Lexus Chief Engineer Katsuda Discusses Lexus RX 450h at Geneva 2012

Lexus Chief Engineer Katsuda-san talks about the latest Lexus RX 450h at 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Hear him talk about the new styling and increased performance of the new RX.

Tags: Geneva, Hybrid, Lexus Hybrid, Lexus RX, Lexus RX 450h

Lexus Unveils Crossover RX New Look For 2013

Lexus has released the first pics of it’s updated look for the best-selling crossover SUV, the RX (RX 350 and RX 450h). It’s new aggressive look is in part due to the ‘spindle grille’ – or ‘new face’ of the RX that mimics the super-sporty 2013 Lexus GS which hit the showroom last month. It’s also sporting new headlights, as well as LED daytime running lights. Among other changes are new features, such as standard power liftgate, and new interior trim. The engines and powertrains remain the same, and will still deliver an impressive 32MPG in the city, and 28oMPG on the highway.

Tags: Crossover, Hybrid, Lexus RX, Lexus RX 350, Lexus RX 450h, SUV

The Jaguar C-X75 Concept In Production

Jaguar confirmed that it plans to launch the remarkable C-X75 concept car as an exclusive hybrid supercar.

Jaguar C-X75 will become the British marque’s most advanced model to date. The company expects the vehicle to offer performance on par with the fastest production cars on the market, while adopting cutting-edge technology that offers remarkable fuel economy. Jaguar expects this hybrid supercar to deliver incredibly low CO2 emissions while being able to achieve in excess of 200mph.

“People expect Jaguar to be innovators – that is when Jaguar is at its best,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director. “The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”

For the full press release, visit JaguarUSA.com or click here.

Tags: Concept Car, Hybrid, Jaguar C-X75, Jaguar Concept Car, Supercar

The Lexus GS Hybrid – Uses Bamboo For Eco-Friendly Steering Wheel

From the beginning, and even today – Lexus has been all about the details.  From craftsmanship to performance, the passionate pursuit of perfection has always been a true motto for Lexus.   But the pursuit doesn’t stop with engineering – it is shown in their innovative ways to utilize sustainable materials and processes, and keep the brand luxurious.

The new Lexus GS 450h is no exception, and being a hybrid, required some innovative ideas beyond the norm to make sure it was earth-friendly. One way Lexus Global was able to contribute to this effort was to create the steering wheel and interior trim areas from bamboo. Watch this video to  learn more about they how and why behind this concerted effort.

Tags: Bamboo Steering Wheel, Hybrid, Lexus GS, Lexus GSh, Sustainability

Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Easy To Use and Efficient To Own

Apparently, new plug-in hybrids like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt utilize heavy and cluky electrical cords to properly charge the car.  But Chicago Tribune writer Kristin Varela seems to like the ideas Volvo is showing with their version of this innovation.

Currently, the XC60 plug-in hybrid is designed to plug into a standard outlet, which makes operation and charging a bit easier. Ms. Varela would like to see more options, however – for cord storage.

Read the whole article here.

Tags: Fuel Efficency, Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Volvo, Volvo Hybrid, Volvo XC-60 Hybrid, Volvo XC60

Lexus Unveils Luxurious Sleek Hybrid Concept At Detroit Auto Show

From Lexus Global:

Lexus today unveiled a new design concept for a hybrid 2+2 sport coupe at the North American International Auto Show. Showcasing the future design direction for Lexus and emphasis on a driver-focused vehicle, the LF-LC concept will be at the Lexus display through January 22.

“We are in the middle of the biggest change in Lexus history – inspired by a new generation of distinctive design,” said Karl Schlicht, General Manager, Lexus Product and Marketing Planning Division “The new GS embodies this with its sculpted spindle grille as our symbol of change. And now, the next chapter of Lexus evolves with the coupe design concept unveiled at Detroit. With its striking looks, this concept hybrid 2+2 hints at the design cues that are coming in a wave of new Lexus models over the next 24 months”

Challenged by the Lexus Center in Japan to come up with a design for a future hybrid sport coupe concept, the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif. sought to advance the redefinition of Lexus with emotive, avant-garde beauty and advanced technology, yet remain within reach for premium buyers.

Click here to read the full article on Lexus Global.

Tags: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Lexus, Lexus Concept, Lexus Hybrid, Lexus LF-LC, Lexus LFA

Jerry Reynolds – Car Pro – 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid Video Review

Jerry Reynolds, The Car Pro – seems to have mixed emotions about the new 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid…  and each emotion is a good one! In this video review of the Porsche sedan, he hits the high points on the car’s luxury interior, outstanding performance and unbelievable fuel efficiency. For more video automotive reviews, visit Jerry online at Car Pro Show, listen to his radio show. (check your local listings for Saturday AM)

Tags: Automotive Review, Car Pro Show, Hybrid, Jerry Reynolds, Panamera S Hybrid, Porsche, Porsche Panamera, Video