At the Detroit Motor Show, 2012′s hottest new vehicles were once again on show, with revelations from all the major manufacturers. From the sublime to the ridiculous, cars for every occasion were displayed for all to see – even if many were likely to be out of most people’s price range, and most certainly that of the 5,000 journalists from over 50 different countries that attended.

Still; we can all dream, can’t we?

And, in amongst the gas-guzzlers and status symbols, there were once again electric and hybrid cars from the likes of BMW, General Motors, Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo – to name but a few. And once again these models caused a buzz (quite literally!) and earned huge amounts of media coverage, because electric cars are the new black. Or are they the new Betamax?

Car of the Year 2011 in Detroit was GM’s Chevy Volt – a hybrid. And Nissan’s all-electric Leaf was a close second; both trumpeting the arrival of a brave new world of ecological awareness and herald the electric revolution. Yet both missed their sales targets of 10,000 a year! Admittedly Nissan by a fraction, but the Volt by more than 2,000.

Popular? To put it in perspective, in the same timeframe the Toyota Camry sold over 308,000. (And GM had to also recall Volts for a battery problem fault.)

So, not the best of starts for what is an important time for the fledgling genre. With customers cautiously making their way back to the showrooms post-recession (or even MID-recession!), sales of “alternative power source light vehicles” were up 2.3% in the U.S. last year, compared to an over all 10% rise (according to analysts WardAuto.)

Even the industry is cautious. Sales of hybrids have levelled out and consumers are turning to more fuel-efficient cars rather than gamble on the new electric technology – possibly because of the initial costs of both electric and hybrid cars. Perhaps a case of jam tomorrow? No one has cash to spend right now, and those savings over five years seem an awful long way away.

Ed Hellwig of autoanalysts Edmunds.com says that “consumers will have access to more supply and more choices in alternative-fuel cars than ever in 2012. This could be the year when we see whether this is really ready to go mainstream, or the public just aren’t interested.” And it’s not just at the initial thought process that consumers are wary.

Paul Taylor, chief economist of the National Automobile Dealers Association, said that “People are enthusiastic about hybrid and electric cars but when they see how much they cost, they want to test drive something else.” And that ‘something else’ is the range of fuel-efficient and less thirsty cars that all major companies have developed or are developing alongside the bandwagonesque electrics.

PricewaterhouseCooper’s Autofacts group revealed that more efficient combustion engines are cutting consumption by 15-25% in some vehicles, so competition is fierce – but in reality prices will have to drop eventually and then, possibly, sales will rise.

But no car manufacturer wants to be the first to crack in the game of electric car poker. They’ve all joined in with heavy investments sitting in the middle of the table, and no one wants to be the first to fold or take a gamble and reduce prices. Someone somewhere has to break ranks. But who? And when?

Let’s leave the last word to Anthony Pratt, director of forecasting at car industry analysts Polk. Manufacturers have to be involved in the latest technology. But that technology is in its infancy, and the next five years could be even more challenging.”

The EyesOn Design Award recognises skills and creativity in different areas of design for both concept and production vehicles. Judged by a group of world leading automotive designers and design academics, they look for such qualities as Aesthetics, Innovation, Concept Implementation, Functionality and the Spirit of Industrial Design. They’re their capitals, not mine. Oh yes: That’s how important they see these qualities to be.

And this year, such qualities have seemingly been evoked in the design of the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept, showcased at the Detroit Motor Show (NAIAS).

With this 2+2 coupe, Lexus’s Calty studio in California aimed to explore how a future rendition of Lexus design might take a more “emotive and avant garde approach” as it harnessed new and advanced technologies.

Eagle-eyed Lexus fans might be able to spot elements of the new Lexus GS 450h in the concept – the “spindle” grille shape and the rear architecture are dead giveaways, now that you mention it.

Says Mark Templin, Lexus US Group Vice President and General Manager: “The LF-LC is a striking design and breathtaking in its beauty. The team at Lexus quickly fell in love with this concept vehicle and it’s rewarding to see that the industry agreed. Receiving the EyesOn Design Award is a great start to what promises to be a fantastic year for Lexus.”

Well done, Lexus.

Remember a few weeks ago and Lexus played the awful, awful tease and provided tantalising hints about a new concept?

Details were very thin on the ground, but last week they released some interior shots.

Awful, awful teases!

Now, though, they’re finally showing their hand. We even have a name!

Yes, it’s official – Lexus will unleash a new LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 9.

That’s about it, unfortunately. Yep – they’re still leaving us wanting more.

They’re providing more hints, though – it’s apparently a “further step in the development of Lexus’s design direction”, whatever that means.

Also, Lexus claim that the LF-LC was “crafted…from a clean sheet of paper, ombining high technology and organic shapes to achieve a close connection between driver and car. The concept’s clean lines create a highly distinctive, futuristic look.”

Alright, alright.

I suppose, though, that we’ll have to wait until January before we know more. That’s next year, Lexus! Next year!

In the meantime, though – just look at it.

If you have no interest at all in the Olympics and are the sort who would usually attend the Glastonbury Festival (not happening next year) – then 2012 might not, at this juncture, look too rosy. What is there to look forward to? What?

Well, if you’ve even a passing interest in motoring, then this might be just what you need to make the impending new year seem a little more…Lexus.

You see, those awful, awful teases at Lexus have promised – all in capitals – that they’re going to unveil a new concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 9.

Details, though, are scant to say the least. All they’re revealing so far is that it’s designed by Calty – the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California – and that it “showcases the new design direction embraced by Lexus”.

What new design direction? Are there photos?

Yes. See above. That’s it. I didn’t crop it – honest – that’s all they’re showing us at the moment.

There are some out there, though, who must be in paroxysms of excitement – lathers of joy – at that alone. A part of something magnificent? The start of something beautiful?

On my part, I’m hoping that the sleek red in that photo is to say that it’s a red herring. I’m hoping that, under the skin, this car will be green.

More information, they promise, will follow next week.

Oh, you appalling tease, Lexus!

Are you now excited for 2012? See? Not that bad, is it?

Lexus has been in the automotive game for quite some time. They’ve learned how to build fantastic cars, offering exceptional comfort and class. Constantly innovative, the company has recently revealed the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, a car just waiting for you to drive.

Down to the basics, the all-new Lexus CT200h F-Sport produces 98 bhp with its powerful 1.8-litre petrol engine. Pushing those four cylinders to their maximum capacity, it delivers an impressive 68.9-mpg, along with a modest 94g/km of CO2 emissions, making it exempt from road taxes and saving you money in the long run.

A game changer, this fantastic vehicle looks as good as it drives.  There have been however several external changes from the previous models. Firstly, it has been upgraded to 17-inch alloy wheels, giving it a particularly nice feel. Furthermore, it comes with a revised mesh grille, improved Kayaba bumpers as well as a new spoiler that sets it apart from other cars on the road. The car has also had some upgrades done to the sports dampening system as well as suspension, allowing you to take a smoother journey than any Lexus F-model model before it.

Moving to the interior of the vehicle, the Lexus CT200h F-Sport packs a lot more than the standard car. To begin with you’ll find a cruise control system combined with fully heated leather upholstered seats. If that wasn’t enough than perhaps the electronically retractable mirrors will entice you to take a ride.

The car also comes with a HDD navigation system that will turn you into the envy of the entire neighbourhood. Much like many computerized systems, it comes with touch sensitive controls that allow you to alter everything from the seats to auto-dimming settings.

The all-new Lexus CT200h F-Sport is now available to lease with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Prices start from just £347.95 + VAT a month for the Lexus CT200h 1.8 F-Sport CVT Auto. Standard features on this superb model include:

• Bluetooth Telephone Connectivity
• Cruise Control
• Radio/CD + MP3
• Front Fog Lights
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Privacy Glass
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Sports Suspension
• 17’’ Alloy Wheels

To find out more about the Lexus CT200h F-Sport and to get an instant quotation on any model in the Lexus line-up, simply follow the above links or call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Whenever we think about the future it seems to be filled with extraordinary cars and amazing technological systems. Surpassing anything we have today, many of us visualize a “Minority Report” type vehicle to represent this distant future, gentling whizzing through Britain’s busy streets. Due to a string of serendipitous events such a vehicle is available for purchase, costing as little as an average family car.

Steve Spielberg’s 2002 epic contained many cars but few of them were actually real. The vast majority were created as computer generated images, or CGI, allowing for greater film malleability. A handful of cars however were created in reality, designed and produced by the illustrious Lexus.

As a one-off production, Lexus fashioned a vehicle meant to represent the year 2054. While this vehicle cannot turn horizontally and vertically like those in the movie, it can certainly drive well. In fact, for only £15,500 it will certainly get you to your destination in style.

Before you bring out your checkbook there are a few items that need to be addressed. Firstly, the interior is bare. Very bare. With a wheel, some pedals and a few nobs, the driver is not met with as great a visual delight as the outside. Secondly, it comes with a rather small motor that will certainly not have you breaking speed limits anytime soon.

The company was chosen because Spielberg himself was driving a Lexus SUV while filming the movie. Taking a liking to the brand, he wanted to see how it would develop in not only a decade but in 50 years.

The asking price for the vehicle is minimal compared to some other film cars. For example, the Dailymail pointed to the fact that the DeLorean from Back to the Future will also be going to auction this month. Rather than the modest £15,500, experts suggest that it will sell for well over £370,000. For those that want a part of film history,

Another Lexus from Minority Report went on sale in 2007. The sleek concept screamed style and fetched around £65,000. Perhaps better looking and more functional, it went for a lot more than the current owners are asking.  If you’re interested there’s still some time to go, grab it while you still can.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a fantastic business deal on the Lexus IS Saloon IS200d 2.2 Advance, available to lease from just £399.95 + VAT a month.

If you’re looking for a luxury saloon with a sporty disposition then you can’t get any better than the Lexus IS Saloon. Offering a smooth, refined and responsive drive, the new Lexus IS is hard to beat when it comes to intelligent technology, classic executive style and comprehensive safety features.

The all-new IS diesel also boasts improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions, with the IS220d model capable of 55.4 mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions at just 134g/km.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a special business only deal on the sporty Lexus IS Saloon IS200d 2.2 Advance. Prices now start from just £399.95 + VAT a month on a 4 year contract with an initial payment of just £499.95 + VAT. This superb saloon comes well-equipped with the following features:

• Bluetooth Telephone Connectivity
• Cruise Control
• Front/Rear Parking Distance Control
• HDD Satellite Navigation
• Radio/6 CD Autochanger
• Front Fog Lights
• Leather Upholstery
• Smart Keyless Entry
• 17″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this special business deal, call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 4 year contract and exclude VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available. Terms & Conditions Apply.

For a strictly limited time, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a special business deal available on the stunning Lexus RX450h 3.5 Advance CVT Auto Pan Roof, available to lease from just £599.95 + VAT on a 2 year contract!

The stunning Lexus RX450h sets the standard in the luxury hybrid market, boasting all the style and performance of a sports saloon with the handling and capability of a SUV. Under the bonnet, the RX450h’s full hybrid technology intelligently combines electric and petrol engine power for breathtaking performance with significantly lower emissions. Its significant fuel and B.I.K tax savings also make it the ideal choice for business and company car owners, saving up to 15% when compared to its competitors.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has a special business deal on the Lexus RX450h 5Dr Est 3.5 Advance CVT Auto Pan Roof. Prices now start from just £599.95 + VAT on a 2 year contract with vehicles in stock for quick delivery. Standard features on this model include:

• 8″ Colour LCD Multi-Display
• Bluetooth Mobile Phone Connectivity
• USB Port and AUX Socket
• Heated Front Seats
• Leather Upholstery
• Panoramic Roof
• 19″ Alloy Wheels

To take advantage of this superb business deal, simply follow the above links or call Natiownide Vehicle Contracts today on 0844 482 9595.

Prices based on a 2 year business contract and excludes VAT, initial payment and processing fee. Limited Stock Available.  Terms & Conditions Apply.