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Amidst the continuing controversy and confusion surrounding the numerous Toyota recalls, we at AutoGuide.com have decided to launch the TOYOTA RECALL NEWS HUB. Featured on our home page and constantly updated through our news blog, we aim to bring you the very latest in recall-related news as well as list important information about what vehicles are recalled and what owners should be doing.
The Toyota Recall News Hub features two main sections, a CONSUMER section listing what owners of recalled Toyota owners need to know, as well as an INDUSTRY section reporting on all related stories, emerging news and the fallout from the ongoing crisis at Toyota that consumers and the general public want to know. The INDUSTRY section will also feature links to more salacious stories and breaking news alerts from AutoGuide affiliate TheTruthAboutCars.com, as well as from other major industry sources.
If you're a Lexus enthusiast and can get to Miami for January 27th, the Japanese luxury brand wants to give you the opportunity to see its sporty side. Lexus is hosting an F-Sport Track Event at Homestead-Miami Speedway, allowing folks the chance to get behind the wheel of the IS-F, as well as F-Sport equipped IS and GS models.
The vehicles will be available for autocross driving, where Lexus aims to show-off the IS-F's capabilities, as well as show just how much the F-Sport performance goodies can enhance the dynamic-side of the Lexus driving experience.
Better yet, one lucky individual from each session will win a hot lap of Homestead in the new 552-hp Lexus LFA supercar, driven by none other than legendary Grand Am pilot and two-time Rolex Sports Car Series Champion Scott Pruett.
See the press release below for more information and rules, or visit the link to register before the slots fill up:
As we hinted back in September 2009, Lexus USA appeared to be a bit conflicted about the fate in the carmaker's largest market of the CT production derivative of its smallest-ever concept car, the LF-Ch. On one hand, among the sporadic attempts by European prestige carmakers to bring their B and C-class cars to North America, only BMW's MINI can be described as an unqualified success. On the other hand, ever-tightening U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and emissions laws make bringing over the production Lexus CT almost imperative.
Shortly after the LF-Ch Concept's release at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, Lexus put together a 12-question survey to gain feedback as to how ready the United States (and, by extension, Canada) were for this smallest-ever Lexus to cross the Pacific Ocean. At the carmaker's behest, we stickied the survey story atop our Front Page to allow for feedback from showgoers at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show (where the LF-Ch made its North American debut).
A collection of amateur spy photos have emerged online showing what appears to be a production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept, which first debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show last year. With a slightly less aggressive style, a new rear hatch and some OEM-equipment wheels, it is likely that Lexus is preparing this new model for an official debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.
The LF-Ch is intended as a competitor to the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, Volvo C30 and the upcoming Mercedes C-Class Coupe. Initially designed just for Europe, Lexus brought the concept to both the Tokyo Auto Show and LA Auto Show to gauge interest in those markets.
Thanks to patent filings by Lexus, the car is believed to be called the CT200h, signifying a hybrid. The concept version was also a hybrid although Lexus did not give any official details on what sort of engine. We expect it to be a version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive found in the HS250h, or possibly a smaller Prius-sized engine.
Unveiled late last week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, AutoGuide was first to bring you news of the mysteriously-named Lexus IS-F CCS Concept. It was easy to recognize the many changes made to the car, with plenty of body panels replaced by carbon fiber components, including the hood and truck. Now we have learned just what the “CCS” stands for and, as we expected, the name is “Circuit Club Sport.” Now we didn't exactly foretell the name, but we did surmise that, much like the bright-orange BMW M3 GTS, this IS-F is a look at a potential track-ready version of the high-horsepower sedan.
Along with the lighter weight body components, there's also an aero-enhancing front splitter (also made of carbon), plus some light-weight wheels, a lowered suspension and a new exhaust system that adds roughly 12-hp for a total of 428-hp.
There's no word from Lexus or Toyota if there are any serious plans to bring this concept to production, but we' re certain they'd find a few buyers.
Japan's equivalent to the SEMA Show, each year aftermarket companies show off their latest performance and tuning products at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
From the street to the track, companies like Blitz, HKS, JUN, 5Zigen, Volk and Veilside show off their latest products on some of the most wildly modified cars ever made.
And let's not forget the manufacturers. Most major OEMs set up shop at the Tokyo Auto Salon and display new models, concepts and race cars – including some very impressive Super GT cars. Many manufacturers will also use TAS to show off their latest in-house performance goodies, from brands like TRD, Mugen, NISMO and Ralliart.
Tucked away towards the back of Toyota's booth at the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon was this IS-F CCS Concept that looks to be a lightweight version of the performance-minded sedan. Not much details could be found on this CCS Concept, but we definitely fell in love with the bright orange shade and carbon fiber accents. The hood, trunk, and spoiler were all constructed on carbon fiber while the front bumper and side skirts got a mild trim accent and the rear bumper its own carbon fiber diffuser. A slightly different exhaust system also appears to be a part of the package, as do the light weight wheels. It also doesn't take an expert to see that this IS-F features a significantly lowered suspension.
Looking at the IS-F CCS Concept, we can't help but think of the equally-orange BMW M3 GTS, which debuted recently in Germany as a track-only club racer. Is Lexus thinking of offering a similar model, or perhaps a light-weight street legal version? We certainly hope so.
In early November 2010, when we wrote about the Lexus F-brand Track Event in Fontana, California, we concluded by expressing our hopes that it may lead to a small handful of similar events in other locales in the United States. Lexus has just answered those prayers, and no less than in this author's hometown of Miami, Florida. This is an exclusive opportunity to experience the dynamic handling and performance of Lexus F Performance vehicles – including the IS F, and F-Sport-equipped IS, IS C and GS models. More notably, the winningest American professional sports car race driver ever, Scott Pruett will take a few select enthusiasts on the ride of their lives as he drives the pinnacle of Japanese automotive achievement, the Lexus LFA on hot laps on the track. The new LFA boasts a 4.8-liter, 552 hp V10 engine and lightweight carbon fiber chassis that rockets to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and tops out at over 200 mph!
Lexus invites you to take advantage of this one-day opportunity to experience Lexus IS F and F-Sport vehicles on a custom autocross course at Homestead-Miami Speedway at One Speedway Boulevard in Homestead, Florida on Wednesday 27 January 2010. The event will run... [Read More]
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As we hinted back in September 2009, Lexus USA appeared to be a bit conflicted about the fate in the carmaker's largest market of the CT production derivative of its smallest-ever concept car, the 
In early November 2010, when we wrote about 
