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Something became immediately apparent when I recently took a look at Lexus’s current model line-up, and that is they’re trying very hard to add some excitement to their brand. After Lexus released the fantastic LF-A supercar its image changed forever, the only problem is that the LF-A was made in limited numbers and was very expensive. But armed with a new design language and some newfound mojo, Lexus have tried to include some of that magic to some of their more affordable models, and one of them happens to include this new IS 200t Sport. Having been around since 2011, the biggest problem that the Lexus CT 200h had was that it was a bit too inconspicuous. However, with black metallic paint, dark 17-inch wheels, and now carrying Lexus’s spindle grille, the CT 200h’s new look has brought it out from obscurity to decent-looking hatch. So, if the CT 200h was so obscure, what compelled people to actually buy one? To answer that you will have to look at the Toyota Prius. 
Lexus has given a preview of their new RC Coupe, which will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a few weeks’ time. The new RC Coupe borrows some styling traits from the LF-LC concept car, and it will come as either an RC 350 or an RC 300h. The RC 350 is powered with either a 3.5-litre V6 engine, while the RC 300h hybrid will come equipped with a 2.5-litre engine.  With 2012 just days away from ending, we can only hope that 2013 will have as many exciting new cars as this year did. Here is a gallery of 22 cars that made a good first impression. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  The new Lexus LF-CC concept is a preview of a mid-size coupe arriving in the near future – revealed today ahead of its Paris Motor Show unveiling. The LF-CC also gives design cues for other future Lexus models, with its spindle grille being one the biggest standout features. Another unique design feature is the use of three-piece LED projector headlamp units, rather than a more traditional one-piece covered unit. Lexus also say that the shape of the front wings channels air into the engine bay and brakes. Opel Ampera/Chevy Volt  Apart from winning the 2012 Car of the Year award, it’s a plug-in hybrid car that looks good too. The specs? It has a 150hp electric motor along with 370Nm of torque, with a claimed range of up to 80km (50miles) on a fully charged battery pack. Its 1.4-litre engine is there only to power a generator when the battery range is low (the engine doesn’t send power to the wheels at any time) – which then extends the range to 500km. It is expensive though – prices start at CHF 52,900 (around $57,000) in Switzerland. Ferrari F12 Berlinetta  The F12 Berlinetta drew a huge crowd on press day. It was easily one of the most anticipated cars of the show – and with 740hp, it’s easy to see why. Its 6.3-litre V12 engine is the most powerful of any Ferrari road car, which definitely makes it a standout car. However powerful the engine might be, the design might divide opinion – looking a bit similar to the FF at the front. However, all is certainly forgotten as you approach its 212mph top speed.
 If you were never sold on the idea of a hybrid, how about this – the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport.
The Lexus CT 200h F-Sport has the same 134hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine as the Toyota Prius, but with an exterior that has an element of class and desirability to it. The interior is nice as well, thanks to the use of high-quality materials. Despite the effort in design and quality, the standard CT 200h has been criticised for being just another dull hybrid. The new F-Sport attempts to liven up the driving experience by having a new sporty suspension fitted. The new suspension makes use of new Kayaba lateral dampers, as well as changing the coil spring rates. Lexus claim that these changes will make the driving experience more rewarding and make the steering feel more linear, while still maintaining comfort. If you're a big car nut, chances are you've already seen Motortrend's drag race between the Nissan GT-R and the Lexus LFA last year. The Lex won. This time however, Insideline has done a re-match - only now they've got their hands on this year's more powerful GT-R. Check out the videos, they're worth it. Here's Motortrend's video in case you missed it.  Lexus is set to unveil to the public the LFA Nurburgring Package at this year’s Geneva motor show. The Nurburgring Package gives the LFA a race car-like profile thanks to the addition of a rear spoiler, front splitters, and new wheels. Power from the high-revving 4.8 litre V10 has been increased to 562 hp, up by 10 hp, while work has been done to the six-speed sequential gearbox for quicker shift times. Total production of the LFA is limited to just 500 examples, with only 50 of them set aside for the Nurburgring Package.                 After several years of prototypes and test mules howling their way around several race tracks in the world, the final production version of the Lexus LFA has officially shown itself in the metal. The LFA's exterior design has stayed extremely faithful to the concept versions that have been on display at various motorshows in the world. A futuristic design has been favoured over a traditional Italian-esque design. The LFA is also of a front-engine rear-wheel drive layout, rather than a mid-engine and rear wheel drive. With that said, a 4.8l V10 that revs to 9000 rpm, does the job of propelling this supercoupe. The engine is good for 552 bhp @ 8700 rpm, while torque is rated at 480 nm @ 6800 rpm. The V10 then channels its grunt through a six speed manual gearbox operated by steering wheel paddle shifters, and is able to get the LFA from 0-62 mph in 3.7 sec and onto a top speed of 202 mph. Other key aspects include a drag coefficient 0.31, and a kerb weight of around 1480 -1580 kg. Twenty inch BBS wheels wrapped around in Bridgestone tyres are standard, while carbon ceramic disc brakes have the task of slowing the LFA down, which measure 390mm at the front (with 6 piston aluminium callipers) and 306mm at the rear (four pot callipers). The all carbon-fibre LFA will go on sale with a price tag of £336,000 (368,000 Euros) at its UK launch, with a limited production run of only 500 cars. It has only been a few hours since detailed information about the LFA has been released, but it already seems that people in the car enthusiasts community have decided what stands out the most about this car. Its engine. Have a click on the video below, and surely you will agree.         |
