Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU “Dark Passage” paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year’s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

Lexus LF-Ch: Production Version of Five-Door Hatchback Rival to BMW 1-Series Scooped!

An anonymous Carscoop reader dropped these scoop photos of what appears to be the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch hatch into our mailbox this morning. The LF-Ch concept model made its world debut at last year's Frankfurt motor show with Lexus making it more than clear that it would build the five-door hatchback.

"Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe, told journalists during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid."

The overall shape of the plastic wrapped model depicted in these spy photos is almost identical to the LF-Ch concept right down to the rear window, though the design does appear to have been toned down a notch.

For example, gone are the 'hidden' read door handles that have been replaced by conventional handles while the tail lights and rear bumper design are new.

If the car pictured here is indeed the LF-Ch, then there's a strong possibility that we may see the hatchback model in the flesh at the Geneva Salon next March.

Lexus plans to offer the premium hatch that will rival cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 with both conventional and hybrid powertrains.

Hat tip to our anonymous reader for the shots!

Tokyo 2010: Lexus IS F Circuit Club Sport Concept

Lexus' offerings for the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon included a lightweight concept version of the firm's performance-minded sports sedan. Dubbed IS F Circuit Club Sport or CCS for short, the prototype Lexus comes in an attention-grabbing bright orange finish and more carbon fiber than a NASA warehouse.

And we're talking about a lot of carbon fiber as the lightweight material is used for the newly designed hood, rooftop, rear wing, exterior mirrors, trunk, front spoiler lips, right down to the rear diffuser.

The same material is also found on the Lexus IS F's engine cover as well as in the interior on the door panels, center and lower console, steering wheel trim, and the transmission lever.

Unfortunately, Lexus did reveal the weight gains from the extensive use of carbon fiber parts on the sports car.

Other mods include the forged magnesium wheels and sport tires, high-performance carbon ceramic brakes, sport suspension, new exhaust system with a titanium sports muffler and the two-tone bucket seats inside.

Lexus said that the standard IS F's 5.0-liter V8 engine with 423HP (in JDM spec) has been left intact.

Photos by Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron

Lexus Officially Confirms World Premier of LF-A Supercar for 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

The good news is that Lexus just announced that along with the Japanese market debut of the LF-Ch compact-premium hybrid concept, the firm's Tokyo Motor Show stand will also play host to the world premiere of a "revolutionary two-seater supercar", in other words the LF-A. The bad news is that Lexus did not release any photos or information on the long-anticipated V10-powered supercar that is said to compete price- and performance-wise with no less than the Ferrari 458 Italia and other exotic models.

Furthermore, it has yet to be confirmed if the maker will reveal the final production version of the LF-A or if Lexus will follow the example of Toyota and its FT-86 RWD compact sports coupe and Honda with the CR-Z hybrid coupe, introducing a thinly disguised concept model.

Baby Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hatch in the Flesh: Production Model Officially Confirmed

The Lexus LF-Ch, the centerpiece of the Japanese firm's stand at the 2009 Frankfurt motorshow, is concept model for a new baby Lexus that will compete in Europe with entry-premium hatchbacks such as the Audi A3 / Sportback, BMW 1-Series and the recently freshened up Volvo C30. As anticipated, Lexus confirmed the development of a production version based on this concept. "Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" said Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid. That distinction will make this dynamic car stand out in what will be Europe's largest premium segment," Pfeiffenberger added.

Though Lexus did not give a specific launch date, media reports suggest that the five-door compact hatch should be on the market within the next two years. Besides the gasoline-electric full hybrid version, the production model will most likely be offered with conventional gasoline and diesel engines as well.

Click here to check out the the official press gallery of the Lexus LF-Ch