Meguiar’s will be heading to SEMA this year with this custom two-tone Lexus CT 200h. While it’s not exactly the crazy project one would expect from a SEMA display car, the 2012 CT 200h serves a purpose as a proper marketing tool for Meguiar’s.

The yellow and black two-tone scheme is inspired by Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash and Wax product line, giving the CT 200h clearly defined body lines. The glossy paint comes courtesy of Glasurit Paint Systems while the Rotiform BLQ wheels with Falken Tires are also done in a nice black finish, providing a nice black/yellow/black theme to the project. Handling suspension duties is a set of coilovers from CKS, while the interior got a proper suede treatment with contrasting yellow stitching.

Autoguide will be sure to stop by the Meguiar’s booth to take a look at this hybrid project in person next week.

[Source: Jon Sibal]

GALLERY: Meguiar’s Lexus CT 200h

Lexus has announced its plans for the 2012 CT 200h model, adding a new car and the F Sport Package as an option to buyers. The F Sport Package originally debuted last year at the Australian International Auto Show (seen above) and will feature F Sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels in a high-gloss finish, mesh front grille, metal front scuff plates, perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, and metallic trim on the dash panel. Options for seats include black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats.

Unfortunately Lexus didn’t release any photos of the F Sport package available for the 2012 CT 200h, but most of its parts are featured in the photos released last year. Also for the 2012 model, Lexus has integrated its Vehicle Proximity Notification System to warn pedestrians of its existence. New to 2012 is the color Nebula Gray Pearl, which replaces the Smoky Granite Mica from 2012.

No pricing details were released on the 42-mpg hybrid luxury sedan, but it’s nice to see the F Sport package will be readily available to enthusiasts wanting a little more fun from their hybrid.

GALLERY: Lexus CT 200h F Sport (from 2010 Australian International Auto Show)

Lexus of Australia is using the Australian International Motor Show to gauge interest in a sportier CT200h packed with aerodynamic and performance enhancements to the hybrid hathback. The CT200h Concept was inspired by the Gazoo Racing Nürburgring CT race car, and could feature elements that Lexus may introduce into the local Australian market.

The CT200h Concept includes a quad exhaust, full body kit with rear diffuser, 18-inch wheels and a modified suspension that lowers the CT200h by 0.8-inches. Under the hood is the 2.4L engine that was used in the Nürburgring CT race car, (and is also shared with the HS250h where it makes 187-hp compared to the CT’s 134-hp). This is the strongest hint yet that there’s a more powerful CT200h on the horizon. After all, Lexus has already trademarked the CT300h badge.

GALLERY: Nürburgring Inspired Lexus CT 200h Concept

[Source: Lexus Enthusiast]

Click here to read AutoGuide’s 2011 Lexus CT200h review

The population of hybrids is on the rise globally, and Toyota/Lexus seems to be leading the pack. While it might not be the only company that manufactures and sells hybrids, their models are by far the most popular.

According to Toyota/Lexus, they have sold just over 3.03-million hybrid vehicles as of February 28, 2011. Since nearly all Toyota and Lexus vehicles have a hybrid version, it’s not hard to see why, although the Prius is the stand-alone segment leader.

Now it seems that the number of hybrids will grow even further, with the introduction of a new version of the Prius coming later this year, along with the new Lexus CT200h.

So have you caught the hybrid bug yet? Let us know in the comments below.

Press release after the jump:

Continue Reading…

It’s truly amazing what the Internet has enabled companies to do in terms of marketing their products. The advent of Adobe Flash technology and truly interactive experiences allows users to immerse themselves and forget that they’re actually being sold a product.

Lexus has taken one of these approaches with their new CT 200h viral marketing idea, which comes down as a choose your own adventure game. You assist Tony, the driver, in trying to keep the CT200h out of the criminal’s hands who wish to steal the hybrid technology. Why they just don’t go and buy their own, we’re not sure. But hey, the game is set in a nice thriller movie-like atmosphere and the overall production is impressive. It’s clear that Lexus spent quite a few dollars in producing it and hopefully it’ll be a success for them.

Check it out at the source if you have the time to spare, there’s no way to pause the experience. Be patient while it loads, like all Flash-based websites, it’s decent size. Now too bad Apple isn’t a Flash lover, Lexus is missing out on all the possible iPhone, iPad consumers that are environmentally-conscious.

Get more Lexus CT200h info at CT200hForums.com

[Source: Lexus Dark Ride]

The main attraction at the Lexus booth at the Geneva Auto Show is the CT200h, a hybrid hatchback from Toyota’s luxury division, aimed squarely at the European marketplace. It aims to compete against vehicles like the Volvo C30, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, but will be the first full hybrid in the premium compact segment.

Power comes from a version of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system using a 1.8-liter VVT-i 4-cylinder, however, Toyota has yet to announce any engine output numbers. A similar setup used in the Prius makes just 134-hp, but we’re hoping for something closer to the HS250’s 187-hp. Lexus claims a fully electric range of 1.2 miles in EV mode at speeds up to 28 mph, while driver’s can also select Normal or Sport driving modes. The CT200h is a front-wheel drive model and runs 17-inch wheels.

The interior is certainly of a reasonably premium level, with some typical Toyota hybrid touches like the small gear shifter and push button ignition. The dash is divided into two “zones” with a Display Zone for vehicle information (which includes an 8-inch LCD screen) and an Operation Zone, which includes the Lexus Remote Touch mouse control.

As a hatchback, Lexus rates the car’s storage capacity at roughly 12 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total of 25 cubic feet with those seats folded flat.

Designed specifically for Europe, Lexus has announced this new model will be offered world-wide.

GALLERY: Lexus CT200h

A collection of amateur spy photos have emerged online showing what appears to be a production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept, which first debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year. With a slightly less aggressive style, a new rear hatch and some OEM-equipment wheels, it is likely that Lexus is preparing this new model for an official debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

The LF-Ch is intended as a competitor to the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Volvo C30 and the upcoming Mercedes C-Class Coupe. Initially designed just for Europe, Lexus brought the concept to both the Tokyo Auto Show and LA Auto Show to gauge interest in those markets.

Thanks to patent filings by Lexus, the car is believed to be called the CT200h, signifying a hybrid. The concept version was also a hybrid although Lexus did not give any official details on what sort of engine. We expect it to be a version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive found in the HS250h, or possibly a smaller Prius-sized engine.

For more images, see the link below:

[Source: Autoblog]

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

Toyota has said it will unveil a new hybrid concept car at the Detroit Auto Show, and according to recent reports it will be a subcompact and will go on sale in 2012. Two teaser photos of the car most certainly show a small car and now the Detroit News is reporting that as a subcompact it will slot in underneath the Prius in Toyota’s lineup.

The car will debut in concept form on January 11th at the Detroit Auto Show but has already been given the green light for production, with sales beginning in early 2012 in North America.

There is a possibility that this new subcompact hybrid will use the Prius name, as it already has a strong following and has become the most recognizable name in hybrids.

Toyota’s current subcompact is the Yaris, but it is not known if this new model will use the same basic architecture. It will, however, most certainly undercut the Honda Insight and is likely to get better fuel economy that the Honda hybrid. (Honda is expected to deliver a hybrid subcompact in the near future as well). Some reports have suggested it could use more powerful lithium-ion batteries, but we have to think Toyota will first debut that technology on the Prius plug-in hybrid.

In addition to this news, the Detroit News is reporting that a premium Lexus hybrid hatchback, based on the LF-Ch concept, is being fast tracked to market. It is expected to be called the CT200h.

GALLERY: Toyota Hybrid Concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

Lexus continues to probe the U.S. market to see if it is ready and willing to accept a premium hatchback model. At the LA Auto Show, Toyota’s luxury division is displaying the LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept that the company first introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Lexus has confirmed the model will inspire a production model but company representatives initially insisted it would only be offered in Europe. Now execs in the U.S. are openly commenting that if there is interest, the car could see dealerships by as early as 2012. Lexus has already confirmed that the car will see production in Europe in 2011.

While the LF-Ch concept is a hybrid, recent reports suggest the production model might not be. However, Lexus has applied for a patent on the name CT200h – which certainly sounds like a hybrid to us.

In production form the LF-Ch would compete against vehicles like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3 and Volvo C30.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Debut in LA

Rumors that a Lexus might bring a premium hatchback model to North America have been swirling since the automaker first introduced us to the LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show a few months back. Toyota’s luxury arm then stoked those flames by announcing that the premium hybrid hatchback concept would be shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Now a company exec has confirmed Lexus is using this showing, as well as one a month later at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, to gauge the public’s interest.

In an interview with TheDetroitBureu, Lexus General Manager Mark Templin said that if response is favorable, then a production model could see dealerships by as early as 2012. A model based on the LF-Ch is already confirmed for European Lexus dealerships for 2011.

Templin also said that while the car would be premium and come with plenty of high-tech goodies, it would not be cheap. He pointed to a more European-style buyer that is emerging in North America, that doesn’t necessarily equate luxury with size. He even said that in the future Lexus would look at even smaller luxury cars, but ones priced beyond the ES or IS.

Word hat the LF-Ch would become a production reality in the U.S. first emerged when it was confirmed that Lexus has registered the CT200h name – which presumably stands for a compact touring (read wagon or hatchback) model with roughly 200-hp and a hybrid setup . Surprisingly, however, Templin said that despite the focus on a hybrid model, it is likely the car would launch with a conventional gasoline engine.

GALLERY: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

[Source: TheDetroitBureau]