Lexus CT200h (2011)

Lexus has revealed prices for its new CT200h - and they're pretty punchy. The base CT200h clocks in at £23,485, rising to a startling £30,635 for the SE-L Premier. Lexus says it's the first sporty hybrid, but can the new CT really woo drivers out of their cheaper Audis and BMWs? 

The CT200h is aimed squarely at the A3 and 1-series, but comes with just one drivetrain for now. The Lexus uses Prius hardware, so there's a 1.8-litre petrol mated to an electric motor to produce 134bhp - enough for the 1420kg CT200h to hit 62mph in 10.3sec.

It's a unique selling point in this market.

How does the Lexus CT200h measure up to German rivals?

The blunt truth is it looks expensive. Starting at £23,485, the CT200h is pricier than the cheapest BMW 1-series diesel, the 116d, which starts at £20,575. It's way more expensive than the ageing Audi A3 1.6 TDI, which costs £18,700.

You've got to really want your hybrid tech when you consider the cleanest Audi A3 diesel emits just 99g/km of CO2 and averages a claimed 74.2mpg. The Lexus CT200h emits a lowly 92g/km and hits a combined 68.9mpg.

The 116d trails with 118g/km and 70.6mpg.

When can I buy a Lexus CT200h?

The hybrid hatch is on sale now, with first deliveries in early 2011.

source : http://www.carmagazine.co.uk

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Lexus LFA Nurburgring

Lexus hasn’t even started production of the LFA supercar yet, but it’s already unveiled a limited edition version – the Lexus LFA Nurburgring. Built to celebrate the LFA’s entry into the 2010 Nurburgring 24 Hours race, just 50 versions of this track-focussed supercar will be made.

How special is this special Lexus LFA Nurburgring?

The tweaks and changes aren’t radical: the front-mounted 4.8-litre V10 has 10 bhp more (up to 562bhp) and the automated manual ‘box now shifts quicker (gear changes are down from 0.2 to 0.15 seconds) though the 3.7sec 0-62mph time and 202mph top speed remain the same.

Other revisions include a larger carbon-reinforced plastic front spoiler, side sills and a big fixed rear wing (claimed to increase downforce), while the suspension has been tweaked and the new alloys feature higher-grip tyres.

Just 50 cars will be made (within the total production run of 500 LFAs) and buyers will be offered the chance to spend a day at the ‘Ring receiving one-to-one track tuition. They all receive a 365-day pass to the Nordschleife too.

Lexus is claiming the Nurburgring-spec LFA is ‘aimed at hardcore track driving enthusiasts’ but we doubt there'll ever go near a circuit.

source : http://www.carmagazine.co.uk

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