Lexus Adds Optional F-Sport Package to CT 200h 2012

Lexus’ fifth hybrid vehicle and second dedicated hybrid after the HS sedan, the CT 200h, is cruising into its second model year with a few minor updates, the most important of which is the U.S. introduction of the optional F-Sport Package.

Unveiled for the first time at the 2010 Sydney Motor Show in Australia before making its North American debut at last year's SEMA gathering, the F-Sport Package for the CT 200h adds a limited number of visual and performance goods.

These include a sportier tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and front grille with a mesh pattern. Inside, the package adds metal front scuff plates, perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum sport pedals and metallic trim on the dash panel. Buyers can further enhance the cabin with Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats.

In addition to the sport kit, the 2012 model year CT 200h gains a new Vehicle Proximity Notification System that helps alert pedestrians and cyclists of an oncoming vehicle under certain conditions by emitting a low audible warning sound, while Nebula Gray Pearl replaces Smoky Granite Mica finish.

Otherwise, there are no differences with the 2011MY CT 200h with the compact-sized hatchback powered by a hybrid powertrain that includes a 94HP 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor producing a combined system output of 134HP and allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Lexus has not yet released any photos of the 2012 CT 200h with the F-Sport Package. The images you see below are of the Australian market version (blue colored model) and the SEMA show car (white finish).

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2012 Opel Insignia, With 140HP 1.4 Turbo and 250HP 2.0 Turbo

The Opel Insignia is entering the 2012 model year with some modest upgrades that include the broader availability of the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines in more markets across Europe and new technology systems.
Even though Opel makes word of a new 1.4-liter Turbo petrol that replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter unit with the same output, as well as a new 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol for the 4x4 model with 30 more horses for a total of 250HP, we know for a fact that both engines were already available in certain market.
That said, we reckon Opel means it will roll out the new engine options to all markets across Europe with the 2012 Insignia.
As a reminder, the 1.4-liter Turbo ecoFLEX offers the Insignia a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 205km/h, while returning a combined fuel efficiency of 5.9lt/100km (39.9mpg US with CO2 emissions of 134g/km.
The 250HP (184kW) 2.0-liter Turbo accelerates the Insignia 4x4 from zero to 100km/h) in 7.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). It consumes 8.9 lt/100 km (26.4mpg US) on average with CO2 emissions of 209g/km.
For the new model year, Opel will also enhance the 220HP 2.0-liter Turbo Insignia with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission, with a start/stop system, aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires, all of which will help reduce fuel consumption by 0.5 to 7.6 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions from 189g/km to 179g/km.
Throughout the range, Buick Regal's European counterpart benefits from the new Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa infotainment systems featuring SD cards, a revised front camera that adds a Following Distance Indication function to the traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning systems, new available leather trims and a new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor" exterior color.
The updated for the 2012 model year Opel Insignia will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150

Since teaming up in 1999, the brand alliance between Ford and Harley-Davidson has produced 10 F-150 models, six Super Duty F-250 and F-350 models, as well as the first Harley-Davidson F-450 edition truck in 2009, resulting in more than 70,000 sales.
The latest Ford model to wear the Harley Davidson badge is the 2012 F-150, which like its predecessors, gains distinctive design tweaks and added standard features.
This year's F-150 H-D is offered in the traditional Tuxedo Black color or a new White Platinum Tri-Coat finish combined with fresh bodyside graphics executed in a snakeskin texture.
The brand-new 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels with painted accents and unique center cap shod in low profile tries, along with the smoked out headlamps and tail lights, as well as the six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille and “Harley-Davidson” badging, complete the exterior mods.
Inside, the trim panels are covered in high-gloss Tuxedo Black paint, while the console lid and upper steering wheel are dressed in snakeskin leather.
Ford's reptilian love affair continues with the scuff plates featuring brushed aluminum trim with snakeskin texture, as well as the snakeskin leather-trimmed seats with accent color inserts and unique cloisonné badge.
Standard features include a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen, voice-activated Navigation System, power moonroof, rear view camera, second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, remote start system, a 110-volt power inverter and power-adjustable pedals.
The 2012 F-150 H-D is powered by Ford's 6.2-liter V8 engine that delivers 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque and provides a maximum trailer towing capability of 7,500 pounds.
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced. 

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Toyota Shows US Market 2012 Yaris Hatch at Lollapalooza Music Fest

When an automaker is ready to launch a new model into the market, we usually receive a press release along with some initial or teaser photos before we see it in person at a major auto show.

But that's not the case with the U.S. market version of the 2012 Yaris as Toyota quietly unwrapped the car under a tent at the…Lollapalooza annual music festival in Chicago this past weekend while today, the Japanese company announced U.S. pricing without, however, releasing any photos or further details. Strange indeed.
We'll remind you that the new generation of the Yaris was first shown in Japan in December, 2010. Toyota then presented a concept hybrid version at the Geneva Show in March this year before revealing the final production model for Europe in June and for Australia in July at the Melbourne Motor Show.
Toyota said the redesigned 2012 Yaris's base MSRP will range from $14,115 for the L grade three-door liftback fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox to $17,200 for the SE grade five-door liftback with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The aforementioned MSRPs do not include a $760 delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee which lifts prices to $14,875 and $17,960 for the 2012 Yaris L and Yaris SE grades respectively
Toyota said that pricing for the new model is "comparable to a Convenience Package-equipped current generation Yaris" adding that production of the car will start on August 31.
And while Toyota did not announce any further details, Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek was at the Lollapalooza music fest where he managed to get a look at the spec sheet found on the 2012 Yaris LE that was on display.
The LE comes fitted with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with Toyota stating on the spec sheet that the manual model will return an estimated fuel efficiency of 30mpg city and 38mpgh highway, while the automatic 30mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
By comparison, the current generation Yaris that also features a 1.5-liter gasoline unit, returns 29mpg/36mpg when equipped with a manual gearbox and 29mpg/35mpg when fitted with an automatic.
While we wait for Toyota to release photos of the North American-specification 2012 Yaris, scroll down for a video and a comprehensive gallery of the European market model.

VIDEO

 

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2012 Toyota Avensis

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Toyota lifted the wraps off the third generation Avensis, which went on sale across Europe in both four-door sedan and station wagon formats in January of 2009.
Even though Toyota's proposal in Europe's highly-competitive mid-size segment has only been in the market for less than three years, the Japanese carmaker has apparently decided to give the Avensis a mid-life facelift to help bolster its position in market.
And while Toyota was evidently trying to keep its plans on the refreshed Avensis under secrecy, a reader of the Dutch car magazine Autoweek stumbled upon two completely undisguised models and made good use of his camera.
The pictures show that both the sedan and station wagon variants of the 2012 Avensis gain a new front fascia that bring it line with Toyota's latest models such as the Yaris and the upcoming FT-86. Aside from the new front grille, the refreshed Avensis gets reshaped headlamps and a redesigned bumper.
The styling tweaks continue at the rear end with the restyled tail lamps and the new bumper. If you head over to Autoweek, you'll find a few more pictures including one of the interior, though we couldn't manage to spot any changes inside due to the poor quality of the image.
We're still waiting for Toyota to issue a press statement about its plans for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but chances are the 2012 Avensis will be among the cars to debut at the German show.

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2012 Infiniti FX Facelift Priced from $43,450

Following the news on the presentation of its subtly refreshed 2012 FX, Infiniti also released detailed pricing on its luxury SUV before it goes on sale in October.

The facelift brings an increase in pricing for the base FX35, FX35 AWD and FX50 AWD models which now start from $43,450 (+$850), $44,900 (+$850) and $59,350 (+$1750) respectively, not including a destination and handling fee (*) of $895.
The new FX35 AWD Limited Edition that adds a number of bespoke features and improved standard equipment such as the Iridium Blue exterior color, 21-inch, 10-spoke graphite-finish alloy wheels and dark tinted headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System, is priced at $51,550. Infiniti said only 550 examples of the Limited Edition FX35 AWD will be sold in the United States.
For more details on pricing and the available option packages for each model, check out the list below.

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