2008 Wow Hurry Only 18k Miles On This One! Dark Grey Light Grey Nice California on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus CT 200h gets four changes for 2016

As Toyota rolls out its updated 2016 model range, it's clear that some refreshes are fresher than others. Whereas the 2016 Scion tC got breathed on, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h gets a mere glance, and only for a moment. Just four items differentiate the coming model from the one currently on sale, and three of those are optional: a chrome surround for the grille is standard; a moonroof, Lexus Enform Remote, and Lexus Service Connect are options. Lexus Enform Remote gives owners control of the car through an iOS or Android smartphone app so they can do things like unlock and lock the doors, remote start the engine, and locate the vehicle. Lexus Service Connect works through iOS or LexusDrivers.com site only and provides notes on vehicle health. Both services are by subscription. The CT 200h doesn't make a lot of headlines but it's a good performer for Lexus. It wins awards, it's the only luxury hybrid to get more than 40 miles per gallon, it's put up consistent sales numbers for the four years it's been on the market, and it's the brand's second-best-selling hybrid globally after the RX hybrid. We've already told you what's new, the press release below can tell you everything else you'd want to know. Related Video: 2016 Lexus CT 200h Offers Compact Attitude With Impressive MPG - 42 MPG EPA Estimated Combined Fuel Economy - F SPORT Package Delivers Sporty Performance - Peace of Mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect July 24, 2015 - What do you get when Lexus melds a sporty luxury compact with an environmentally conscientious attitude? The 2016 CT 200h. With an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined fuel economy the CT 200h is one of six hybrid models Lexus offers for 2016. Lexus has been the hybrid luxury leader since it introduced the first luxury hybrid more than 10 years ago. The CT 200h broke new ground for Lexus, introducing the brand to a younger generation of highly discerning customers. They, too, quickly discovered the refinement and driving pleasure that characterize the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus. A sporty chassis keeps the CT 200h connected to the road's curves, and for 2016, the dashing look is enhanced with a chrome surround grille. Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Remote (subscription required), allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

Lexus RX replacement to debut in Detroit?

The 2015 Detroit Auto Show is shaping up to be a big one for Lexus, with Group Vice President Jeff Bracken confirming to Ward's Auto that the Japanese luxury marque will have at least one, and possibly two, all-new-model introductions. Ward's seems to think that one of those vehicles will be the new RX crossover, one of the brand's most popular (and oldest) offerings. The complete and utter lack of spy photos of the new RX doesn't necessarily support Ward's argument, although if the new CUV ends up being based on the JDM Toyota Harrier, as previously reported, the absence of camouflaged images might make some sense. As for that other vehicle, it's hard to say what we might see. Were we to put our money on it, though, the long-awaited GS F would be a strong contender for a Detroit debut. The high-performance challenger to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG has been spotted almost completely undisguised as recently as October. On top of that, Detroit's reputation as a performance-focused show (last year's show saw debuts of the Ford Mustang, BMW M3 and M4, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Volkswagen Golf R and Porsche 911 Targa) makes the GS F's appearance there a fair bet. One thing we can count on at least hearing about when Detroit rolls around is Lexus' strong sales position. The company's 2014 sales should crest 305,000 units by the end of the year, marking the first time the company had passed the 300,000-unit mark since 2007. Bracken told Ward's that should be an easy task, particularly with the brand's "best month of the year," December, still to come.

10 automakers sued over keyless ignitions

Keyless ignition has rapidly proliferated throughout the auto industry to become a fairly normal feature on new cars. It's supposed to offer the convenience of keeping the fob in your pocket and just pressing a button to drive away. However, ten major automakers are now being sued in US District Court over claims that the system is dangerous, Reuters reports. The suit alleges that people are forgetting to shut off the engine, and the lack of an idle timer is the cause for 13 deaths by carbon monoxide poisoning and multiple injuries. The suit currently includes 28 plaintiffs, according to Reuters, but the lawyers are asking for class-action status to potentially add many more. The case goes after a major swath of the industry, including BMW, Daimler, FCA, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, and Volkswagen, plus their related brands like Acura, Infiniti, Mini, and Lexus. In all, over five million vehicles are affected. The assertion here is that people walk away from their vehicle without shutting it off because they believe the engine shuts off automatically. If parked in a garage, carbon monoxide can build up, leading to poisoning. The lawyers claim automakers know this is a problem and also cite 27 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the issue, according to Reuters. The plaintiffs are asking for an automatic shut-off and damages from the companies. These concerns have come up before, though. Toyota previously faced a lawsuit over a carbon monoxide death after a woman accidentally left her Lexus running. Also earlier this year, GM recalled 64,186 examples of the 2011-2013 Chevrolet Volt because owners weren't shutting them off. The problem resulted in two injuries, and the company released a software update to limit the idling time.