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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, …

Kevin · January 12th, 2011

VIP Lexus CT 200h

Club Lexus member SNiiP3R brought the Lexus CT 200h into Photoshop and created this fantastic VIP rendering of the hatchback using the RX body kit from WALD (click for a larger image): Just imagine what the CT is going to transform into once it starts hitting the streets — can’t wait to see the results. …

Kevin · January 3rd, 2011

Lexus Europe Christmas Card

If you happen to know anyone out there who would like a Lexus Christmas Card, Lexus Europe has just the thing with their customizable e-card — great visuals of the CT 200h, all new footage. The holidays sure came up fast this year! [Source: Lexus Europe]

Kevin · December 23rd, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride Up for Web Award

Good news for Lexus today — the Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive film has been nominated as a finalist for the 2010 FWA People’s Choice Award. Earlier this year, the choose-your-own-adventure-style video was one of our first glimpses at the CT, you can try it out for yourself over at the Dark Side of …

Kevin · December 16th, 2010

Lexus Canada CT 200h Pricing

Lexus Canada has announced CT 200h pricing today, with the new hybrid hatchback starting at $30,950 CAD. Standard features on the Canadian CT 200h will include the six-speaker audio system with MP3/WMA capability, Bluetooth for phone and music streaming capabilities, integrated XM satellite radio, USB/iPod connectivity, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and heated front seats — …

Kevin · December 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Configurator (Plus Full Accessory List)

Lexus has launched an online CT 200h configurator, making it possible to start putting together your ideal package for the upcoming hybrid hatchback, which is scheduled to be released March 1st, 2011. As mentioned yesterday, the CT 200h starts at $29,120 ($29,995 with delivery charges), but through adding options like the $3,545 Navigation/Premium Audio package …

Kevin · December 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Spending Christmas at Harrods of London

A white Lexus CT 200h will be spending the Holiday season in the window of Harrods of London, the UK’s most famous luxury store: From now until 15 January Knightsbridge shoppers will be among the first to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h as part of a four-window Lexus display. It is …

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Lexus USA CT 200h Pricing!

The U.S. pricing for the Lexus CT 200h has been announced by way of Nevada’s Lexus of Reno dealership, who have posted the full details to their blog one day before the official announcement. To start with, the MSRP of the Entry-Level CT will be $29,120 USD ($29,995 after delivery charges), and includes standard equipment …

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Calty Designers Talk about Lexus LF-Ch

Hard to believe I never featured this before, but here’s an fascinating six-minute presentation by two people responsible for designing the Lexus LF-Ch concept: Tom Matsumoto, the design team leader, and Edward Lee, the creative designer: This presentation took place during a Pecha Kucha Night, a unique one-evening conference that only allows presenters 20 slides …

Kevin · December 13th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Manufacturing Video

Here’s a new video that gives a glimpse into the CT 200h’s manufacturing process at the Kyushu plant in Japan: I’m a huge fan of manufacturing videos no matter what, but there’s also a strong message in this video — even though the CT 200h will be the entry-level Lexus, it still benefits from the …

Kevin · December 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Black

While on the topic of the Lexus CT 200h, here are a few photos of the black CT 200h taken at the September press launch in France (click for a larger version): The best part about the last picture is that the brick wall is actually the bottom of a castle.

Kevin · November 19th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Media Presentation

AutoNetwork has posted the full video of a recent Lexus presentation on the CT 200h, and it has plenty of information on how the new hybrid hatchback will be sold in the US. Be forewarned, this is the full hour long presentation, but Brian Bolain & Charles Hubbard keep it interesting: CT 200h Overview CT …

Kevin · November 18th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Darkcasting Episode 1

The first episode of the Lexus CT 200h Darkcasting talkshow hosted by Whitney Cummings is up, and it’s a tour around New York with DJ Harley Viera-Newton, author Baratunde Thurston, and chef Carlo Mirarchi: Besides repeated usage of the backup camera, the CT 200h plays a supporting role in the videos, and according to an …

Kevin · November 8th, 2010

Lexus SEMA Video Preview

SEMA starts in an hour, but before the doors open, here’s a great HD video preview of the Lexus SEMA cars: I’ll be at the show today with a plan to update throughout the day and take plenty of photos, so if you have any picture requests, please let me know!

Kevin · November 2nd, 2010

Lexus SEMA 2010 Show Cars in Detail

Here’s a full breakdown of the models along with their descriptions, all courtesy of Lexus: CT200h F SPORT CONCEPT Description How do you take a fun to drive sporty five-door premium compact hybrid that has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg to the next level? Build a CT200h F Sport Concept. Although …

Kevin · October 29th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Darkcasting Talk Show

The next chapter of the Lexus CT 200h’s marketing push is Darkcasting, a video talkshow that takes place inside the new hybrid hatchback — Lexus Magazine explains: Darkcasting, a new talk show that’s filmed, well, after the sun goes down, and that will soon run on the Lexus Darker Side of Green site. Lexus’ Darkcasting …

Kevin · October 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Video

By way of Car@Nifty, here we have the very first video of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport in (super slow) motion: Also posted was a video of the Japanese CT press presentation, which didn’t have much that we haven’t seen before, but did include this slide on the available CT wheels in Japan: Interesting to …

Kevin · October 22nd, 2010

Paddle Shifters Offered on Japanese Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Japanese car site Car@Nifty has posted up a Lexus CT 200h F-Sport photo gallery, and it looks like the JDM CT F-Sport will be equipped with paddle shifters: From my understanding, the paddle-shifters will only be offered in Japan, which would explain why there was no mention of the option when the CT F-Sport debuted …

Kevin · October 20th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Daybreak Yellow

Of all the Lexus CT 200h exterior color options, Daybreak Yellow was the last color I expected to like, but seeing it in person changed my mind, at least to a degree — depending on the sun or shade, it could shift from gold to garish in the blink of an eye, and it was …

Kevin · October 19th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Package

We knew it was coming — today, Lexus pulled the covers off and revealed the CT 200h F-Sport package at the the Australian International Motor Show — some photos first of all: As for specific changes, here’s a direct quote from the Lexus Australia press release: F Sport CT 200h receives a number of visual …

Kevin · October 14th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Jason Cammisa’s write-up of the Lexus CT 200h for Automobile Magazine may be my favorite review of the car yet — reasoned and impartial, it also includes a great description of the driving experience: So, why would you ever choose the CT over a Prius? For every other reason, starting with the way it drives. …

Kevin · October 14th, 2010

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Let’s continue on with Lexus CT 200h reviews, with the next instalment coming from Car & Driver, who were impressed by the exterior design and fuel economy, but not so much with the drive: In the real world, the CT200h offers three driving modes: Eco has a very lazy throttle map, Normal is slightly less …

Kevin · October 14th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Damon Lavrinc of Autoblog also attended the Lexus CT 200h press launch in France, and today he shares his thoughts on the new hatchback hybrid: …it’s obvious the CT’s suspension tuning has been canted towards the comfortable side of sporty. Not a bad thing when trying to eat up the miles. On the highway, it’s …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

EVO Magazine Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

The next CT 200h review comes from EVO Magazine, who didn’t come away all that impressed with the hybrid hatchback: [The CT 200h is] Rather dull, unfortunately. For all the claims of being ‘authentically Lexus’, this is certainly no mini-iSF. You sit low – the hip-point is lower than that of an Auris, a car …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

Edmunds Inside Line Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Edmunds Inside Line has published their first impressions of the Lexus CT 200h — here’s some key quotes: Apart from its lack of hurry, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h doesn’t feel much like a Prius. Indeed, its character reminds us more of an A3 or a Volkswagen GTI. Like the HS 250h, the CT has …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

Motor Trend Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Motor Trend has driven the Lexus CT 200h, and was plenty enthused by the experience: …this car can handle. Quite well, in fact, in spite of its fuel-economy-friendly tires. The chassis is difficult to upset and when it does lose composure, it defaults to gradual understeer, at which point the nannies step back in…The steering …

Kevin · October 13th, 2010

2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive

Over the past month, I’ve had two occasions to drive the Lexus CT 200h — first time up was at the NYC stop of the CT 200h World Tour, where I found the CT 200h to be a perfect fit on the busy New York streets, easily absorbing the rough edges of city driving without …

Kevin · October 12th, 2010

Lexus CT Body Styles & Engine Options

Autocar is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will not offered in a coupe or estate/wagon version: The new hybrid, being shown as a production car for the first time, will not be sold in sufficient numbers to justify a coupé or estate version, according to Toyota Europe boss Didier Leroy. However, the article does …

Kevin · October 6th, 2010

Paris Photos: Lexus CT 200h in Smoky Granite Mica

The lights surrounding the Smoky Granite Mica Lexus CT 200h on display at the Paris Motor Show made for some strong contrast: I also ventured out onto the rotating platform for some pics of the interior, which just so happened to be a wild red & black fabric almost impossible to photograph: Much to my …

Kevin · October 4th, 2010

Lexus Press Conference at 2010 Paris Motor Show

I have plenty of photos of the Lexus display at the Paris Motor Show, but first, let’s start off by taking a look at the opening press conference from Lexus Europe Vice President Andy Pfeiffenberger: Important points on the CT 200h: Lexus lineup will be fully hybrid in Europe by 2015. The CT 200h is …

Kevin · October 4th, 2010

New Lexus Europe CT 200h Video

Should you have any last doubts at the Lexus CT 200h’s target market, this new video from Lexus Europe should put them to rest: I’m guessing this video will be part of tomorrow’s launch of the CT production model at the Paris Motor Show, and is likely only the tip of the media iceberg. Much …

Kevin · September 29th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Accessories

Today was my first day at the Lexus CT 200h press launch event in Paris, France, and there’s been some pretty exciting new details announced for the hybrid hatchback. Let’s start with something big — Lexus USA will be offering a number of F-Sport accessories for the CT 200h. Here’s the only image released so …

Kevin · September 28th, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Motor Trend snuck into the Lexus CT 200h event in Los Angeles yesterday, and today have published their first thoughts on Lexus’ new hybrid hatchback: The best way to think of the CT 200h is as a better-looking Prius Sport, if such a model existed. It shares the Prius’ hybrid drivetrain, with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder …

Kevin · September 23rd, 2010

Los Angeles Lexus CT 200h Event

The Lexus CT 200h tour is making its final North American stop in California this week when it visits Los Angeles & Venice — here are the dates: Wednesday, September 22 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046 Hours: 12:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, September 23 Location: Slow Clothing 7474 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA …

Kevin · September 22nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Photos from the United Kingdom

Lexus UK has just released a superb set of CT 200h photos: Definitely a lot of character in these photos, this shot cracks me up: Hilarious. [Source: Lexus UK Flickr]

Kevin · September 21st, 2010

Miami Lexus CT 200h Event

After stops in Chicago & NYC, the Lexus CT 200h World Tour sets up shop in Miami this week, starting today — here are the full event details: Wednesday, September 15 Location: Bayside Market Place 410 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33132 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Thursday, September 16 Location: Mary Brickell Village 901 S. Miami Avenue Miami, …

Kevin · September 15th, 2010

Photos from the NYC Lexus CT 200h Event

While my driving impressions of the Lexus CT 200h will have to stay under wraps until my article is published by Lexus Magazine later this month, I do have some photos to share from the event in NYC this past weekend (click on any image for a larger version): Like anything in New York, space …

Kevin · September 14th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Horsepower & Fuel Economy

While I was travelling back to Canada after attending the Lexus CT 200h event in NYC, Lexus USA unleashed eight press releases and over 11,000 words on the new hybrid hatchback. Admittedly, it’s going to take some time to read through it all, but included in the all the information was some details on both …

Kevin · September 13th, 2010

NYC Lexus CT 200h Event Update

The Lexus CT 200h World Tour has stopped in New York City, and here’s a little promo for the event: Set up at High Line Park, today’s is the final day to test-drive the Lexus CT prototypes — here’s some initial impressions from a couple attendees: I drove the road course yesterday and it’s just …

Kevin · September 11th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in New York City

Two Lexus CT 200h prototypes are making their way around North America, and this weekend’s stop will be High Line Park in New York City. This event, which is one of just four tour stops in the US, is open to everyone, and provides an unique opportunity to drive Lexus’ newest hybrid months before its …

Kevin · September 8th, 2010

Photos from the Lexus CT 200h Toronto Event

Last weekend, Lexus Canada held a concert series in Toronto that also provided the first public look at the latest CT 200h prototypes, one a Euro-spec Matador Red Mica and the the other an Obsidian CT built for the US market. Living only a couple hours away from Toronto, I spent the weekend in the …

Kevin · September 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Chicago This Week

The Lexus CT 200h North American tour arrives in Chicago tomorrow for a four-day stay — here are the event details: Thursday, September 2 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm Friday, September 3 Location: Big Star 1531 N. Damen Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 Hours: 7:00pm-10:00pm Saturday, September 4 Location: …

Kevin · September 1st, 2010

Red Lexus CT 200h in Toronto

Yesterday was the public unveiling of the red & black Lexus CT 200hs, and I was on hand to take some photos — here’s a few of my early favorites: The Matador Red Mica is an absolutely brilliant color on this car — perfectly suited and great to look at. The black CT was also …

Kevin · August 28th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto This Weekend

Just a reminder that the black & red Lexus CT 200h’s will be debuting tonight in Toronto as part of a Lexus-sponsored concert weekend — here’s the flyer: The fun starts at 7pm, and I’ll be there early to take some CT photos — can’t wait to see it in Matador Red Mica. Photos to …

Kevin · August 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Pricing Update

Last week, I took a swing at guessing the Lexus CT 200h price in the USA based on some UK rumors, and today, I received a note from Lexus USA offering something a little more definitive: “In the United States, Lexus intends for the all-new CT 200h to become the gateway model for the brand, …

Kevin · August 24th, 2010

The Lexus CT 200h’s Seating Position

Lexus UK has issued an interesting press release outlining the steps taken to ensure the CT 200h has the “ideal” driving position for the sporty new hybrid. The key points: Lexus configures ideal driving position for new CT 200h full hybrid – the sportiest set-up of any regular Lexus production model Driver hip point brought …

Kevin · August 19th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Reviewed by What Car? Readers

Lexus recently teamed up with What Car? to provide the magazine’s readers an advanced look at the CT 200h — here’s what they had to say: Opinions seem to vary wildly, but the balance between like & dislikes seemed fairly even — one thing that stuck out to me was how comfortable the interior looks …

Kevin · August 18th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Event in Toronto

The Lexus CT 200h is coming to Toronto, Ontario at the end of this month, and Lexus Canada is throwing a big party to welcome the newest addition to the lineup. The first public reveal of the CT 200hs spotted in California will be marked with three days of free concerts in Toronto’s Distillery District …

Kevin · August 17th, 2010

Photos of the Lexus CT Umbra Art Sculpture

We’ve seen video of the Lexus CT Umbra art sculpture that accompanied the Darker Side of Green debates around the USA, but these photos from The Cool Hunter show the installation in a much more vivid light: The installation was created by Los Angeles-based design studio Nondesigns, who really managed to create something exceptionally beautiful …

Kevin · August 16th, 2010

Black Lexus CT 200h Photos!

Club Lexus’ Flipside909 was at Lexus HQ in Torrance, California and spotted two CT 200hs in the parking lot — one was Matador Red and gone like a flash, and the other was this one in Obsidian: This CT shows some new details like the (likely) standard projector front lights and exposed rear wiper — …

Kevin · August 10th, 2010

New Lexus CT 200h Video

Here’s a short but sweet video of the Lexus CT 200h out on the town: I wasn’t crazy about the wheels at first, but the wheel spin pattern is top-notch — exciting to think that pretty soon, a lucky few will be getting a chance to drive this very car in the USA! (Thanks Seal!)

Kevin · July 30th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Driving Tour Rescheduled

Due to some unexpected shipping changes, Lexus USA has rescheduled their previously announced CT 200h Driving Tour — here are the revised dates: Chicago Sept. 2, 3, 4 Location TBA New York Sept. 9, 10, 11 Location TBA Miami Sept. 15, 16, 17 Location TBA Los Angeles Sept. 22, 23 Slow Clothing, 7474 Melrose Ave., …

Kevin · July 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h U.S. Driving Events

Update: These tour dates have been moved, here are the new dates. Last week, Lexus announced that Los Angeles residents would get be getting a chance to drive the CT 200h prototype — and now it’s been confirmed that this event will be making its way to three other cities around the country. Here are …

Kevin · July 19th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Art Installation

Lexus has commissioned an CT 200h art installation to be displayed at this summer’s Darker Side of Green debates: Entitled CT Umbra, the installation shifts in color as the viewer circles it, from gold to tints of green and blue, which brings a nice touch of the LF-Ch concept. The art installation was created by …

Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Drive the Lexus CT 200h in Los Angeles!

Lexus is holding a three day CT 200h event in Los Angeles & Venice, California to showcase their newest hybrid and give attendees the chance to actually drive the prototype — here are the full event details: Be among the first in the world to experience the new CT 200h prototype at a location near …

Kevin · July 13th, 2010

Live Lexus CT 200h Video!

And now for our first video look at the Lexus CT 200h in Brown Spice Mica (just a warning, you may want to turn down the volume): The CT looks great on the road, even if the color isn’t my favorite — and just how good is this car going to look with bigger wheels, …

Kevin · July 8th, 2010

Lexus Darker Side of Green Debates

Lexus will be hosting more environmental debate/dance parties as part of the “Darker Side of Green” campaign for the CT 200h: Designed to inspire a new audience to consider luxury hybrid vehicles, the debates will be moderated by some of entertainment’s most intriguing personalities, including Andy Samberg, Jamie Kennedy, Tracey Morgan, and Mark McGrath. They …

Kevin · July 7th, 2010

Autoblog Rides in the Lexus CT 200h Too

Autoblog was also in attendance at last week’s small media preview of the Lexus CT 200h, and had this to say about their time in the passenger seat: Riding along suburban roads near the TME facility, the CT 200h – even in prototype guise – is suitably Lexus-like in its build quality and refinement, yet …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

The Telegraph Takes a Ride in the Lexus CT 200h

Lexus Europe has media showing with the CT 200h last week, and Jesse Crosse from The Telegraph was there for a ride in the passenger seat: I was given a brief ride in a prototype by Lexus engineers last week who were keen to demonstrate the low centre of gravity, flat cornering stance, low, sporty, …

Kevin · June 30th, 2010

Live Lexus CT 200h Interior Photos

I just received a massive stack of Lexus CT 200h photos in my inbox, including some pics of a wonderful beige Ecru leather interior with a bamboo (?) wood trim — look at this (click for a larger image): That sliver of wood really sets the whole thing off — I’m extremely impressed with how …

Kevin · June 27th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Blue!

And here we go — the first high-quality photo of the Lexus CT 200h in something other than white (click for a larger version): Seeing the CT 200h in blue is somewhat curious, considering it wasn’t listed as one of the colors on the Lexus USA mini-site — but it would hardly be the first …

Kevin · June 24th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Videos

Here’s a couple of new Lexus CT 200h videos — this first one breaks down the Lexus Hybrid Drive system by its central elements: The second video is an interview with CT 200h Chief Engineer Osamu Sadakata as he describes the three driving modes of the new hatchback: These HD videos are great — love …

Kevin · June 15th, 2010

New Lexus CT 200h Photos

Here’s a bunch of new Lexus CT 200h photos showing the new hatchback in a more natural setting: The more I look at the CT, the more impressed I get. Sure, there was plenty of L-Finesse design cues that could be drawn from, and there’s certainly some elements of the RX & the IS, but …

Kevin · June 14th, 2010

Lexus Dark Ride VIP Card Giveaway

As part of their Dark Ride campaign for the CT 200h, Lexus USA is issuing special VIP cards that bring some very exclusive benefits — including fast-track entry to clubs, free cocktails, & limited edition items. Here’s just a small sample of the perks: 20% off best available rates at notable boutique hotels such as …

Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h in Brown Spice Mica

Lexus Europe has teased their Twitter fans with some quick photos of the latest addition to their fleet: a Brown Spice Mica CT 200h: Sure, the photo quality isn’t all that great, but it’s enough to give an idea of what the CT 200h will look like in darker colors. It’s certainly a tidy looking …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h 3-Door Photochop

Shortly after the Lexus CT 200h was revealed in early March, rumors of a possible 3-door version sprung up, and now photochopper Theophilus Chin has put together a possible look for the hatchback coupe: The main tweaks in the photochop, besides the subtraction of two doors, is a deeper slope in the A-pillar, a shorter …

Kevin · June 8th, 2010

Facebook Fans Question Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Recently, Lexus Europe asked their Facebook fans to submit questions to Lexus Design Manager Takeshi Tanabe about the CT 200h — in the end, four questions were chosen and the answers have just been posted. (Funny fact: Three of the four questions use the word “sexy”.) Read the full Q & A

Kevin · June 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Interactive Movie

The Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive movie has launched today, and it’s super fun — before I give too much away, make sure to go and experience it for yourself: Here’s the trailer, just to jog your memory: You never know with this sort of thing, but the Dark Ride is total quality, with …

Kevin · May 14th, 2010

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