With the launch of the new CT200h Lexus expects to grow the premium compact segment considerably says Lexus VP Mark Templin. Targeted sales in the U.S. are set at 1,000 units, which while miniscule compared to many other Lexus products, would represent a 70 percent growth in the segment. Currently the CT’s competitors (the BMW...
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For the first time ever, Lexus will offer a selection of F-Sport performance accessories for a hybrid model – the CT200h. While it’s not designed to be a high-performance model, the CT is being billed as a driver’s hybrid; retaining the trademark Lexus ride quality while also offering a dynamic driving experience. And that’s just...
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Lexus is taking a close look at even more efficient versions of its new CT200h premium compact hybrid, while hinting that a high-performance version of the car is in the works. During a product presentation of the CT200h at the car’s global launch just outside Paris, France, Lexus College manager Paul Williamsen went out of...
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According to a slew of new rumors Honda is considering several options of how to expand its product lineup while focusing on both sports cars and hybrids – or should we say sports cars that are hybrids. Sources tell the team at Road & Track that one model under consideration is a convertible version of...
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A controversial Chinese government plan that would force foreign automakers to surrender their electric vehicle technology in exchange for being able to sell vehicles in the world’s largest auto-market is drawing the ire of automakers worldwide. China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is currently writing up a 10-year plan designed to transform the country...
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Porsche will again move forward with plans to build a new entry-level sports car, as well as a smaller SUV, while expanding its hybrid technology in the years to come. As its own entity, proposals for the baby-Boxster and smaller Cayenne were both axed, but under the new Volkswagen management the cases have been reexamined...
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Mercedes parent company Daimler AG is in talks with Toyota over using the Japanese automaker’s hybrid technology. If a deal is struck, it would see Toyota provide Daimler with electric motors, batteries and technology. Toyota has declined to comment on the report but has reiterated an earlier stance that it will consider requests from other...
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After signing a pact to develop electric cars in April, Daimler has announced that they will expand their alliance with Renault-Nissan, as automakers scramble to bring alternative fuel vehicles to the market. According to Daimler research chief Thomas Weber, the company’s partnership “will be expanded to include all three partners as far as electric motors,...
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Toyota has released a selection of details on its product roll-out strategy as the Japanese automaker looks to move away from its damaged safety reputation and put the focus back on products. Specifically, Toyota wants to recharge its hybrid brand amidst an influx of electric vehicles (like the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf) hitting the...
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Ferrari‘s next supercar and the successor to the Enzo will use hybrid technology. “That car will incorporate the state of the art of our knowledge in terms of increasing performances while reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It will then influence all Ferraris that appear after it,” said Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo in an interview...
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Toyota is planning to introduce a new lineup of budget-oriented sporty vehicles, but don’t get too excited. While it is possible that there’s a larger plan for the FT-86/FR-S and a rumors of a rear-drive hot-hatch, it’s more likely that Toyota is instead planning “sporty” versions of existing cars. Earlier this year the Japanese auto...
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Jaguar will showcase an all new concept model at the upcoming Paris Auto Show that will inspire future models, including the next XK. According to AutoCar, the sports car concept will be close in size to the current XK but will depart dramatically from past Jags. Inspiration for the car is believed to come from...
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Lotus is certainly getting the reaction they wanted in the lead-up to the Paris Auto Show, with rumors continuing to swirl. In fact, it’s quite possible the Lotus display will be the biggest news out of the major automotive event. According to a report by AutoWeek, the British sports car maker will debut a modern...
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Along with three new Nissan models, the Japanese automaker is also planning to showcase another trio of debuts for its premium Infiniti brand at the LA Auto Show later this year. Included in the list are the Infiniti M Hybrid, the G25 Sedan and the IPL G Coupe. The M Hybrid uses Infiniti’s 3.5-liter V6...
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After officially debuting the car at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year, Lexus will release full details and specifications on the CT200h, the world’s first premium hybrid compact, at the upcoming Paris Auto Show. Info set to be released includes expected fuel economy numbers as well as performance stats and pricing. To date, Lexus...
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We’re going to go ahead and apologize in advanced for finding humor in the entire concept and video, but the Toyota Prius out in Japan just got itself a $150 option to install a speaker that emits sound in order to warn nearby pedestrians a hybrid is on its way. There are all sorts of...
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An unknown builder is currently fabricating up a mid-engine Honda CR-Z, sporting a completely custom widebody and carbon fiber doors. While it may just be a concept car for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, some rumors are hinting that this Honda CR-Z might be being built for the Japanese SuperGT racing series, competing in the...
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Honda has unveiled their Jazz Hybrid, which is sold as the Fit here in North America. We won’t be getting the Fit Hybrid in our part of the world, but it doesn’t look like we’re missing out on much. With mileage comparable to a CR-Z, and a nearly $5,000 premium over a regular Fit, the...
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In response to rumors that Honda‘s Canadian division would axe the low-selling Insight and Civic Hybrid, Honda Canada has issued a statement confirming plans to continue sales of the two models… for now. We contacted Honda Canada and received a message from PR boss Richard Jacobs confirming the models for the future, but the “official...
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Canadians are more likely to go electric when buying a new car compared to Americans, says research from a new study. Conducted by Synovate, a global market research firm, the company polled 1,800 new car buyers in the U.S. and 800 new car buyers in Canada. The study dealt with current petroleum based power-trains (internal...
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Honda may drop both the Civic Hybrid and the Insight from its lineup in Canada. According to a recent report by Monvolant, the two hybrids will be eliminated from the product plan – likely in response to dismally poor sales. This would then leave the new CR-Z as the only hybrid in Honda Canada’s lineup....
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Shown for the first time in North America over the weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, we’re now learning more about Porsche‘s plans for the production version of it’s incredible 918 Spider. First unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show, in concept form is uses a 500-hp 3.4-liter V8 racing engine combined with two electric...
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While good for the environment, hybrid vehicles will not save you money with fewer trips to the gas pump not equal to the increased sticker price. And yet, even as hybrids continue to improve and close the gap on this discrepancy, a new report suggests that additional factors, namely, insurance rates, will drive up the...
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With Toyota‘s sub-compact Yaris having been on the market for what feels like forever, a new model is due out soon. Reports indicate that a concept for the next-gen Yaris will debut at the Detroit Auto Show this January, giving us a better look at the style and size of the new model, which is...
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