Lexus CT 200h

Lexus Unveils Performance Models in Tokyo

Lexus was once known for making cushy, if not particularly sporty luxury automobiles. But these days the premium Japanese auto marque is getting serious about transforming itself into a performance brand to rival the best from Europe.

To that end, Lexus rolled in to the Tokyo Auto Salon with a number of performance-oriented vehicles. Headlining the line-up is the IS F Club Circuit Sports Racer (pictured above), which upgrades on the already aggressive IS F sports sedan with carbon fiber body panels, race-tuned suspension and other performance accessories.

Lexus also took the occasion to show off the CT 200h F-Sport package, as well as the racing version of the LFA supercar that competed in last year's Nürburgring 24-hour race.

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Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

The Celebrity Challenge was once a fixture of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, pitting local and international stars against each other in a field of identical cars around the Albert Park circuit. But while the past couple of years have been without the event, this year marks its return.

When the F1 race weekend takes place late in March, a field of 27 celebrities will race against each other in the Lexus CT 200h. No word yet on who will be racing this year, but the event not only marks the first time Lexus has participated in the race, as well as the hybrid hatchback's debut in the Australian market, but also – according to Lexus – makes this "the first hybrid-only race staged globally".

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Tags: australia, australian grand prix, celebrity challenge, ct 200h, Lexus, Lexus CT 200h, Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Lexus Displays at Harrods for the Holidays

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Luxury Shopping

If you're a luxury shopper in London, Harrods is your destination for all manner of fashion, accessories, household items and more. Even luxury hybrids, thanks to a new display from Lexus.

Taking cues from Aston Martin, which displayed the Cygnet (another luxed-up Toyota) in the department store's window last month, Lexus has taken a four-window ground-level storefront display. The first window features the new CT 200h luxury hybrid, the second the RX 450h luxury hybrid crossover, the third highlights the Mark Levinson sound systems found in their cars, and the fourth is a branded lounge space.

Shoppers stopping by can check out the new cars, arrange a test drive or even place their order right there in the store. If you don't live in England, though, you can have a look in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Lexus Windows at Harrods

Tags: ct 200h, harrods, lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus rx 450h, rx 450h

Lexus Introduces CT 200h F Sport at Sydney Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Among the hybrids on the market, the Lexus CT 200h stands out for two reasons: for one, it's more luxurious than most hybrids. For another, it's sportier. To heighten the latter, Lexus has announced a new F Sport package for the hybrid hatchbach, which it has just unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The F Sport package upgrades with a revised aero package (new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and honeycomb grille), bigger alloys and an interior with a fresh dashboard and door panel treatment, an even thicker steering wheel, new pedals and tinted windows. A retuned suspension promises sportier handling, and an optional Flame Blue color joins the catalog.

Gallery: Lexus CT200h F-Sport

Tags: australia, australian international motor show, f sport, lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus ct 200h f sport, lexus ct200h, lexus ct200h f sport, lexus f sport, sydney, sydney auto show, sydney motor show

Lexus to Unveil CT 200h Hybrid Hatchback in Geneva

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Following the lead of its Toyota parent company, Japanese luxury automaker Lexus has carved out a nice niche for itself, purveying luxury hybrids in a greater range than any of its competitors. The line-up currently includes hybrid versions of the LS and GS sedans and the RX crossover, as well as the HS, which stands as the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid. That range is set to expand in a couple of weeks, however, when Lexus takes the wraps off the new CT.

Previewed in Frankfurt last year by the LF-Ch concept, the CT 200h isn't just "another hybrid" from Lexus. It marks a foray into new territory, taking aim at the likes of the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3. Power comes from the pairing of a 1.8-liter variable-valve four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission and a bank of nickel-metal hydride batteries driving electric motors. The images you see above are the first we've seen so far, coming from a leaked brochure, but we'll have more for you once the doors open at the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h brochure