2011 Lexus CT

2011 Lexus CT 200h Review

Summary Rating:	Complete Rating
Styling (82%) Accessories (76%) Space and Access(78%) Comfort (82%)	Performance (80%) Driving Dynamics (80%) Safety (80%) General Appreciation(80%)

I feel like I've had a bit of an epiphany of sorts.

No, it wasn't a matter of rediscovering God or even myself; I didn't stumble upon a hidden talent or realize my life path wasn't the right one; in fact, nothing really changed – save for my driving style over the course of a week. (Insert collective gasp here.)

Sure, it's a hatch, but it's a sporty, modern-looking hatch that's angular and choppy in all the right places. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)

When I first heard I was going to get behind the wheel of the new hybrid Lexus, I admit I rolled my eyes just a little. Before I knew anything about the car, I'd already passed judgement based on previous hybrid experiences (which had been less than favourable). However, as I did a bit more research and started to look at pictures and even spot a few on the road, I got a bit more excited. And here's why:

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2013 Lexus CX

Lexus is planning to capitalize on the success of the CT 200h by introducing yet another full hybrid model. This time, however, the luxury automaker is entering the crossover market with the long-rumored Lexus CX. Expect the new CX to be launched at the end of 2012 as a 2013 model.

The new Lexus CX will be built on the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 and will serve as a competitor for models like the BMW X1, the Audi Q3, and theMercedes GLK. The new CX will only feature a hybrid drivetrain that combines a four-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery, a power control unit, and a power split device. This system will deliver about 200 HP and a fuel economy of about 47 mpg. As a comparison, the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3 can only achieve 45 mpg at best in their diesel offerings.

No additional details for the future Lexus CX have been offered as of now, but we believe the exterior design language will combine elements from all the latest Lexus models.

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The unique Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet

The unique Lexus LS 600h L Landaulet
It takes quite a special occasion for an company like Lexus to design and build a one of a kind custom car but the wedding of the Prince of Monaco to our very own Charlene Wittstock is just such an occasion. The wedding will take place on Saturday the 2nd of July and Lexus will be supplying a LS 600h L Landaulet, which will be used to tour the principality after the wedding ceremony. This L Landaulet is based on the LS 460 and LS 600h L and is described by Lexus as being: “the pinnacle of technology in the luxury segment”. The L Landaulet was designed by Belgian coachbuilders Carat Duchatelet along with a team of engineers from Lexus and took over 2000 hours to complete. In order to shape and mold the necessary custom parts, the car was completely dismantled and then re-assembled. These custom parts needed to be “cooked” onto the bare chassis of the car in a specially prepared oven. The one-piece transparent polycarbonate roof was a particular challenge as it has no reinforcements or pillars. The roof had to be specially built in France and is similar in composition to windshields used in helicopters as well as jet fighter canopies. All of this design and ingenuity has resulted in a car that maintains the same standards as the car it has been based on, while at the same time providing a great view for the new couple as well as the many onlookers.

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2013 Lexus LF-A II

 

A few days ago, some rumors about a second generation Lexus LF-A started to circulate on the internet. It could have been a passing whisper and it would have been all we needed to start dreaming about what this mode would look like. The rendering above is what we came up with.

Let’s face facts, the Lexus LF-A doesn’t exactly need any major changes, so it will pick up where the Lexus LF-A Nurburgring Package left off in terms of style and sport. Lexus will not be making any significant changes to the LFA, but we may see a new headlamps design, larger air intakes, a more discrete rear spoiler, and a slimmer profile.

In terms of power, the current V10 engine will be tricked to deliver more than 562 HP in order to significantly improve the car’s performance. This will mean that it could complete the 0-60 mph sprint in less than 3.7 seconds. Top speed should also exceed the Nurburgring model’s 210 mph.

If the Lexus LFA II makes it to production, it will probably come out sometime in 2013 and will be offered as an expensive, limited edition.

gallery:2011 Lexus LF-A

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gallery:2012 Lexus LF-A Nurburgring Package

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