New Lexus Hybrid: CT 200h (42 MPG) Updated with F-sport Debut
08-16-09, 07:31 PM
#50
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Sketches are all so sexy with their small windows, huge wheels and exaggerated lines. I'll wait to see the production car.
What is encouraging is Lexus seems to want to make it sporty and aggressive looking and not staid. This is a HUGE HUGE market in Europe and a hybrid hatch will give Lexus something different to offer.
I wonder will it be coupled with diesel?
What is encouraging is Lexus seems to want to make it sporty and aggressive looking and not staid. This is a HUGE HUGE market in Europe and a hybrid hatch will give Lexus something different to offer.
I wonder will it be coupled with diesel?
08-16-09, 08:52 PM
#51
Lexus Fanatic
Lexus teases with new premium compact concept
I hope this isn't a repost . It was released yesterday on motorauthority.com
A Lexus rival to premium hatchbacks like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 has been speculated on for almost the past 12 months but today we have the first official confirmation of the car’s existence thanks to this latest official teaser. Previewing a concept version of the car that is scheduled to be unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the new teaser gives the first indication of design direction for the upcoming hatch.
The only official information is that the concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that “promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment”. Bold claims given its competition but sadly we may never know as the car will reportedly be sold in overseas markets only.
One of the main reasons for this is because the new hatch will be an entry-level model for Lexus, which means it would have to be priced below the IS range – a segment the company is unlikely to enter in North America.
Not much else is known about the new model but previous reports have suggested that it will feature a hybrid powertrain and share most of its internals with the Toyota Auris, another compact hatch sold in some markets as a Corolla.
The new concept will be revealed for the first time on September 15 so stay tuned. The production version is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March before going on sale in Europe by the middle of the year.
A Lexus rival to premium hatchbacks like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 has been speculated on for almost the past 12 months but today we have the first official confirmation of the car’s existence thanks to this latest official teaser. Previewing a concept version of the car that is scheduled to be unveiled at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show, the new teaser gives the first indication of design direction for the upcoming hatch.
The only official information is that the concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that “promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment”. Bold claims given its competition but sadly we may never know as the car will reportedly be sold in overseas markets only.
One of the main reasons for this is because the new hatch will be an entry-level model for Lexus, which means it would have to be priced below the IS range – a segment the company is unlikely to enter in North America.
Not much else is known about the new model but previous reports have suggested that it will feature a hybrid powertrain and share most of its internals with the Toyota Auris, another compact hatch sold in some markets as a Corolla.
The new concept will be revealed for the first time on September 15 so stay tuned. The production version is expected to debut at next year’s Geneva Motor Show in March before going on sale in Europe by the middle of the year.
08-16-09, 09:27 PM
#55
We'll see what the real result is, by so far, I'm glad it hasn't gone towards a more rebadged/Toyota look...going to the CT200h/300h trademark thread, a more Toyota-esque concept was posted there by yours truly, and similar ones appeared on my.IS (the more popular photochopped LF-Xh one is different). This one is more than a 'predictable' effort IMO.
That being said, whether it will be 'inevitably watered down' remains to be seen...I've no doubt there will be changes, but is it on the order of LF-Xh => RX, or LF-Sh => LS?, or LF-A=? Those were different cases.
Actually IIRC what's been reported is that the HS hybrid won't make it to Europe because the IS hybrid is the same size and headed there.
That being said, whether it will be 'inevitably watered down' remains to be seen...I've no doubt there will be changes, but is it on the order of LF-Xh => RX, or LF-Sh => LS?, or LF-A=? Those were different cases.
Actually IIRC what's been reported is that the HS hybrid won't make it to Europe because the IS hybrid is the same size and headed there.
08-16-09, 09:42 PM
#56
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Posts: n/a
We'll see what the real result is, by so far, I'm glad it hasn't gone towards a more rebadged/Toyota look...going to the CT200h/300h trademark thread, a more Toyota-esque concept was posted there by yours truly, and similar ones appeared on my.IS (the more popular photochopped LF-Xh one is different). This one is more than a 'predictable' effort IMO.
That being said, whether it will be 'inevitably watered down' remains to be seen...I've no doubt there will be changes, but is it on the order of LF-Xh => RX, or LF-Sh => LS?, or LF-A=? Those were different cases.
Actually IIRC what's been reported is that the HS hybrid won't make it to Europe because the IS hybrid is the same size and headed there.
That being said, whether it will be 'inevitably watered down' remains to be seen...I've no doubt there will be changes, but is it on the order of LF-Xh => RX, or LF-Sh => LS?, or LF-A=? Those were different cases.
Actually IIRC what's been reported is that the HS hybrid won't make it to Europe because the IS hybrid is the same size and headed there.
08-16-09, 09:58 PM
#57
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Wow!!! If lexus sticks to this design I am on this car!!! (unless fiat brings over the alfa romeo brera than it will be a tough choice (dont mention reliability it's the last thing I look at when buying a car maybe because im young and not picky)
08-17-09, 06:02 AM
#58
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That's a pretty good looking sketch. Can't wait to see it in the flesh, and if the keep their aggressive design stance or water it down.
Some slightly new design cues in the front bumper are much better than what the showed on the refresh of the ES.
Some slightly new design cues in the front bumper are much better than what the showed on the refresh of the ES.
08-17-09, 10:40 AM
#60
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Who knows they may dump the grill is public reaction is 
. If people buy them, we got to get used to them. 