Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

Lexus Issues Voluntary Recall on 245,000 GS and IS Models in the U.S.

Lexus has issued a voluntary safety recall involving some 245,000 cars in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The models affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

The company said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Lexus' parent company Toyota, the firm's dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

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Lexus Tries to Lure UK Buyers with Special Edition IS Advance Models

Lexus has announced the availability of a pair of new special edition cars for the UK market called the IS 250 and IS 200d Advance. As is common with most special or limited edition models these days, the new IS cars are distinguished by the added -and not unique- features to the standard equipment.

Based on the regular SE specification, the new IS 250 and 200d Advance models come equipped with a hard disc drive (HDD) satellite navigation system, rear parking camera, heated electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

These extras would normally cost an arm and leg if they were to be added to the SE separately, but in this case, the new Advance IS 250 costs just an extra £340 compared its SE equivalent (£26,495 on-the-road), with the diesel-powered IS 200d coming in at an additional £130 (£24,995).

Both cars are on sale in the UK now.

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VIDEO: Lexus Sets the Bar High, Chains Four Cars on LS in New TV Ad

In another sign that luxury automakers in the U.S. are raising the stakes -or so to speak- with their latest commercials, following Audi's recent A8 ad, Lexus has released a new TV spot as part of an advertising campaign to demonstrate how far the company goes to achieve perfection.

This particular broadcast ad is titled “Chain” and it shows a crane slowly lifting the front end of a LS, which is attached to four more Lexus models (RX, GS, ES and IS) using nothing more than cables and stretch bars. At the end of the spot, a $375,000 LFA comes into the shot and parks directly below the chain of vehicles weighing a total 21,000 pounds.

The key point here is that the commercial is real and that no special effects were used for its creation as Lexus proves in the 'Behind the Scenes" video.

“It isn’t enough to just say that we pursue perfection, we want to demonstrate the great lengths we go to in our pursuit,” states Dave Nordstrom, vice president of marketing for Lexus.

“The new broadcast spot allows us to focus on the foundation of our vehicles, the chassis, and show its almost unbelievable strength. In fact, we feared that it would be so unbelievable, we invited a physicist and structural engineer to witness the shoot, to prove that it did, in fact, occur without the use of special effects or computer generated-imagery.”

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Lexus Launches CT 200h in Japan to Boost Domestic Sales

Lexus has added the new CT 200h dedicated hybrid model to its Japanese line-up in an attempt to boost flagging sales in its home market. The company's first entry in the premium-compact segment is also its cheapest offering with prices in Japan ranging from 3.55 million yen to 4.33 million yen (about US$42,600 to US$52,000).

Originally designed with European customers in mind, the CT 200h has also made its way to North America as well as China, with more countries to be added to the list. In the U.S., the CT 200h is priced from $29,120.

The five-door hatchback from Lexus features the same hybrid powertrain as the Prius mating a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine with an electric motor, nickel-metal-hydride battery and a generator. Lexus said that using the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the CT 200h returned a fuel efficiency of 34 km/lt (equal to 79.9 mpg US or 2.9 lt/100km).

The company said it plans to sell around 1,500 units a month of the CT 200h in Japan.

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China's BYD Debuts Lexus RX-Inspired S6DM Dual-Mode Hybrid at Detroit Motor Show

Chinese automaker BYD marked its fourth consecutive appearance at the North American International Auto Show with the world premiere of the S6DM hybrid, with the DM in the name standing for "Dual-Mode".

The gasoline-electric hybrid is based on the Chinese firm's S6, a mid-size SUV model first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2009. And no, you're not the only one to find the overall styling of the S6 reminiscent of the previous generation Lexus RX.

The Warren Buffett-backed battery and car maker claims the S6DM is "the world’s first independent 4WD dual-mode electric SUV". Under the hood, the Chinese model is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and three electric motors. Two 10-kilowatt electric motors drive the front wheels while a more potent 75 kilowatt motor powers the rear wheels. A six six-speed dual clutch transmission handles power transfer.

Despite the "Dual-Mode" moniker, BYD says the system offers three driving modes including electric only, hybrid gasoline-electric and gasoline engine only. In detail, here's how the Chinese automaker describes each mode:

THREE DRIVING MODES

Fully electric (BEV) mode: At normal speeds, the vehicle can operate in its all-electric mode, with the electric motor (M2) propelling the rear wheels.

Hybrid gasoline-electric (HEV):

1. 2WD: The gasoline engine not only directly powers the vehicle, but also drives the electric motor (M1) at the front wheels to charge the battery pack.

2. 4WD: When more power is needed, the gas engine and the electric motor (M2) power the vehicle together. If the combined power is enough, the gasoline engine will also drive the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack. As speed increases, the gasoline engine can take over seamlessly with support from the 6-speed DCT; when braking, the gas engine automatically shuts down and the electric motor (M2) takes over.

3. 2WD: When battery power is low and not much driving power is required, the gasoline engine drives the electric motor (M1) to charge the battery pack and the electric motor (M2) powers the vehicle by itself.

Gasoline powered: When driving on the highway or in case the battery pack is depleted, the gasoline engine can power the vehicle on its own very efficiently.

According to BYD, the S6DM can travel over 38 miles (60km) purely on electric power (BEV) and over 500km (310 miles) combined when engaging the gasoline engine.

BYD said that the S6DM is amongst the models being considering for the U.S market. At the Detroit show, the company's Chairman, Wang Chuanfu, pushed back the brand's U.S. launch to the first quarter of 2012.

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Lexus UK Winters-up RX 450h with New SE-I Special Edition

A new special edition model has been added to the UK range of the Lexus RX450h hybrid crossover. Named the SE-I, the new model sports a host of accessories said to be suited for those "who love the great outdoors" - always according to Lexus.

On the outside the so-called Lifestyle model adds roof rails and a rear bumper protect, plus front and rear under-run plates. Interior features of the package include a tough boot liner, claimed to be designed to cope with muddy boots, and a warm / cold storage box.

Lexus says that if these features were to specified individually, it would cost buyers up to £1,500, but brought together for the new RX 450h SE-I Lifestyle they add just £499 to the on-the-road price of the crossover for a total of £48,899.

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High Demand for German Luxury Cars in the U.S. and China

Germany’s car market has definitely seen better days, as sales in the first 11 months of 2010 are down 25.2% compared to the same period last year. However, strong demand for luxury cars in the U.S. and China is keeping premium automakers like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz busy during the holiday season and, most importantly, profitable.

“2010 was expected to be a tough year all round” John Lawson, a London-based analyst at Citi Investment Research, wrote in a report. “But rich China sales have leapt (and) foreign exchange has been very supportive”.

As a result, German manufacturers have shortened Christmas holidays and are keeping some of their production facilities open between Christmas and New Year’s.

State-side, the premium segments have seen an 11.1 percent increase in demand, outperforming the overall market growth. Audi has profited the most from the economical rebound, with sales up 23.6% for the year through November. Mercedes follows closely behind, with an 18.6% increase, while BMW takes third place with +11.6%, according to Autodata Corp.

The Chinese market fared even better, registering a 40% increase in the luxury car segment, also led by the Ingolstadt-based carmaker. Nine of the ten top selling premium vehicles in China are German, with Lexus securing just one spot on the list. Furthermore, the uphill trend is expected continue over the next five years.

“The luxury car segment is expected to keep double-digit growth in the next five years, with the booming number of second-time buyers who are eager to distinguish themselves and keen to prove their social status”, J.D. Power said in a December report about the Chinese market.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detnews

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Japan’s Economic Future in Doubt: A National Introspective

It’s not been a good year for Japan. China has recently overtaken the Land of the Rising Sun as the world’s second biggest economic power and a recall of over ten million vehicles by one of the nation’s biggest and most respectable companies, Toyota, kicked off a global PR debacle that some analysts predict will take years to recover from.

Add to that Japan’s aging population, its growing national debt and heavy reliance on manufacturing, all of which are effectively killing what was once thought destined to be the world’s leading economic superpower. The departure of its fourth Prime Minister in three years and a nasty diplomatic row with China over the detention of a trawler captain by the Japanese Coast Guard is also hurting.

What’s worse is that Japan’s population is dwindling due to a low fertility rate of just 1.3 children per woman. It is expected that the population will drop from 127 million to just 90 million by 2055, with 40% of that number being over 65s.

As the nation enters its third decade of economic stagnation, university students worry whether they can find steady employment or support their families. A third of Japan’s workforce is temporary workers or “Freeters” that flit from one available job to another. Such workers are unable to qualify for unemployment benefits, and make up more than three-quarters of the nation’s jobless. In these dark times, it’s no wonder -and a sad fact- that more than 30,000 people a year have committed suicides since 1998.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Nato Kan, is aware of the burgeoning crisis. His solution is to open up the country; reducing trade barriers and tariffs and loosening regulations to make the country a more attractive proposition to outside investors. A free trade agreement with the U.S. and other nations, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, is also under consideration. Though it could lead to Japan’s economic revival and cheaper imports, it could also cause significant job losses and social dislocation of the rural classes.

Analysts are convinced that the nation needs to find new growth areas such as green energy, software engineering and health care to help prop up the failing economy. More so, however, Japan needs to change its national mindset. Perceived to be rooted in conformism and census, it is seen by some to be too insular and too slow to change and respond to crisis. Without change, Japan has little hope of a short term recovery.

Of course, this is just one opinion. As always, our readers are encouraged to voice theirs in the comments.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: AP via Yahoo

Toyota Settled an “Unintended Acceleration” Lawsuit with US$10 Million

The families of four people killed in an accident allegedly caused by the now infamous “unintended acceleration” throttle-gate, sued Toyota earlier this year and reached a settlement in September. At the time, the amount was not made public, but now, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that a lawyer representing Bob Baker Lexus of San Diego, California, a defendant in the case, has revealed that the Japanese maker agreed to pay US $10 million.

The tragic incident, which lead to the death of California Highway Patrol officer Mark Saylor and three of his family members, occurred after the dealership lent him a 2009 Lexus ES that allegedly had the aforementioned defect.

Initially, Toyota and the plaintiffs agreed to keep the deal confidential and the manufacturer neither admitted nor denied liability.

In the aftermath of the disclosure, Toyota released an official statement saying that it was disappointed that the sum was made public, as the involved parties “reached a private, amicable settlement through mutual respect and cooperation without the involvement of the courts”.

Furthermore, the automaker considers that, by making the settlement deal public, Bob Baker Lexus is trying to shift the attention away from its own litigation case with the families.

“Our deepest sympathies remain with the friends and family of Mark, Cleofe and Mahala Saylor and Cleofe’s brother Chris Lastrella”, Toyota said in the statement. “However, as in the past, Toyota will continue to defend itself vigorously against the misleading allegations Bob Baker Lexus is making against Toyota. Toyota is not, however, in a position to address the additional negligence claims the families have against Bob Baker Lexus that are independent of Toyota”.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: LA Times & Automotive News

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Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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2010 SEMA Show - Lexus RX 450h by Paul Tolson, EST Styling

WHEELS/TIRES

• Leon Hardiritt Vertu wheels
  
• Front: 21 X 10-inch with a - 4 offset
  
• Rear: 21 X 12-inch with a + 9 offset
  
• Dunlop SP Sport Maxx DSST tires
  
• Front: 285/35R/21
  
• Rear: 325/30R/21
  

  BRAKES
  

• Rotora RFK Series 6-piston custom color caliper, 14.0-inch X 1.3-inch 2-piece drilled and slotted rotors
  

  SUSPENSION
  

• Air Runner Integrated Suspension Systems with quad air pressure digital display
  

  EXTERIOR
  

• Hired Gun Paint Werks widebody conversion
  
• Custom BASF 90 Line Water Borne Black Emerald
  
• Wald International Sports Line Black Bison Edition
  
• Lighting by Premium Sound & Security, Inc.
  

  INTERIOR
  

• Materials and stitching by Garcia's Auto Interiors
  
• Trim and accent pieces by Hired Gun Paint Werks
  
• Fizz Autosports: Accessories - Junction Produce
  
• Lighting by Premium Sound & Security, Inc
  

  
  

  2010 SEMA Show - Lexus GS 450h by 0-60 Magazine
  

  WHEELS/TIRES
  

  • Rays Engineering, Volk Racing TE37 SL, mold formed forged racing wheels
  

  • 18 x 9.5 front and rear, gunmetal
  

  • Continental Racing Slicks, 275/35/18 front and rear
  

  BRAKES
  

  • Brembo Gran Turismo high performance brakes
  

  • 6-piston custom painted calipers, 14.0-inch x 1.3-inch 2-piece drilled rotors, front
  

  • 4-piston custom painted calipers, 13.6-inch x 1.1-inch 2-piece drilled rotors, rear
  

  SUSPENSION
  

  • TEIN USA Super Racing Coilovers
  

  • Advanced Mono tube construction, external reservoir tanks, individual 16-way compression, full in-car damping force adjustment via Tein EDFC
  

  • F Sport front and rear sway bars
  

  EXHAUST
  

  • GReddy Performance custom Titanium Race exhaust system
  

  EXTERIOR
  

  • Voltex Carbon GT Wing with Evasive Motorsports custom carbon end plates
  

  • Evasive Motorsports rear diffuser and front splitter with custom carbon work
  

  • Voltex Carbon twin front canards
  

  • Custom Carbon 5-piece body kit with front lip, side skirts, rear window spoiler
  

  • Balistek Autobody Matte White paint
  

  • Graphics/Vinyl Work - S and A Designs
  

  INTERIOR
  

  • Sparco USA Rev Plus lightweight racing seat, racing steering wheel, quick release hub, racing belts/harnesses, fire extinguisher, racing shift knob
  

  • Defi Sports Cluster
  

  • TEIN EDFC
  

  • GReddy gauges
  

  • Design Craft Fabrication racing spec roll cage, custom suede interior, custom carbon panels and covers
  

  MISC
  

  • Genesis Technologies Racing Air Jack system
  

  • Motul – Motor Oil, Brake Fluid
  

  
  

  2010 SEMA Show - Lexus HS 250h by VIP Auto Salon
  

  WHEELS/TIRES
  

  • Work Gnosis GS4 machined center disc, gloss bronze anodized outer barrel
  

  • 20x8.5-inch, ET30 A disc, front
  

  • 20x9.5-inch ET35 A disc, rear
  

  • Yokohama S. drive
  

  • 225/35/20 front
  

  • 255/30/20 rear
  

  SUSPENSION
  

  • Custom suspension provided by Vip Auto Salon and Tanabe
  

  EXHAUST
  

  • Branew axle back system
  

  EXTERIOR
  

  • Branew aero styling package with front and rear lip spoiler, rocker panels, roof and trunk spoiler and replacement sport fenders
  

  • Custom gray/black paint sprayed by Finish Line Auto Craft
  

  • Huper Optik Ceramic based window film 50 percent by STM
  

  • Lexus OEM Japan-market window visors
  

  INTERIOR
  

  • Custom interior by Vip Auto Salon and Top Stitch
  

  LIGHTING
  

  • Exterior and interior premium light packages provided by VLEDS
  

  
  

  2010 SEMA Show - Lexus LS 600h L by VIP Auto Salon
  

  WHEELS/TIRES
  

  • WALD Mahora M11c, machined black polish
  

  • 21x9-inch, ET33, front
  

  • 21x10-inch, ET40, rear
  

  • Pirelli P Zero Nero
  

  • 245/35/21 front
  

  • 285/30/21 rear
  

  BRAKES
  • Brembo high performance front brake kit with 15-inch disk and 6-piston monoblock calipers
  

  SUSPENSION
  • Custom air suspension provided by Universal Air
  

  EXHAUST
  • Performance Tube Systems Joe Z Series axle back exhaust system
  

  EXTERIOR
  • WALD aero styling package with front and rear lip spoiler, rocker panels, roof and trunk spoiler and replacement sport fenders
  • Custom PPG Hue of Macadamia paint sprayed by Finish Line Auto Craft
  • Huper Optik ceramic-based window film 50 percent by STM
  • Lexus OEM Japan-market window visors
  

  INTERIOR
  • Custom interior by Vip Auto Salon and Top Stitch
  

  LIGHTING
  • Exterior and interior premium light packages provided by VLEDS
  

  
  

  2010 SEMA Show - Lexus LS 600h L by Fox Marketing
  

  WHEELS/TIRES
  

  • Rotiform 20x9.5-inch concave BLQ wheels with candy copper finish, front
    
  • Rotiform 20x10.5-inch concave BLQ wheels with candy copper finish, rear
    
  • Toyo T1R 255/35/22, front
    
  • Toyo T1R 265/35/20, rear
    
  • Yonaka Tuner lug nuts
    

  BRAKES
  

  • Lexus/SSBC Modified
    
    • 6-piston calipers, 14.1-inch rotors, front
      
    • 4-piston calipers, 13.2-inch rotors, rear
      

  SUSPENSION
  

  • Factory air ride suspension
    
  • Custom controller – Adjust ride height from 0 – 4 inches
    

  EXTERIOR
  

  • BASF Glasurit 90 Line Glacier Green paint
    
  • BASF Glasurit 90 Line Satin Black accents
    
  • Artisan Spirit front bumper, front fenders, side skirts, rear bumper, dual HID fog lights, light bar, roof wing, rear deck wing
    
  • Color-keyed door handles
    
  • Satin black Lexus logos
    
  • Smoked rear taillights
    

  INTERIOR
  

  • BASF Glasurit 90 Line Glacier Green and Glasurit Black painted interior parts
    
  • Accentz 15 percent window tint
    
  • Rear night shades