New Lexus Hybrid: CT 200h (42 MPG) Updated with F-sport Debut
09-09-09, 01:23 PM
#151
I'm going to have to take back my previous statements. It's certainly not boring, but it's certainly not a step forward for Lexus design in any way whatsoever. It looks like an IS hatch, which is nice because the IS is the best looking car in the lineup, but it's also a three-year-old design. Basically everything from the C-pillar forward looks like IS with a body kit :/ Three years later, and we see a concept for a car that looks basically like a hatch version of the IS. I really wish we could see something new and fresh from Lexus. Again, it's a great looking car... but it's nothing new.
09-09-09, 01:38 PM
#152
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I'm going to have to take back my previous statements. It's certainly not boring, but it's certainly not a step forward for Lexus design in any way whatsoever. It looks like an IS hatch, which is nice because the IS is the best looking car in the lineup, but it's also a three-year-old design. Basically everything from the C-pillar forward looks like IS with a body kit :/ Three years later, and we see a concept for a car that looks basically like a hatch version of the IS. I really wish we could see something new and fresh from Lexus. Again, it's a great looking car... but it's nothing new.
Expect something new when Lexus comes up with the next design theme after L-finesse.
09-09-09, 01:53 PM
#153
^^^
Exactly, L-finesse is continuing to unfold, after the initial IS/GS/LS introductions (phase 1), then the more subtle refresh/evolution of the RX/HS/etc (phase 2), and now the CT/LFA (phase 3). The first phase was the best, the second phase more tame, and now it seems with the CT, they are moving towards a more emotional style (that front end certainly has an expression!). I'm glad they haven't dropped L-finesse because it helps build a consistent brand identity.
The photos show an interesting design, I am most pleased to see more character from the rear angle, which is something that Lexus hasn't always put a lot of interest in. The side view is nice, I like the chrome on the aft window; the front end seems to scowl a bit much though, and the front bumper could be tamed a bit (but not the overall design). The interior seems a bit too CS-concept, but if they move it towards the HS style with the pop-up screen, but more 1IS racer, that would be great.
I hope they bring that panoramic roof to production, and for that matter bring more panoramic roofs to Lexus models besides the ES!
Exactly, L-finesse is continuing to unfold, after the initial IS/GS/LS introductions (phase 1), then the more subtle refresh/evolution of the RX/HS/etc (phase 2), and now the CT/LFA (phase 3). The first phase was the best, the second phase more tame, and now it seems with the CT, they are moving towards a more emotional style (that front end certainly has an expression!). I'm glad they haven't dropped L-finesse because it helps build a consistent brand identity.
The photos show an interesting design, I am most pleased to see more character from the rear angle, which is something that Lexus hasn't always put a lot of interest in. The side view is nice, I like the chrome on the aft window; the front end seems to scowl a bit much though, and the front bumper could be tamed a bit (but not the overall design). The interior seems a bit too CS-concept, but if they move it towards the HS style with the pop-up screen, but more 1IS racer, that would be great.
I hope they bring that panoramic roof to production, and for that matter bring more panoramic roofs to Lexus models besides the ES!
09-09-09, 02:36 PM
#154
True but it's not like the GS, LS, RX, etc etc looks exactly alike. The CTh has the exact same V hood lines/triangular-ish headlamps etc etc etc. Especially in dumbed-down production form i feel like this will look WAY closer to the IS than any of the other L-Finesse cars do to each other
09-09-09, 03:04 PM
#155
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True but it's not like the GS, LS, RX, etc etc looks exactly alike. The CTh has the exact same V hood lines/triangular-ish headlamps etc etc etc. Especially in dumbed-down production form i feel like this will look WAY closer to the IS than any of the other L-Finesse cars do to each other
It really is hard to do. I find "Seat" to have some of the best looking hatches and I found the last gen and current Focus RS hatch to be sensational.
09-09-09, 03:35 PM
#156
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and, when I saw the first blue rendering of the Lexus LF-Ch, I made this comment on a my.IS Front Page story I wrote: "And does that white "< " shape in the C-pillar behind the greenhouse simply denote some "L-Finesse" sculpturing or does it indicate a wraparound rear window reminiscent of the SEAT Toledo? (this author certainly hopes that it's the former...)." Yet, it turned out to be the latter. Here's the SEAT Toledo rear window:
Fortunately, Lexus' execution on the LF-Ch is far nicer than SEAT's in this case...
09-09-09, 03:43 PM
#158
After the release of the ISF and ISC, I have faith again in Lexus' production designs. Surely the production version of the CTh will not be just like this but it will be good, only thing I' worried about is the interior quality that is suffering as each car rolls out the factory.
Lexus really needs to put back quality materials into the interior.
Lexus really needs to put back quality materials into the interior.
09-09-09, 05:51 PM
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Official LF-Ch pics from the Toyota Pressroom:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/l...spx?ncid=16052
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/l...spx?ncid=16052
Last edited by bitkahuna; 09-09-09 at 11:32 PM.
09-09-09, 06:08 PM
#163
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LF-Ch Concept Officially Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...urt-debut.html
After several teaser images, Lexus has finally released a full selection of exterior and interior images of the LF-Ch Concept, which will officially debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 15th and head into production next year.
Set to compete in the premium compact segment against cars like the Volvo C30, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, this new Lexus hatchback will be the only hybrid in the segment. Lexus isn’t saying anything about the hybrid system yet, however, and there’s no guarantee they will when the concept debuts in Frankfurt. Lexus has filed for patents on several new names, including CT200h, which seems to indicate the car will come with a hybrid powertrain similar to the one in the HS250h.
The entire design for the LF-Ch evokes Lexus’s L-Finesse design language. While the exterior is definitely sporty with oversized rims, an aggressive stance, LED headlights and plenty of jagged lines, the interior might just be more impressive. This is no Prius. Inside there are equally as many hard and sharp lines with a sporty steering wheel (featuring paddle shifters), as well as a DVD/Navigation system that pops out of the dash. There is even a version of Lexus’s Remote Touch feature, as seen on the RX450h.
Set to compete in the premium compact segment against cars like the Volvo C30, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3, this new Lexus hatchback will be the only hybrid in the segment. Lexus isn’t saying anything about the hybrid system yet, however, and there’s no guarantee they will when the concept debuts in Frankfurt. Lexus has filed for patents on several new names, including CT200h, which seems to indicate the car will come with a hybrid powertrain similar to the one in the HS250h.
The entire design for the LF-Ch evokes Lexus’s L-Finesse design language. While the exterior is definitely sporty with oversized rims, an aggressive stance, LED headlights and plenty of jagged lines, the interior might just be more impressive. This is no Prius. Inside there are equally as many hard and sharp lines with a sporty steering wheel (featuring paddle shifters), as well as a DVD/Navigation system that pops out of the dash. There is even a version of Lexus’s Remote Touch feature, as seen on the RX450h.
