Motor Trend Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

As unusual as it seems, this recent Motor Trend review on the 2011 Lexus CT 200h comes to the defence of the hybrid hatchback's powertrain, and that "the Lexus combines reasonably sporty responsiveness with unsurpassed fuel economy."
Kevin · June 28th, 2011

CNET Reviews the Lexus CT 200h’s Tech

Brian Cooley from CNET has put together a thorough overview of the tech found in the Lexus CT 200h, even detailing the all the different interior controls and their functions.
Kevin · June 22nd, 2011

Comparison: Lexus CT 200h vs. Nissan Leaf vs. VW Golf GTD

This Auto Express video showdown between the Lexus CT 200h, Nissan Leaf & VW Golf GTD had all the potential for a very interesting comparison, but ultimately fizzles with its focus on superficial testing criteria rather than examining the differences between the three models.
Kevin · June 15th, 2011

Two Short Lexus CT 200h Commercials from Japan

Here's two 15 second CT 200h commercials from Lexus Japan -- these spots do a great job of cutting to the quick by highlighting the CT's handling capabilities, easily one of the hatchback's strongest selling points. Short and sweet.
Kevin · June 13th, 2011

Lexus LFA Places 5th Overall in VLN5 Nürburgring Race

It was quite an eventful weekend for racing -- not only did both the Le Mans 24h Race and the Canadian Grand Prix turn in spectacular results, but the #111 Lexus LFA (and drivers Iida Akira, Oshima Kazuya & Ishiura Hiroaki) won the SP8 class on their way to placing 5th overall in the latest edition of the VLN Nürburgring series. This is the best overall result for the Gazoo team since they started racing LFAs in 2008.
Kevin · June 13th, 2011

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

The Car & Driver review of the Lexus CT 200h has been posted to their website, and for the most part, it's an unflattering look at the new hybrid hatchback.
Kevin · June 1st, 2011

Lexus CT Challenge Contest at Northwest Lexus

Longtime TLE reader Jarrett Henshaw just sent me an email about a fun contest that's happening at Northwest Lexus in Brampton, Ontario -- if you can correctly guess how many kilometres their CT 200h can travel on one tank of gas, you can win your own weekend with the hybrid hatchback. Very cool idea. (The contest is only open to people in the Toronto Area.)
Kevin · May 24th, 2011

Fifth Gear Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

UK TV show Fifth Gear included a short review of the Lexus CT 200h in their latest episode -- too bad the review is dominated by a thoroughly cranky Tiff Needel.
Kevin · May 23rd, 2011

Car Advice Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Car Advice is the second Australian website to turn in a review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, and it’s a much more in-depth article than the first. The review points to the exterior design, big trunk space and fuel economy as the top positives, though they were decidedly less enthused about the navigation display …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2011

Lexus IS Sportcross & Lexus CT 200h Together

Here’s the unique sight of a Lexus CT 200h together with a first-generation IS Sportcross, as taken by automotive author Basem Wasef: Even though the IS Sportcross was released before Lexus’ L-Finesse design language, you can still see a ton of similarities between the models, particularly in the rear. Great photo! [Source: Basem Wasef]
Kevin · May 10th, 2011

A Look at the Technology Used to Create Lexus CT 3D Display in Hollywood

Two weeks back, Lexus created a stunning CT 200h promotion using 3D projection technology and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as the backdrop, and now thanks to Media Life magazine, we can find out exactly how difficult this event was to pull off: It took several months to get the stunt ready. Pearl [Media, the company …

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Kevin · May 9th, 2011

The Motor Report Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Australian website The Motor Report has published what I believe is the first english-language review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport package. Outside of some exterior design tweaks, the CT F-Sport is equipped with a firmer suspension — too bad the review glosses over this fact, only mentioning that might be too stiff for Australian …

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Kevin · May 4th, 2011

Brian Fox Talks about His Supercharged Lexus CT

Here’s a short Lexus Magazine video featuring Brian Fox (of Fox Marketing) talking about his custom Lexus CT 200h on display at the NY Auto Show: I was there when this video was put together, and at one point, the super-tall Mr. Fox was sitting in the CT with his head sticking out the sunroof …

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Kevin · May 2nd, 2011

Lexus Future Plans to Include CT 300h & Smaller SUV?

Lexus Australia’s Chief Executive, Tony Cramb, has let loose with plenty of inside insight of what’s coming next for Lexus — starting with a possible CT engine variant: Lexus is already talking of a higher-performance version of its hybrid-only CT200h, which went on sale this week. Likely to be called the CT300h, the petrol-electric hatch …

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Kevin · April 29th, 2011

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Autoblog has published a review of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h that’s a well-balanced read for anyone newly interested in purchasing the latest Lexus hybrid. As usual, a thorough photo gallery is also included that shows off the CT the best possible light (loving the Matador Red Mica). Read the Full Review
Kevin · April 28th, 2011

Lexus CT 3D Projection Video (Plus a Chance to Win a CT 200h!)

Last Friday, Lexus staged a 3D projection display on the side of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel — here’s how it looked (in full HD): Jimmy Kimmel Live! was also on location, and the 3D CT made an appearance on the show. Update: The JKL video has been removed. These 3D projections are so amazing, and …

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Kevin · April 26th, 2011

Lexus CT 3D Projection in Hollywood Tonight

As a way to celebrate Earth Day & promote the CT 200h at the same time, Lexus will be holding a special 3D projection mapping display tonight (Friday April 22) at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. 3D projection mapping is created using multiple projectors that are able to display a three-dimensional video without needing special …

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Kevin · April 22nd, 2011

NY Autoshow: Supercharged Lexus CT by Fox Marketing

From the candy-apple-gold-green color and the wild fender flares right down to the personality behind the build, the supercharged Lexus CT 200h by Fox Marketing featured at the New York Auto Show was packed with character — check out these photos: Brian Fox, the man behind Fox Marketing, is a straight-up wildman, and you can …

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Kevin · April 21st, 2011

Lexus CT Race Challenge Videos

A couple weeks ago during the Australian Grand Prix festivities, there was a celebrity race using only Lexus CT 200hs — and now today we can watch the two fifteen minute races in full: Even with everyone driving the exact same car, I found the whole thing surprisingly entertaining — though I have to admit, …

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Kevin · April 17th, 2011

Lexus CT Remix Music Project (Plus USB Stick Giveaway!)

I thought this was pretty cool — Lexus has announced the CT Remix Project, which takes the songs from the four CT 200h launch commercials (link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4) and has them remixed by top DJs and producers. Here’s the artists involved (taken from the press release): At the foundation of …

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Kevin · April 13th, 2011

TOM’s Planning Lexus CT 200h Body Kit & Exhaust System?

According to the CT 200h Club of Malaysia, long-time Japanese Lexus tuner TOM’s is looking into creating a CT 200h body kit — here’s some mockups: The kit follows the pattern set by the Modellista body kit with a fairly plain front and a rear diffuser, though the TOM’s rendition is more angular. TOM’s does …

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Kevin · April 6th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Commercial from Australia

Continuing with their massive CT 200h marketing push, Lexus Australia has released a new daredevil commercial: One thing that really stood out about this commercial was something in the dialogue — “the two-mode, two-mood hybrid”. It’s certainly not the first time we’ve seen the CT being marketed as having a split personality with its Eco …

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Kevin · April 4th, 2011

Preview of Supercharged Lexus CT 200h by Fox Marketing

The New York Auto Show is only three weeks away, and Fox Marketing is starting to tease their supercharged CT 200h that will be part of the Lexus display — here’s a couple videos of the work-in-progress CTh: It looks like there’s something special planned for the interior as well: Best of all, there’s some …

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Kevin · March 28th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Desktop Wallpaper

Speaking of the CT 200h & Australia, here’s a great photo of the CT F-Sport from Lexus Australia that I had to convert into a desktop wallpaper: Select Resolution: 2560×1600 | 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 I’m such a huge fan of the F-Sport edition, and it’s a great …

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Kevin · March 28th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h @ Australian Grand Prix

The Lexus CT 200h Celebrity F1 challenge took place last night in Melbourne, Australia, and when the dust settled, the podium saw Australian celebrities Sav Rocca, Corbin Harris & Luke Ricketson finishing first, second & third respectively. Lexus was also big on advertising during the actual Australian Grand Prix — I took some photos on …

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Kevin · March 27th, 2011

Lexus & Microsoft Present Fresh Perspectives

Lexus has teamed up with Microsoft for an interesting project called Fresh Perspectives, which takes six extremely talented artists, presents them with their choice of three concepts, and gives them 24 hours to create an all-new original work. Meant to promote the CT 200h, the series is set to start April 18th — check out …

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Kevin · March 25th, 2011

Preview of the Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge in Australia

This weekend is the Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge in Australia, and the Sydney Morning Herald has put together a pretty funny sneak peek of what to expect from the celebrity race. (If one of the drivers gets his way, it will be a real-world version of bumper cars.) Watch the video @ SMH
Kevin · March 24th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Pre-Orders Double Sales in Netherlands

It’s entirely possible I’m reading this translated article wrong, but according to Dutch newspaper De Telgraaf, Lexus Netherlands received 1,000 pre-orders for the CT 200h — a remarkable number considering that last year, only 700 Lexus were sold in the country! The newspaper attributes the brisk sales to the hatchback’s exemption from road tax, but …

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Kevin · March 22nd, 2011

New Lexus CT 200h Owner Shares First Impressions

The Kicking Tires blog has an extremely positive reader-submitted review of the Lexus CT 200h that takes exception to the Prius comparisons: “…some people say the CT 200h is an overpriced Prius. I beg to differ. Go drive a Prius, a Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid like I did and you’ll never want …

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Kevin · March 21st, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Lightshows from France & Singapore

Similar to the introduction of the CT 200h in Dubai, Lexus France also did an exceptional 3D display projection on the side of the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye: How brilliant that Lexus has managed to “sync” its regional launch events with a global theme. Here’s two more videos of a lightshow from Lexus Singapore — first …

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Kevin · March 20th, 2011

Lexus Canada CT 200h Commercial

Lexus Canada has revealed their CT 200h launch commercial, and it’s a racy affair: Just in case you miss it — it’s a different girl at the end (you can tell from the necklace). Scandalous! Update: There’s also a shorter 15 second spot: I’m willing to bet that the CT 200h becomes Canada’s best selling …

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Kevin · March 7th, 2011

Brilliant Lexus CT 200h Launch Event in Dubai

Not to be too sensational, but this video from the Lexus CT 200h launch event in Dubai is easily one of the best car introductions I’ve ever seen: Admittedly, it’s a little too long, but I can see why the designers would want to stretch it out — the colors, the soundtrack, the animations are …

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Kevin · March 6th, 2011

Lexus Taiwan CT 200h Commercial

Lexus Taiwan’s CT 200h launch commercial is in the same vein as the USA’s Escher-inspired effort: One thing I’ve noticed about all the commercials so far is how energetic they are — there’s a very consistent feel throughout all the different global markets.
Kevin · March 2nd, 2011

Lexus Launches CT 200h Website

The Lexus CT 200h now has its very own section on the Lexus USA website, and it contains full specifications, available options, product details, and most importantly, new and highly stylized photos — here’s a sampling: Along with the more standard information pages, there’s also an additional mini-site that gives a full point-by-point 360° view …

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Kevin · March 2nd, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Hybrid Commercial, Part 2

Yesterday, we saw the first three US commercials for the Lexus CT 200h, and now here’s the forth: This one is surely the most memorable of them all, especially with its similarity to Inception. Interesting to see the Fire Agate Pearl exterior paint featured so prominently, but it’s not surprising given its uniqueness. (It sure …

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Kevin · March 1st, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Commercials

Let’s start Lexus CT 200h launch week with brand new commercials from Lexus USA: There’s still one commercial to be released, but these commercials are a great start — really looking forward to seeing how the CT 200h does in the USA. Update: These videos have been taken down temporarily by Lexus. Update 2: The …

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Kevin · February 28th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Commercial: Drum Roll

Lexus Europe has just released their launch commercial for the CT 200h, and it has a real beat to it: The variety of drums used is amazing, and this behind-the-scenes video shows the effort that went into arranging such a large cast: There’s also a series of interviews with some of the drummers over at …

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Kevin · February 22nd, 2011

Zany Lexus CT 200h Commercials from Italy

Here’s a series of commercials from Lexus Italy that feature Doctor Tokokira, a scientist that has just created a shrinking ray, The Minimizer. Along with his lovely yet awkward assistant, Tokokira tries various applications of his new invention — believe me, it’s worth watching even if you don’t speak Italian (or Japanese): I won’t spoil …

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Kevin · February 21st, 2011

Interview with Troy Sumitomo from Five Axis

Lexus Magazine has published an interview I did with Five Axis president Troy Sumitomo about the Project CT, the Lexus show car that debuted at last week’s Chicago Auto Show — here’s a clip: KEVIN WATTS: I know that with the Project IS F, you were inspired by fighter jets—what did you use for inspiration …

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Kevin · February 18th, 2011

Lexus Australian Celebrity Challenge Auction

Scheduled as part of next month’s F1 Australian Grand Prix, Lexus Australia’s CT 200h Celebrity Challenge has a spot open for one lucky auction winner. Currently sitting at $16,000 AUD with 24 hours left to go, this eBay auction includes: the right to participate in the Lexus Celebrity Challenge at the 2011 FORMULA 1 QANTAS …

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Kevin · February 15th, 2011

Behind-the-Scenes with the Lexus Project CT

Here’s a great video that shows just how Five Axis built the Lexus Project CT: That paint is amazing, the color shift is out of this world. Five Axis really put together something special.
Kevin · February 14th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Challenge in Los Angeles

Lexus has teamed up with Los Angeles Clippers star point guard Baron Davis and his Rising Stars of America charity for a celebrity CT 200h Challenge in Los Angles next week. For every celebrity that Baron Davis can get to attend, Lexus will donate $1000 to RSOA — here he is to explain: The event …

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Kevin · February 11th, 2011

Live Photos of the Lexus Project CT by Five Axis

Today was the first press day at the Chicago Auto Show, which means our first live look at the Lexus Project CT by Five Axis — here are some photos from Autoblog: I’m not sure that the photos really do the car any justice, but when you compare it with the previous Project GS & …

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Kevin · February 9th, 2011

Lexus & Five Axis Team Up for Project CT Show Car

Just in time for the Chicago Auto Show, Lexus has once again teamed up with Five Axis to produce a concept car — this time based on the CT 200h. Here’s a teaser sketch released today (which I’ve made to fit wallpaper size): Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | …

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Kevin · February 1st, 2011

Lexus & Kylie Minogue Team Up for CT 200h Launch

Lexus UK announced a partnership today with pop star Kylie Minogue to promote the CT 200h: The new relationship will see Kylie – one of the world’s most iconic performers – supporting the introduction of the new Lexus CT 200h through the cross-media “Quiet Revolution” marketing campaign and publicity. In addition to appearing in the …

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Kevin · January 25th, 2011

Lexus Japan’s CT 200h Harmonious Driving Navigator

The Japanese Lexus CT 200h comes equipped with a very interesting new feature: the Harmonious Driving Navigator, a service that connects the car to the Internet and gives the ability to track fuel efficiency online and compete against other CT 200h drivers. I only have the translation of the Japanese webpage for information, but looks …

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Kevin · January 24th, 2011

Lexus Australia Sponsors World’s First Hybrid-Only Race

As part of their CT 200h launch, Lexus Australia will be sponsoring the Celebrity Challenge race during the 2011 F1 Australian Grand Prix: The Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge will feature 27 all-new Lexus CT 200h hybrids racing around Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit this March. Significantly, the Celebrity Challenge will be the first hybrid-only race …

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Kevin · January 18th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus Desktop Wallpapers

Lexus UK has published some high-resolution images featuring three of the cars shown at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon — here they are in all the usual desktop wallpaper sizes: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit Select Resolution: 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Lexus IS-F CCS-R Racing Concept Select …

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Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Tokyo Auto Salon: Lexus CT 200h F-Sport with Modellista Body Kit

Not only has the Tokyo Auto Salon brought us two Lexus IS-F concepts, here’s our first real-life look at the new Modellista body kit for the CT 200h — once again, here are some photos from AutoGuide’s Colum Wood: I’m all over that rear diffuser — it really bumps up the rear design. I’m also …

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Kevin · January 17th, 2011

Lexus CT Dark Ride Wins FWA People’s Choice Award

After a month-long voting process, the CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has won the FWA’s coveted 2010 People’s Choice Award — a huge accomplishment considering the competition. Congratulations to Lexus and the media companies involved in the project, who I’m sure are very thankful to everyone that took the time to vote! [Source: FWA]
Kevin · January 14th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Modellista Body Kit

More news about the Japanese launch of the Lexus CT 200h — Japanese buyers will have the option of purchasing a Modellista body kit right from their dealership — here’s some detail shots of the front lip, the side-skirts and the rear diffuser with a reconfigured exhaust: If I’m reading the price list (PDF link) …

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Kevin · January 13th, 2011

Lexus Japan CT 200h F-Sport Details

The Lexus CT 200h F-Sport also launched today in Japan, and like the regular CT, there’s been some new details revealed by way of the Lexus Japan website. Here’s a good look at some of the package upgrades: Lexus Japan will also be offering some unique interior options with the F-Sport package — really impressed …

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Kevin · January 13th, 2011

Lexus CT 200h Launches in Japan

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h went on sale in Japan today, and with it comes a fresh new website with plenty of new Japan-only details — but first, here’s some new photos: Here’s a chart with the full exterior color choices — note the F-Sport package in the middle: Here’s Japan’s range of interior options, …

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Kevin · January 12th, 2011