Lexus LF-Ch

Lexus to Unveil CT 200h Hybrid Hatchback in Geneva

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

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2009 Frankfurt Auto Show: Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

The heat is on among the world's automakers to produce hybrid vehicles. And since they're all the rage among the trendy crowd, it should come as no surprise that luxury brands are getting in on the action in a big way. Foremost among them is Lexus, which has made hybrid drivetrains its cause-du-jour, offering gasoline-electric versions of many of its luxury sedans, in addition to the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid, the HS250h. As promised, Lexus rolled in to Frankfurt with a new concept called the LF-Ch.

Hinting both at a competitor for the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30 while previewing its design direction for upcoming models, the LF-Ch drew mixed reviews at the show. Viewed from some angles, the concept car had some interesting lines, but it looked bloated from others. We'll let you make up your own mind: just click on the thumbnail images below to enlarge in our high-resolution photo gallery.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lexus LF-Ch concept

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Lexus Teases new LF-Ch Concept Hybrid Premium Hatchback for Franfurt Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Green

Lexus is leading right out of the gate in the luxury hybrid market, but it's not about to rest on its green laurels. The Japanese luxury brand is set to unveil the new LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt show next month, and has given us a couple of glimpses at the form it will take.

Unlike most of its line-up, which appears rather staid and conservative by comparisson, the LF-Ch has an aggressive look that could find its way into future Lexus models across the range. The show car is targeted at the likes of the BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Audi A3 in the premium hatchback segment, but packs a hybrid drivetrain. We hear that a production version is destined for the European market, but we can only hope Lexus decides to bring it over to this side of the ocean, as well.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch concept preview