Australia

Lexus Australia has confirmed that the CT 200h sportback will become the fourth hybrid model in its lineup, starting in mid 2011. It will be the country’s only full hybrid hatchback, and join the LS 600h L, GS 450h, and RX 450h in Lexus Australia’s petrol-electric hybrid range.

Lexus Australia head Tony Cramb was quoted stating that the CT 200h’s arrival represents the notion that “the traditional definition of luxury vehicles is changing,” and notes that the “CT 200h will be Lexus’ most significant vehicle since the introduction of the IS Line, bringing with it a whole new range of customers to the brand.” Cramb further adds that the new model “reinforces Lexus’ commitment to hybrid vehicles and cements our real-world hybrid advantage in the luxury market.”

[Source: Caradvice.com.au]

Lexus Australia has announced that the IS 350 sport sedan will be joining its lineup in the fourth quarter of 2010.  With its debut Down Under, the IS 350 gains a fourth national market after Canada, Japan, and the U.S., and also addresses the power differential between Lexus Australia’s other IS offerings, the IS 250 and IS-F.

Lexus Australia head Tony Cramb says that the IS 350’s Australian debut is the result of an intense negotiation process with Lexus headquarters in Japan.  At present only the IS 350 sedan variant is confirmed; Lexus Australia also sells the convertible IS 250 C, but not the more powerful IS 350 C.

[Source: Motor Report]

The 2010 Lexus LX 570 is getting the sports treatment down under, as Lexus Australia is releasing the supersize SUV with a muscular body kit as part of new Sports Luxury package:

There’s something ill-fitting about that front bumper and the way it overlaps, but I do like the reverse trapezoid air intake mirroring the grille. The rear bumper looks quite fussy in the creases, but with only one photo to go on, it’s tough to judge.

Some more photos:

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The LX 570 Sports Luxury will retail for $165,400 AUD and will likely be limited to Australia—you can find out more information on the Lexus Australia website.

[Via: The Motor Report]

Lexus Australia has just released what has to be considered the best LS 460 Sport photos since the vehicle’s introduction, including a good look at the new daytime running light design:

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My initial disappointment with the Sport grille design has subsided to a point where I may be going the other way. I would have preferred some chrome highlights, but it adds to athletic look of the wheels and aero-parts. Looking forward to seeing it in person.

[Via: The Motor Report]

This Lexus IS convertible commercial from Australia is pure fantastic:

Each transition is breathtaking, and the IS-F roof popping off to make the IS-C is sensational. Loved it.

(Thanks Charles!)

Just like the last generation, Lexus Australia is offering some unique accessories for the 2010 RX, including a bunch of roof racks, a nudge bar, side steps, mud flaps and some wild 19” wheels. Here are some closeups:

Really, it’s almost comical to see an RX done up in this fashion, but some of these features can be a necessary evil, especially in the colder climates.

No pricing on the Lexus Australia website, but there’s plenty of photos to look at in their RX section.

[Via:  Drive] (Thanks Sten!)