It began as a rumor, but now confirmed by Toyota, the Lexus CT 200h will not becoming to the US market any time soon.  A spokesman for Toyota was quoted as saying, "There are no plans, at present, to bring this vehicle to the U.S."

The CT 200h will be the first and only full hybrid luxury compact on the market.  My guess is because there really isn't a market, at least in this economy.  Who needs a status symbol in the drive way when you can have something much nicer for half as much?

Toyota can keep their Lexus CT 200h.

CarMagazine.Co.UK has released some anonymous spy pics of the upcoming Lexus LF-Ch premium compact.  Resembling a rather expensive Honda Civic hatch back, these spy pictures hint at the sportiness of this upcoming release.  Unfortunately the pictures are only of the back, but I've included the  concept drawings below for reference.

The Lexus LF-Ch will be available for purchase sometime in late 2010 in the UK.  US droolers need not apply.

Lexus license plate frame, chrome. Sale Price: $12.99 Average Rating:

Lexus, never ones to leave a product stagnant for long, have revamped and added some new tech to the cabin of the 2010 Lexus RX 350.  Some of the highlights include being able to dial out via voice command and other improvements to the user interface.  The cabin also includes the luxury cabin essentials that Lexus has become known for, like high quality paneling.

2010 Lexus RX 350 Cabin

Some industry experts are upset that Lexus has yet to revamp their navigation system.  For some there are just far too many buttons to push to get where you are going.  This is a segment that should quickly be addressed, considering the inexpensive after market options for vehicles.

Lastly, the power train for the Lexus RX 350 has yet to be upgraded to the latest technologies.  It relies on aging tech that is not the most efficient on the market place.  And, in today's market efficiency and the greener claims you can make, the more vehicles you will undoubtedly sell.

But hey, if you are one that buys a vehicle based on it's cabin interface system then you will not go wrong with the 2010 Lexus RX.  The cabin controls are handled through the mouse like device picture below.

Lexus RX 350 Mouse

Lexus is counting on buyers going smaller and more efficient in the years to come.  And why not?  With the success of the US governments clunker program and other incentives why wouldn't someone buy a fuel efficient daily driver?

Lexus has released a picture of what they think the future of luxury hybrids will be, with the LF-Ch concept.  View the pics below and chime in with your opinions.  I personally don't think anyone looking for expensive luxury would have any need for a smaller package.  But perhaps Lexus is hoping to flesh out a new niche, not yet attained by competing manufacturers.

Lexus LF-Ch Hybrid

No.

There have been a number of people speculating about the all new hybrid coming from Lexus and it's relation to the wildly popular Toyota Prius.  Most of  the speculation claims that the Lexus HS 250h is as similar to the Toyota Prius as the Ford Ranger is to the Mazda pickup.  Thankfully for those in the market, this isn't true.

There is a single shared component between the HS 250h and Prius, which is the hybrid technology.  The name of  the system is the series/parallel and refers to the technology, not the actual components.  The series/parallel type hybrid means that the traditional engine component can drive the wheels directly and be disconnected from the drive train to allow the electric motor component to drive the wheels.  This type of system is used in the Prius, Ford Escape Hybrid, and soon Lexus HS 250h.

The rest of the HS 250h is completely different than the Prius.  Some of the main component differences is the 2.4 l engine, double wishbone suspension, and a ton of electronic creature comforts.  There will nothing to confuse onlookers as to what type of car it is, the Toyota or the Lexus.

Ahhh, summer is here and those that can golf are on the course and those that can't are on the course, only drinking a little more.  Lexus has recognized the changing of the seasons as well, with the release of their 2009 Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition convertible.  It's a sport hardtop, so cloth convertibles need not apply.

This is the 6th generation Pebble Beach edition Lexus, which will be limited to just 300 in production.  A few things that make this Lexus SC430 special will be color combination's, Black-Bird's Eye Maple Trim, and special brushed chrome badging.  Furthermore, this special edition SC430 comes with a nice new pair of shoes, 18x8 Machined Tourmaline alloy rims.

Another reason why this Lexus is so special is because members of the Pebble Beach Resort get to spend some quality time with the SC430.  All members are able to test drive and even use it for regular transportation amongst the resorts destinations.

The 2009 Lexus SC430 Pebble Beach Edition will set you back about $66,000.  But really, if you are even considering purchasing one of these vehicles, chances are you aren't concerned with the price anyway.  Typical families need not apply, this is for the social elite.

No longer must winter drivers rely on luxury SUV's to get around, welcome the 2009 Lexus LS460 All Wheel Drive.  According to most reports the new Lexus is fully capable and exceeds at slippery wintery time driving, being able to master even some of the steepest snow covered driveways.

Other benefits of the LS460 AWD will be it's stability on wet roads or any adverse weather for that matter.  And it does so with luxury in mind, with an updated navigation system, over 357 horsepower, and 344 ft lbs of torque.  Style, function, and luxury are bound in a nice Lexus badge.

Pictures of the 2009 Lexus LS460 AWD:

Lexus is still enjoying ripping the corners up on the Nurburgring in it's all new 2011 Lexus LFA Super Car.  Wouldn't you want to draw out every last moment in the high performance monster if you were in the testing department?  Also, this would seem to signal that Lexus is serious about entering the super car market, making sure everything on the LFA is up to big spenders expectations.

Truly, it is a shame, that I will never set foot on the gas pedal of the LFA beast.  If I did have the estimated $200,000 to drop, it would probably be on this V-10 500 horsepower luxury monster.  Consider it a budget minded super rich mans car, considering it's closes competitor, the Ferrari F430 is priced at over twice as much.

I'll be interested in seeing if the production photos are true to form, once it finally hits the sales floor.  It's a little different than the one seen on the Nurburgring, so perhaps we'll see a special sport or racing trim.  No doubt this package would put it closer to the Ferrari's price tag, but no further from my grasp.

Lexus LFA

Lexus LFA

When we originally saw the Lexus LFA it was slightly toned down as far as aesthetics.  I'm glad to see the production model will look more like a Lexus, but pack a nasty punch.

It's the third generation of the Lexus crossover and will be officially be on sale in the UK this summer.  The Lexus RX was the first premium luxury vehicle to offer options for hybrid technology and the RX 450H expands on that technology.

Some of the new hybrid technology in the power train will reduce emissions further than the original RX hybrid model.  However, just because the latest 450H is green, does not mean that it's lacking in power.  According to Lexus it will have the highest power output in it's class of hybrids.

Lexus is showing off it's latest RX at the Geneva Auto Show this March.  Take note of the improvements within the cockpit and safety upgrades for this next generation Lexus RX 450H hybrid.

2010 RX 450H

Lexus, a Toyota Brand, has recalled over 200,000 units due to faulty fuel delivery components.  The models effected are the Lexus GS 300/50, Lexus IS 250/350, and the LS 460/460L models.

The source of the problem comes from ethanol fuel, which some have a low moisture content that causes corrosion to the Lexus components.  The corrosion could eventually lead to a pin hole, leaking fuel, with potential for fire.

For more information and an official notice from Toyota on the recall, please view this PDF.