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?

Kylie Minogue is to support the launch of the new full hybrid luxury hatchback, Lexus CT 200h.

Both Kylie and the new Lexus CT 200h can be described and elegant and chic- so what better celebrity could represent this car?

The new partnership will see Kylie – one of the world’s most iconic performers – supporting the introduction of the new Lexus CT 200h through the cross-media “Quiet Revolution” marketing campaign and publicity.

As well as appearing in the upcoming TV commercial and print adverts, Kylie will take delivery of her own personally specified Lexus CT 200h to show her total love of the model.

At the same time, Lexus will be the lead sponsor of Kylie’s Aphrodite – Les Folies 2011 UK tour – destined to be one of the most visually spectacular and technically complex shows ever staged in the UK.

Hugely successful, singer, dancer, model and designer, Kylie, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with Lexus on the launch of their new full hybrid CT 200h. I’ve been lucky enough to have a preview of the car which is both stylish and elegant and will definitely create a Quiet Revolution”.

Belinda Poole, Lexus Director, said: “Kylie is the perfect ambassador for Lexus and the new Lexus CT 200h.

“Kylie has the energy, style and exceptionally popular public profile that will reach directly to customers new to the Lexus brand.”

• Full leather interor
• Bluetooth
• Cruise control
• 6 CD changer
• 18″ alloy wheels
• Dual zone climate control

For more information please follow the link below:

Lexus RX450H

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/paris/2008/lexu…

Original post:�
Lexus IS Convertible @ Paris Auto Show

Lexus Hybrid Drive 

The Lexus Hybrid Drive in the LS 600h has a power output of 444bhp (450 DIN hp/330kW), delivers segment-beating fuel consumption of 29.7mpg (combined cycle) and carbon dioxide emissions below 220g/km. The new all-wheel drive system works in tandem with a newly-developed dual-stage, electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (E-CVT), giving the car excellent linear acceleration capability. 

The new LS 600h will be joined on Lexus’s show stand by its hybrid siblings, the RX 400h and the GS 450h, both of which have set new standards in environmentally-conscious performance in the luxury car market.