CT Umbra by NonDesigns

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending a pre-launch event for the Lexus CT 200h, themed ‘The Darker Side of Green’. The CT 200h will be Lexus’ latest hybrid to hit the North American market, which I suppose is why they’re promoting this vehicle to the young, college educated professionals who made up the majority of party-goers. Of course, the actual car was nowhere to be seen, with the major attraction being a debate over the existence of climate change, moderated by none other than comedian Tracy Morgan. The closest thing to an actual car attendees saw was a life-sized artistic rendering called the CT Umbra. This show piece was actually a very nice touch considering how much of a joke the so-called debate was (due in part to poor audio). Eric Bates (executive editor of Rolling Stone magazine), representing climate change believers looked like he’d just gotten off the red eye or had a sedative slipped in his tequila. Meanwhile Christopher Monckton (the Third Viscount Monckton of Brenchley-whatever that means in the UK), the climate change denier, was obviously working the audience and seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly.  It’s unlikely that either man made a lasting impression on onlookers, but it was a joke after all – like I said, the debate was moderated by Tracy Morgan.

Are we still debating the merits of climate change science even after the science and the researchers involved in the ‘climategate’ controversy were cleared of wrong-doing (to the dismay of one Wall Street Journal columnist)? And, even if climate change is not as serious as the science is saying it is, wouldn’t it be nice to live in a cleaner world with fresher air and water anyway – a world where we don’t have to pay tremendous costs for foreign fossil fuels?  The point of hybrid cars like the Lexus CT 200h is arguably to help us improve the quality of our planet and I don’t think anybody can effectively argue with that aim. The more I think about it , I wonder what was the point of this pre-launch event. Is the fact that this upcoming Lexus is a hybrid that big of a deal? There are already plenty of hybrids available and there’s no chance that this little Lex is going to steal the show that the Nissan LEAF and the Chevy Volt are currently running. It might have made made more sense to celebrate the fact that this luxury hybrid is a hatchback (5-door) – a style that other luxury brands don’t seem to believe can appeal to American car buyers. The merits of producing luxury hatchbacks for the US market might have been a more riveting debate topic and the theme for the event could have been “Baby’s Got Back”. I think all attendees could have happily toasted their complimentary Patron to that. Of Course, LexusDarkRide.com is better name for a promotional microsite than LexusGotBack.com (and a lot less misleading), so Lexus must have some idea of what they’re doing.

For a more detailed account of the climate change debate read this NY Times post:
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/a-lively-debate-on-climate-change/#more-64274

An unknown photographer has captured recent spy shots of what looks like a production version of the Lexus LF-CH. Acclaimed by many, this 5 door luxury compact has been designed with European drivers in mind, and is seen as a competitor to popular BMW and Audi models.

Based on these photos, which were taken from the rear and show the car under a layer of plastic wrap, the LF-CH that will be seen on highways as early as 2012 will have a slightly more subdued look than what was unveiled at auto shows three years earlier. So now that we know more about what this vehicle might look like, some may already be salivating over this hatchback. But, a word of warning; you may not want to build up your LF-CH hopes high yet.

There are still big questions, besides what this supposed production LF-CH looks like unwrapped and from other angles. Will the hybrid power plant that accompanied the LF-CH concept to the 2009 auto shows be seen in the 2012 production model? Is this going to be a limited release, in the spirit of the upcoming LFA? And, most importantly, will this sporty hatchback be sold in North America or will Lexus tease US and Canadians by making this a Euro only model?

From what I’ve heard, there is serious doubt that the Lexus LF-CH will be seen on this side of the Pacific, though Toyota is expected to incorporate a lot of the concept’s features into models for this market. This is all speculation for now. It’s still possible that Lexus will attempt to establish itself in the luxury hatchback market that European carmakers don’t seem to believe is sizeable enough to target. So, don’t give up hope on purchasing the American designed Lexus LF-CH from American (or Canadian) dealers.

Click here for spy photos of possible production Lexus LF-CH

NAFTC

I wanted to alert our readers on a fascinating program that is underway concerning the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion systems at NAFTC. The NAFTC (National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium) recently implemented state-of-the-art hybrid vehicle training for technicians, instructors and other interested participants. Over the few months several NAFTC member instructors from throughout the U.S. will attend a five day “train-the-trainer course”, held in locations nationwide, certifying them to conduct the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems course in their own schools and local communities.

Through lectures and hands-on exercises, participants gained a deeper understanding of hybrid electric vehicles, and they are now NAFTC approved to relay this knowledge to others. Tom Berryman, the Director for Automotive Programming at Lawson State CC believes that the spreading of this knowledge should be a priority. “If we want to lessen our dependence on other countries from oil and, to be truly innovative and self-sufficient, we need to spread this knowledge throughout our communities.”

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

The new 2010 Lexus RX450h retains all the characteristics that have contributed to the immense success of the RX350. These include remarkable styling, luxurious comfort, and great roominess among other appealing features. With essentially the same powertrain as the previous RX400h, the second-generation RX hybrid gains some displacement and horsepower from the combined system, resulting in a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 295 hp.

The all-wheel drive model utilizes three electric motors; one starter that recaptures braking energy and two others that drive the front and rear wheels. The RX450h weighs only 382 pounds more than the RX350, allowing it an EPA city/highway rating of 30/28 mpg. With responsive steering, an incredibly smooth ride, and an interior of the highest quality, there are hardly any striking lows about this Lexus, except perhaps the noteworthy price premium.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Lexus is going where no other car manufacturer has gone before. The 2010 Lexus HS250 Hybrid will be the industry’s first dedicated luxury hybrid. Powered by the Camry hybrid’s Atkinson-cycle, 2.4-liter unit producing 147 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, along with a nickel-metal hybrid battery pack and electric motor that add another 40 horsepower, the 3740-pound HS250 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Although 0-60 acceleration is 1.4 seconds quicker than the Toyota Prius, the HS does not come close in terms of fuel economy with EPA city/highway ratings of 35/34 mpg, compared to the 51/48 figures of the Prius. In addition, it lacks the quietness that Lexus owners are accustomed to. Still, the long list of standard features which include a “lane-keep assist” feature, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, and swiveling headlamps, as well as a stylish interior with slick color combinations, will surely appeal to those seeking a car with Lexus quality and more efficiency.

2010 HS 250h:

Lexus has unveiled the world’s first luxury hybrid car – the 2010 HS 250h. The all-new HS 250h sedan gets a redefined exhaust recovery system to ensure up to 30% better fuel efficiency with minimal engine warm-up time. Inside is the sophisticated Eco Plastics “cockpit of the future”,reinforcing Lexus’s commitment to luxury, comfort, and environment-friendly motoring.

Let’s take a closer look:

2010 HS 250h Interior:

Front View:

Rear View:

Images: CARandDRIVER