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Autocar is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will be offered as a wagon—and will be hybrid-only:

...while the original model did offer an estate variant, called SportCross, the current car - introduced in 2005 - has never been available in a wagon.

Lexus insiders now admit that this policy has hurt sales of the car in Europe, where it must face the 3-series Touring and A4 Avant.

The next IS is also likely to only be available as a hybrid, fitting in with the firm’s current push towards this technology.

With its position well established in the US, Lexus is focusing more and more on the European market. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a wagon version of the GS some time in the future, as well.

As for the IS going hybrid-only, that’s likely just a marketing decision in Europe similar to only offering the RX 450h in the UK. I wouldn’t expect this to happen in the North American market.

Other tidbit in the article—the next-generation IS should appear in 2011. Not a big surprise, but nice to hear regardless.

[Source: Autocar]

The first Lexus CT 200h video has been released:

There may not be any footage of the car in motion, but the video does illustrate the interior blue-to-red color change when activating sport mode as well as showing some closer detail shots of the stitching and art piece shift stalk.

I’m really falling for this car, though I’m reserving my full adoration until some driving impressions are published.

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.

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Two days after the Lexus CT 200h was leaked by way of a press brochure, official images of the new hatchback have been released:

I’m very impressed with how the designers were able to incorporate the LF-Ch’s grille into the final design, in fact, I like the entire front-end. The LED headlights are a highlight, especially now that we can see the LS-style LED running lights.

The CT 200h does have a rather ordinary side profile, but the the overall shape is well-proportioned. I’m not sure what’s going on with the sheetmetal shark-fin on the rear passenger doors, though it wouldn’t be so pronounced with a darker exterior color. The wheels are an inch too small, but I have to say I’m all over that alternating speed blur spoke pattern.

Glad to see it’s the rear wiper is hidden like the RX. In fact, there’s a lot of the RX in the rear design, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing. Nothing wrong with some design consistency. And how about those integrated exhaust pipes?

But more than anything, the interior is something special—clearly inspired by BMW, but with a friendlier, softer edge. The LFA-style steering wheel is a beauty, especially with the contrast stitching and the shift stalk looks like a piece of art.

I like how the driving mode change dial is front & center, allowing easy access to both the ECO & Sport mode. It also lights up red when Sport mode is select, as does the instrument panel and the center console spotlight. A clever sporty touch.

I need to look at these photos in detail for a while—more later.

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus GS-F is on deck for 2013 and will be powered by the LFA’s V10:

Lexus engineers are working on reducing the engine’s capacity by around 200cc to 4.6 litres and power to 450bhp. The idea is to improve low-range torque, although even with the reduced power output the GS-F will become the most powerful road-going Japanese saloon ever built.

The GS-F will be fitted with Toyota’s first torque vectoring differential. Similar to the diff used on BMW’s M cars and the likes of the X6 SUV, the ‘torque split unit’ actively apportions drive between the rear wheels to aid handling. A similar system is also expected to be fitted to the new SC.

The GS F has been long rumored, and at the Detroit Auto Show, even Lexus representatives were whispering about the possibility. The timeframe seems reasonable, and it wouldn’t surprise me to hear that Toyota was working on torque vectoring technology.

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Also mentioned in the article is the next-generation SC:

The new SC will be unveiled in mid-2014, although the current car is due to finish production this July, leaving a four-year gap between the two cars. However, the next model will be a hybrid, powered by a 5.0-litre V8 and an electric motor driving the rear wheels only.

Can’t see the SC going on a four-year hiatus, even if it’s dependant on GS-F technology. That would be a long time for Lexus to go without a true sports coupe.

[Source: Autocar]

We saw the video portion of Chris Harris’ Lexus LFA review for EVO Magazine, and now we have the written instalment as shared by Edmunds:

The only engine as free-revving and responsive as this that we’ve ever experienced has been the Porsche Carrera GT’s 612-hp 5.7-liter V10. The resemblance is uncanny, from the heavy, lash-free action of the throttle pedal to the rabid way the engine accumulates revs.

The LFA’s ride is busy but not jarring, and the refinement is pretty good given that the subframes that locate the suspension are hung from a stiff carbon-fiber tub that is bound to transmit vibration…overall the 2011 Lexus LFA feels about as relaxed on the pavement as a Ferrari 599 GTB, which makes it entirely happy as we trundle away.

Flawlessly made carbon-fiber trim pushes up against exotic metals, while the hand-stitched leather is supple and expensive. As a place to enjoy, be comfortable and operate a machine, this might be our favorite supercar cabin of them all. Never thought we’d hear ourselves say that.

This is the very first review of the LFA that takes place entirely on public roads rather than a race track, and as a result, there’s a much clearer sense that the Lexus supercar is equal parts performance & luxury.

For only having four hours of seat-time, Chris Harris turns in a review filled with plenty of insight. Recommended reading.

[Source: Edmunds]