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Lexus reveals spindly CT 200h facelift ahead of Chinese debut

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. So goes the saying, and Lexus seems to be taking it to heart. In addition to the hybrid versions of the Japanese luxury marque's conventional cars, Lexus is intent on offering a dedicated luxury hybrid. The original HS 250h failed to gain traction, so to speak, in the marketplace, and was quickly withdrawn from just about every market but Japan's. Lexus followed up with the CT 200h, exclusively packaging a hybrid powertrain into a premium hatchback form, but while it's been more successful than its predecessor, there's still room for improvement.
That's what Toyota and its premium division are going for with a slightly refreshed take on the CT. Spied completely undisguised (and in F-Sport guise) less than a month ago, the facelifted CT 200h is now confirmed for debut not at the LA Auto Show or the Tokyo Motor Show but at the Guangzhou Motor Show that's set to take place at the same time in China.
Although Lexus hasn't revealed much in the way of details and only two images, it's plain to see that what we're looking at is a mildly refreshed version of the existing CT 200h. The front end is now dominated by the spindle grille that adorns the rest of the Lexus range, flanked by reshaped headlamps. The rear end has been updated as well, but whether the cosmetic changes are joined by any mechanical ones - or, for that matter, if the changes made will be enough to put the hybrid hatchback ahead in the sales curve - remains to be seen.

2016 Lexus RX First Drive [w/video]

There is no more important model line to Lexus than the RX. Year to date, with a replacement on the way, the RX accounts for 28 percent of the brand's sales. It's the undisputed champ of the midsize luxury SUVs, nearly outselling BMW's entire SUV lineup. So when it came time to push a significant update to its best-seller, Lexus put the whole of its engineering might into the challenge. The 2016 RX represents the very best that Lexus is capable of, specifically when its spindle-shaped grille is pointed at its core audience. Starting with the basics, Lexus increased the exterior dimensions. Wheelbase grows just under two inches while overall length goes up by five. But overall interior space remains exactly the same at 139.7 cubic feet. Rear-seat passengers get extra space – head, hip, and legroom all nudge up slightly for 2016 – but it comes at the expense of cargo area, at least on paper. Whereas the 2015 RX offered as much as 80.3 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded, the 2016 model cuts that by a quarter to 56.3 cubes. Lexus representatives say that cargo space is up, and the numerical reduction is due to different measurement methods. The 450h's cargo area is smaller by a negligible half cubic foot due to the location of the car's battery pack. The new RX looks seriously chiseled. RX buyers and their friends enjoying the more spacious back seat are going to look considerably more stylish in 2016. The new RX looks seriously chiseled, with sides creased and cut to the point that there's hardly any flat surfaces. It's hard to pick favorite details, but we really like the upward-kick of the rocker panel. At the front lives Lexus' ubiquitous spindle grille, more exaggerated than ever before and rimmed by a strip of thick chrome. Sharp lines dominate the rest of the fascia, from the slit-like headlights to the arrowhead-shape that surrounds the fog lamps. There is a premium lighting package that includes LED lamps everywhere not to mention awesome sequential turn signal indicators in the taillights. UPDATE: It turns out the awesome sequential turn signal indicators aren't going to be available in the United States, which is a big bummer. If the floating roof looks familiar, that's because you've seen it on the Nissan Murano. Somehow the massive proportions of the trademark Lexus grille is not the most controversial styling element of the new RX.

2023 Lexus LC 500 and LC 500h get updated suspension system

Lexus is making a handful of changes to the LC for the 2023 model year. Again offered as a coupe and as a convertible, the firm's range topper gets an updated suspension system and a new paint color, among other changes, and it costs slightly more than the 2022 model. The most significant changes for 2023 are invisible to the naked eye. Lexus notes its engineers optimized the front and rear suspension to "enhance ground contact feel, linear steering response, and steering effectiveness in the high cornering G range." While the LC is more of a grand tourer than a track-ready sports car, these updates should make it more engaging to drive on a twisty road than the 2022 model. Buyers who prioritize handling can order an optional Sport Package that bundles a limited-slip differential, Yamaha performance dampers, performance brake pads, and Alcantara upholstery. While the package isn't new, it gains 21-inch forged alloy wheels for 2023. The only other visual change is a new color called Cloudburst Gray that Lexus charges $500 for. It bumps the number of available colors up to nine. Finally, every 2023 LC offers a 10-year subscription to the company's connected services. The drop-top LC also benefits from these updates, and it receives a lighter soft top as well as an optional feature called Climate Concierge that adds a few weeks to convertible season by keeping each passenger's upper body warm. The function can even direct warm or cold air to the back of the driver's hands. Lexus is not making mechanical changes to the LC for 2023. Power for the LC 500 comes from a naturally-aspirated, 5.0-liter V8 rated at 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. It spins the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. While that's the LC Convertible's only engine option, the coupe is also offered with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 and rated at 354 horsepower. It shifts through both a CVT and a four-speed automatic. The new model year also brings a small price increase: the LC now starts at $94,600 including a $1,150 destination charge. Pricing for the full range is as follows: LC 500: $94,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500h: $100,600 ($475 more than in 2022) LC 500 Convertible: $102,650 ($475 more than in 2022) On sale now, the 2023 Lexus LC will begin arriving on dealer lots in November 2022.