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

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

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

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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

Kevin · May 4th, 2011

The Lexus LF-Gh Launch Event, Revisited

Lexus has released a short video from the LF-Gh launch event in NYC, which includes a smart interview with Marketing National Manager Brian Bolain: One thing that’s been emphasized from all Lexus executives is how the LF-Gh is not just a preview of the next-gen GS, but an indicator of where the Lexus design will …

Read more…

Kevin · May 2nd, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

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 Global Design Manager Discusses the Lexus LF-Gh

Automobile Magazine has some great quotes about the LF-Gh from Simon Humphries, General Manager of Lexus (& Toyota) Global Design — here’s a sampling: On the general design theme: “The LF-Gh was designed in [our Lexus studio in Japan]. The current state of the auto market is that everything is becoming complex and overstyled. With …

Read more…

Kevin · April 25th, 2011

NY Auto Show: Lexus LF-Gh Concept Photo Gallery

With so many Lexus LF-Gh photos already floating around, I thought it might be a good idea to focus on the smaller details of the latest Lexus concept, especially when they’re so visually interesting: The side profile was my favorite angle — by increasing rear headroom & available trunkspace, Lexus has moved to give the …

Read more…

Kevin · April 22nd, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

Kevin · April 21st, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Official Reveal Video

While we may have seen photos of the Lexus LF-Gh last week, the concept car was officially revealed tonight at a gallery in New York City — here’s a video of the event along with reaction from some leading design minds: I was lucky enough to attend the reveal, and there’s no question that the …

Read more…

Kevin · April 19th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Caravan Photos

As part of the build up to the official reveal of the LF-Gh concept tonight, Lexus brought out four wrapped vehicles that illustrate the process behind creating a new vehicle — here they are: This is a really cool idea — it goes from the pencil sketch of the initial designer to a more stylized …

Read more…

Kevin · April 19th, 2011

Lexus NY Auto Show Coverage Starts Tomorrow

With the NY Auto Show and the introduction of the brand new LF-Gh concept, it’s going to be a busy week in New York City for Lexus, and I’m going to be here in the city to cover all the events. The fun starts tomorrow morning with a special caravan that’s going to be touring …

Read more…

Kevin · April 18th, 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, …

Read more…

Kevin · April 17th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Equipped with Night Vision?

TLE reader Vogel spotted something interesting in one of the Lexus LF-Gh interior photos — it looks like the concept might just be equipped with Night Vision. Here’s the button in question, highlighted in red: Not much to look at, but here it is zoomed up: Compare it with this Night Vision button from a …

Read more…

Kevin · April 15th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · April 13th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Video

Also released yesterday was this seven minute B-roll video of the Lexus LF-Gh, which is just moving footage of the photos released today and meant for TV: One specific segment that starts at 3:47 shows the full front light display, including the vertical foglights — makes for a crazy nighttime impression: Looks straight out of …

Read more…

Kevin · April 13th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Desktop Wallpapers

Although I promised a Lexus LFA desktop wallpaper today, I didn’t exactly expect to wake up to full photos of the LF-Gh — so instead of a supercar today, here’s three shots of Lexus’ newest concept car cropped for your consumption: Select Resolution: 1920×1080 | 1680×1050 | 1440×900 | 1280×1024 | 1280×800 | 1024×768 Select …

Read more…

Kevin · April 12th, 2011

Lexus LF-Gh Revealed!

With its official reveal now exactly a week away, Lexus has pulled the covers off their LF-Gh in advance of its New York Auto Show debut! There’s so much to go through right now, including a full photo gallery and all the various details, but let’s start with the full Lexus press release: LF-Gh concept …

Read more…

Kevin · April 12th, 2011

Lexus Releases Two LF-Gh Teaser Photos!

In advance of its full reveal at the New York Auto Show, Lexus has released a couple teaser images of the their next-gen GS concept, the LF-Gh — let’s tackle the front photo first: There are some LF-Ch design cues with the chrome accents on the front grille and the light housing design, but there …

Read more…

Kevin · April 5th, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

Kevin · March 25th, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

Kevin · March 7th, 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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

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 & …

Read more…

Kevin · February 9th, 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL

This past weekend, I made the trip to Toronto and picked up a 2011 Lexus LS 600hL from Lexus Canada for a two week road test. The LSh has a Obsidian exterior & Parchment interior, and is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, right down to the massaging rear ottoman and a whole host of …

Read more…

Kevin · February 8th, 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 | …

Read more…

Kevin · February 1st, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · January 17th, 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) …

Read more…

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 …

Read more…

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, …

Read more…

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. …

Read more…

Kevin · January 3rd, 2011

Lexus’ Global Strategy

Automotive News has published a very interesting article with Karl Schlicht, the general manager in charge of global Lexus marketing and product planning, where he reveals fresh new details about what the future holds for the brand: Toyota is pushing a new global theme of “progressive luxury” for its Lexus brand, including a greater focus …

Read more…

Kevin · December 20th, 2010

North America’s First Lexus LS 600hL on eBay

A piece of hybrid history has shown up on eBay — the first Lexus LS 600hL sold in North America has been put up for auction on eBay. As #1 of the 100 individually-numbered Launch Edition packages offered to Neiman Marcus InCircle members in 2007, this LS 600hL comes with an exclusive Truffle Mica exterior …

Read more…

Kevin · December 20th, 2010

Lexus ES 300h Hybrid Trademark Registered

Once again, the North American Trademark offices have given us a glimpse into the future, as both Lexus USA & Lexus Canada have filed for the ES 300h trademark (Canadian Trade-Mark 1507011 & U.S. Trademark No. 85193249, both registered on December 8, 2010.) Although it’s hardly a full confirmation, this certainly points to a hybrid …

Read more…

Kevin · December 17th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · December 15th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · December 14th, 2010

Comparison: 1990 Lexus LS 400 vs. 2010 Lexus LS 600hL

Lexus is celebrating their 20th anniversary in the United Kingdom, and to show how far the brand has come in twenty years, they’ve released a video comparing the first-gen LS & the current LS hybrid: Here’s a chart that details the differences, just in case they went by too fast: In some ways, it’s hard …

Read more…

Kevin · December 13th, 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 …

Read more…

Kevin · December 13th, 2010

Five New or Updated Lexus Hybrids by 2012?

Earlier this year, it was announced that Toyota would be releasing 6 new hybrids by 2012 (four from Toyota and two from Lexus), and now Automotive News is reporting that a total of 11 new or redesigned models will be available in that same timeframe, along with a new focus on turbochargers: Toyota Motor Corp. …

Read more…

Kevin · November 23rd, 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