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

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

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

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

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

Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer Video Interview

Here’s two new Lexus CT 200h videos featuring the hatchback’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe: This HD footage really shows off the car in a very strong way, including our best look yet at the LED headlights. Top notch quality. For more from Tanabe-sama, you can check out my interview with him from the Geneva auto …
Kevin · May 11th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Australian Launch in 2011

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 …
Kevin · April 26th, 2010

TLE Exclusive Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Designer

Yesterday, I posted an interview-by-email with the Chief Engineer of the new Lexus CT 200h that was arranged by Lexus Europe during the Geneva Auto Show—and now today I bring you a Q&A with the Lexus CT 200h’s Chief Designer, Takeshi Tanabe, about the challenges of translating the LF-Ch concept into a production model: TLE: …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Exclusive Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Engineer

Although I wasn’t able to attend the Geneva auto show and see the Lexus CT 200h debut in person, I did get a very special chance to virtually interview the two men central to the creation of Lexus’ new hatchback model. By way of the good folks at Lexus Europe, I sent questions by email …
Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Details of the Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride

A piece in the New York Times offers up details about the CT 200h Dark Ride film, produced by MDC Partners-owned firm Skinny, and its marketing philosophy: Suffice it to say the “Dark Ride” driving scenes are so crazy and intense that the trailer begins with a disclaimer that it is “based on fantasy, not …
Kevin · April 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Color Options

The Lexus CT 200h color options have been revealed today as part of the hatchback’s new mini-site—first off, here are the exterior colors: There are seven exterior colors in total: Starfire Pearl, Obsidian, Daybreak Yellow Mica, Smoky Granite Mica, Brown Spice Mica, Tungsten Pearl, & Matador Red Mica. Then there are the interior colors: The …
Kevin · March 30th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride Trailer

In early March, Lexus USA teased the CT 200h launch announcement with a promised Dark Ride, an “upcoming movie experience that allows you to virtually drive the all-new CT 200h”, and now here’s a new trailer: There’s also a new dedicated mini-site,  the Darker Side of Green, which teases, “Be the navigator. Bring the CT …
Kevin · March 30th, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Details

The Lexus CT 200h will have its North American debut at next week’s NY Auto Show, and to promote the fact, Lexus issued a press release that highlights some interesting information: The CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011. As part of an integrated launch in the U.S., Lexus will …
Kevin · March 23rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Targets Audi A3 Rival

More information about the Lexus CT 200h has emerged from its Geneva debut—according to Car Dealer Magazine and Just Auto, Lexus surveyed customers across Europe, including drivers in Germany, France and Italy, and the Audi A3 emerged as the benchmark, with Europeans preferring it over the BMW 1-series. Considering this, the CT 200h was designed …
Kevin · March 11th, 2010

Auto Express Lexus CT 200h Video

Auto Express had their turn at the CT 200h Geneva display, and put together a video that shows plenty of interior footage: The CT 200h’s door grip and handle design remind me a lot of the recently-released GX 460, which makes me wonder if this will be a shared design cue on new models.
Kevin · March 10th, 2010

Two Lexus CT 200h Videos from CNET

Here are two videos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show Courtesy of CNET—The first features the site’s editor-at-large, with references made to auto start-stop technology and the sport mode, and was probably made before the CT 200h’s US sales announcement: CNET UK also produced a similar video, with some unusual video …
Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h US Launch Confirmed

In a Wards Auto article (subscriber only), Lexus USA has confirmed that the CT 200h will go on sale in the U.S. “sometime between early and mid 2011.” It will become the second dedicated hybrid model in the US, after the HS 250h. According to Mark Templin, VP of Lexus USA, “When the all-new Lexus …
Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h now on Lexus USA Website

Lexus USA has added official press photos and information to a new CT 200h page on its website: Billed as “the darker side of green,” the CT 200h sportback will be heading to the US market once it becomes available—the site also shows different angle views of the white CT 200h, with the rear 3/4 …
Kevin · March 8th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h USA Price Guessing Game

The New York Times (and many other outlets) is reporting that the Lexus CT 200h will start with a €21,000 when it goes on sale in Europe next year. The natural question turns to how that translates into the North American price—a direct, euro-to-dollar conversion would currently mean a starting MSRP of $28,755 USD, putting …
Kevin · March 4th, 2010

Two New Lexus Models to Use CT 200h Platform?

Among the numerous media reports covering the launch of the CT 200h, some interesting details about the new Lexus hatchback’s platform have emerged—Autocar reports (emphasis added): The CT200h is 4320mm long, 1765mm and 1430mm high, meaning it is longer, wider and taller than the A3 and 1-series. Its 2600mm wheelbase is only eclipsed by the …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Lead Lexus Europe Sales

The new Lexus CT 200h is a purpose-built hybrid hatchback for the European market, and that reportedly has Lexus executives optimistic about its sales prospects.  With Lexus Europe pursuing a hybrid-centered strategy, the CT 200h is expected to spearhead the brand’s lineup as its entry-level and highest volume model.  According to a Bloomberg article, Lexus …
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h to Make North American Debut at New York Auto Show

Fresh off the news that Lexus will be offering the CT 200h in North America, it was announced today that the hatchback will be making its official US debut at the New York Auto Show, which takes place from March 31st through April 11th. Read the Lexus Press Release
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Size Comparison

Even with all the photos of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show, it’s hard to get a good idea of just how big it really is, so I put together this chart showing the newest Lexus as compared to the IS, HS & ES: Put into perspective, the CT 200h looks bigger …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Live Video from Geneva Auto Show

Here’s the first live video of the Lexus CT 200h at the Geneva Auto Show: With only 15 minutes to the CT 200h press conference, I have yet to find a live video feed—I’ll continue to look, and will update this post if I have any luck. The Lexus CT 200h press conference is now …
Kevin · March 2nd, 2010

Autoblog Lexus CT 200h Photos

Only moments after I linked to Lexus Europe’s Facebook photo of the CT 200h, Autoblog posted up a massive photo gallery from the preview event—check this car out: Also mentioned on Autoblog: Interestingly, though Lexus has yet to confirm what markets the CT will enter, our men on the scene report back, “Lexus executives were …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h at Geneva VIP Preview

With little more than twelve hours before the Lexus CT 200h’s debut at the Geneva Auto Show, Lexus hosted a VIP sneak peek of the compact hatchback—here are some photos from the event: These CT 200h photos at the Geneva Auto Show are just the first of a massive onslaught we can expect over the …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010

More Lexus CT 200h Photos

Autocar has published several additional studio photographs of the white Lexus CT 200h. Compared with computer-processed look of the first photos, these are different, and show the exterior lighting: The forward shots showcase the CT 200h’s headlamp illumination, complete with LED strip accents similar to those introduced with the LS 460 refresh. These LED accents …
Kevin · March 1st, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Coming to North America

Big news for North America—according to the Lexus Europe Twitter account: CT 200h will be offered for sale in ALL markets where Lexus is present While I never had real doubt that the CT would be North America bound, it’s still a relief that there’s been some official verification. This model will do wonders for …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Video!

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 …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Press Release

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 …
Kevin · February 26th, 2010

Official Lexus CT 200h Photo Gallery

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, …
Kevin · February 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Arrives in Geneva

The Lexus CT 200h has arrived for its introduction at the Geneva Auto Show: Click for a larger image This image comes courtesy of Lexus Europe, who are updating their Flickr account every day with a new image from the Geneva Auto Show floor. As expected, the photos so far show the Lexus exhibit to …
Kevin · February 22nd, 2010

No Lexus CT 200h for USA?

Edmund’s Inside Line is reporting that the new Lexus CT 200h may not be coming to the USA: The curious got a first glance at the Lexus CT 200h on Friday via a teaser shot of the car’s cat’s-eye taillight, ahead of the full hybrid compact’s debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March. …
Kevin · February 15th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Photo Leak

Earlier today, Lexus released a teaser image of the upcoming CT 200h hatchback’s rear tail light—and now we have another photo, this time from the front and extremely blurry—I tried brightening it up a bit: If this photo is accurate, the production model looks to have a more traditional grille and the Lexus Hybrid LED …
Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Confirmed for Geneva Auto Show

Lexus has confirmed that the LF-Ch concept will be released as a production model at the Geneva Auto Show in March—named the CT 200h, the luxury compact hatchback will be equipped with Lexus’ second-generation Hybrid Drive, bringing the total number of hybrids in the lineup to five and opening the Lexus brand to a whole …
Kevin · February 12th, 2010

Lexus LF-Ch Survey Results

If you’re a regular TLE reader, you may remember the LF-Ch online survey that Lexus USA conducted last September—here are the final results: Very clearly, the front-end design is a hit with the 3,281 voters—more than half liked a combination of the front and front 3/4 angles. No surprises here—the LF-Ch is certainly sporty & …
Kevin · January 27th, 2010

Japanese Launch of Lexus CT 200h in May?

Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbun is reporting that the new Lexus CT200h will be on sale in Japan starting in May, adding credibility to rumors of a LF-Ch production model debuting at the Geneva Auto Show in March. The newspaper also claims the new hybrid hatchback will be powered by same hybrid engine as the third-gen …
Kevin · January 22nd, 2010

Lexus Confirms Premium Compact Hatchback, Releases Sketch

Lexus has officially confirmed that a premium compact hatchback concept will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), and have released this design sketch (click for a larger image): A compact hatchback with an IS-F front-end design and a panoramic glass roof?!? Holy ****. The full press release: Lexus has unveiled the first official …
Kevin · August 16th, 2009

Lexus Hatchback Rendering by Auto Express

Using the Lexus HS & RX as inspiration, Auto Express has put together a rendering of what the upcoming Lexus CT compact hatchback may look like: I’m really impressed by the side-panel creasing, the Z jog in the sheet metal is quite stylish. Both the front and rear look too small for the body, but …
Kevin · August 3rd, 2009

Lexus to Debut Compact Hatchback in September

Autocar is reporting that Lexus will be debuting a five-door compact hatchback concept at this year’s Frankfurt Auto Show: Company insiders suggest that the car was signed off late last year, largely at the behest of European execs who insisted that the Europe’s premium C-segment was an area of the market “too lucrative not to …
Kevin · July 24th, 2009