamond Racing. He finished sixth in Formula Opel Europe scoring one victory. Taku joined Carlin Motorsport for the 2000 season to compete in British Formula 3 (Class A). He contested 12 races earning four wins, six poles, six podiums and placing third in championship. His 16 wins in the British Formula 3 Championship over two seasons is still a record. Having proven his talent in Formula 3 and impressed with his testing for BAR, Taku was signed by Jordan-Honda in October 2001 to contest the 2002 Formula 1 season. Taku had his best F1 season in 2004 driving full time for BAR-Honda where he placed eighth in the championship with 34 points. In 2006, Taku joined the new Super Aguri-Honda team established by Japanese racing legend Aguri Suzuki - the only Japanese driver prior to Sato to finish on the podium in a F1 race. Taku competed again for Super Aguri-Honda in 2007 earning two top-10 finishes.

[Source:Autoblog]

First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but “Good” all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their “Good” score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good” in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.

[Source:Autoblog]

Earlier this week, we got a sneak peek at the new Lexus CT 200h from a brochure that somehow leaked out onto the Interwebs. Now, Lexus has seen fit to pull the curtain back all the way on its new premium hybrid hatchback ahead of its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week. A worldwide launch is promised later this year, but we can’t confirm whether that includes the United States.

From what we can tell, the car retains some of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy as seen on the LF-Ch concept that debuted in Frankfurt last year, except in a somewhat more production-ready (read: toned-down) state. Inside, Lexus employs an asymmetrical dash design that’s split into what Lexus refers to as an upper Display Zone that includes an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen and a lower Operation Zone, which includes the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller.

As expected, the baby Lexus is equipped with a 1.8-liter VVT-i gasoline-fed engine that’s mated up with an electric motor using Toyota’s proprietary Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and a continuously variable transmission. Sadly, we have no official power figure, but we imagine it should be somewhat close to the 134 combined ponies of the latest Toyota Prius.

According to Lexus, its hybrid hatchback can run in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28 miles per hour. In addition to pure EV mode, the driver can also select from Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Setting the CT 200h apart from other Toyota offerings is its dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. Want more? Find all the details in the official press release after the break, and be sure to check out our high-res image gallery below.

INTRODUCING THE LEXUS CT 200h

KEY POINTS

* Lexus’s first premium compact model
* Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor
* Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running
* Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes
* ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission
* Expected to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions
* Significantly lower NOx emissions than equivalent diesel engines and almost no particulates
* Long, 2,600mm wheelbase ensures excellent accommodation for everyone on board
* Debut at Geneva motor show prior to worldwide sales launch in late 2010

The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The CT 200h was designed and developed with the European market in mind. Lexus’s first five-door compact car, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and low emissions fully address the requirements of discerning, environment-conscious customers in a key market sector. At the same time, it does not compromise the quality, refinement and driving pleasure that are the hallmarks of every Lexus.

Exterior and interior design

The production-ready CT 200h retains strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Its styling marks a powerful evolution of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy with a distinctive, sharp-edged look that sets it apart from its premium compact rivals.

The exterior is styled for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise. The strong front grille, directly referencing the LF-Ch concept sits over a full-width bumper and air dam. The headlamp units, positioned higher than the grille (a signature feature of L-finesse design), incorporate LED daytime running lights.

In profile, the steeply raked windscreen, long, flowing roofline and Lexus slingshot window graphic combine to create an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight and the wings are styled to improve airflow down the sides of the vehicle.

At the rear, the trailing edge of the roof overhangs a wide, wraparound rear window to create a seamless, integrated spoiler. A pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the shoulders of the rear wheelarches and is anchored by a tail lamp design that displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model.

The interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces.

Lexus has retained the asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car. Based on the Future Lexus Interior concept, the dashboard is split into an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen; and a lower Operation Zone, with the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus’s Remote Touch multi-function controller.

In keeping with the car’s performance, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver’s seat. The instrument binnacle houses large, twin dials; in SPORT mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. The two-mode switch ring and a spotlight in the centre cluster also light up in red, changing the whole atmosphere of the cabin.

In spite of its compact, efficient design, the CT 200h offers a roomy interior. The 2,600mm wheelbase allows for front and rear passenger accommodation that is among the most spacious in the segment. Luggage capacity is 345 litres, increasing to 700 litres with the rear seats lowered.

Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.

Unlike mild hybrid systems used by other manufacturers, the CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph.

Chassis and suspension

The CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

Several elements in the MacPherson strut design have been exclusively developed for the mode, including the coil springs and shock absorbers, and a new front anti-roll bar has been designed to deliver improved roll rigidity.

The double wishbone rear suspension is exclusive to the CT 200h and incorporates a lightweight trailing arm. The springs and shocks are positioned separately to minimise intrusion into the loadspace floor.

[Source:Autoblog]

When will the stateside ignominy end when it comes to the Lexus LFA? Japanese buyers have already spoken for that country’s entire allotment. Even though Continental European buyers must travel to England to procure the car, the details are all in place. Notice that in the previous two sentences we used the word “buyers.” Cutthroat American capitalists will only be able to lease the creased-like-origami coupe, and they’ll need to be hand-picked by Lexus for the honor.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “People selected to purchase the car will be based on factors such as the other cars they own, where they live, and how often and where they drive.” This is Lexus’ halo car, and they want that halo to shine so bright you’re blinded by the light. Said the manager of Lexus college, “We want it to be seen on the right roads, in front of the right restaurants and not just being enjoyed by one individual in their private garage.”

When Ferrari launched the Enzo, it chose who could buy the car. But that was Ferrari, and these were buyers, and they knew that if they wanted a crack at the Enzo’s successor they’d better not throw their Enzo on eBay Motors that night. On the one hand we feel the aforementioned ignominy at the way Americans are being treated in the LF-A procurement process, but that’s outdone by our interest in and respect for the experiment: Lexus says this car is a special instrument created for driving and are looking for those who will treat it as such. We can’t wait to see how it turns out.

[Source:Autoblog]