Merc's upcoming compact models

This post may seem a bit bizarre to many of you, but the compact car segment is a vital one for all manufacturers and especially for luxury brands, since they need strong sales in order to develop their bigger models. So, since I got a copy of the latest Auto Motor und Sport issue yesterday, which has some interesting renderings of Mercedes' new models, I thought it would be nice to share some photos with you.

Lexus has already introduced the CT (earlier post) and I spotted one today. I have to admit that I wasn't really impressed. There is nothing exciting about it at all...

Infiniti on the other hand is more promising with the ETHEREA concept (earlier post) and I believe their new compact model will stand out from the crown, although it won't be easy "stealing" customers from the top three German makes. 

Although the other two German luxury brands are preparing also their rivals, I consider the new Mercs being of a greater interest, since there is a completely new approach and 5 models (A-Class, B-Class, GLC, CLC and CLC Shooting Brake) will be introduced in total. I have to admit that Mercedes had a disappointing lineup for around 10 years, but this has started to change and I am really impressed with the new CLS, E-Class Coupe and SLK.

BMW will introduce the new 1-Series later this year and it will be slightly bigger than the current generation and in terms of design, expect to see an evolution of the current one. Although the new "1er" will certainly be a very nice car to drive, it will look similar to the previous one, plus BMW's interiors have ended up being boring since the same theme is applied over and over again...

In terms of the new Audi A3... don't expect anything great in terms of exterior design. I am big Audi fan, but all the latest models look the same.... A4, A5, A8 (A4 on steroids) etc. Even the new Q3 looks almost identical to the Q5. Nice LEDs though...

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Lexus CT 200's lateral dampers

Below there is an interesting article about CT 200h's dynamic dampers.

Why CT 200h Chief Engineer Sam Sadakata thought long and hard about one key feature: dynamic dampers.

OBVIOUSLY, HE THOUGHT about size. Obviously, he thought about the hybrid drive. And obviously, he thought about what kind of driver would be itching to own a Lexus CT 200h when it hits dealerships in a few weeks.

But not so obviously, at least until you get a chance to grab a test drive, is that the vehicle’s chief engineer, “Sam” Sadakata, spent a great deal of time thinking about suspension—or, more precisely, how to keep it in check.

By now, you may have heard about the CT 200h’s version of a selectable driving mode system, which allows you to switch the vehicle between Normal, Eco, and EV modes (aka the “blue light” modes), as well as Sport Mode for the accelerator-inclined—this is the “red light” mode that basically allows the driver to fully capitalize on the CT 200h’s combination of zero-rpm torque and ability to zip around like a jack rabbit.

The sporting proposition is partially the doing of a feature Sadakata and his team spent long hours perfecting: a new kind of suspension damper system that’s key to what Sadakata calls the “fun to drive” aspect of his little luxury hybrid.

THE CONCEPT


The relationship between body rigidity and handling is simple and direct. The more rigid a vehicle’s body, the easier it is to control the unwanted variables of suspension and wheel deflection caused by body flex, or the vehicle’s tendency to lean and sway when you attempt to turn it on a dime.

“So as part of the process of delivering a bit of driving fun, we naturally started off by working on increasing body rigidity,” says Sadakata. “But we ran into difficulties.”

THE CHALLENGE


“You can only go so far with rigidity before you start to encounter vibration,” he explains. “The frequency of that vibration gets higher and more insistent. It’s a common deadlock that every car maker experiences when building a dynamic car.”

The usual solution, Sadakata tells us, is to connect the tops of the front suspension towers by means of a solid lateral link, also known as the strut brace. This is a well-established and popular technique for improving handling.

THE LEXUS SOLUTION


However, the CT 200h takes the strut brace solution a step further. Its individual suspension components (both front and back) are laterally connected to deliver the requisite degree of body rigidity (see illustrations). But rather than the normal solid braces, the CT 200h’s lateral performance dampers are hydraulic.

These dampers bring an element of flexibility and adjustability to the CT 200h’s still-rigid chassis setup, which conventionally braced cars simply don’t have. Better yet, they quell high-frequency vibrations.

“Technically, they are like shock absorbers in that they consist of a spring with oil to attenuate the vibration,” says Sadakata. “They are different from a normal damper in that the lateral damper operates at very high pressure. As the vibration intensifies, the damper works like a shock absorber, turning vibrations into heat energy.”

THE RESULT


“At first I was quite skeptical until I test-drove a vehicle with and without the dampers,” says Sadakata. “It was compelling, a real turning point. Right away I decided to use the system on the final CT 200h.”

You’re obviously going to have to check it out yourself, but Sadakata has no doubt that these dampers can improve handling significantly, making the car sharp, smooth, and fun to drive. They also help reduce road noise, as well as improve steering feel and comfort.

“We’re really happy to have discovered such a great application for the lateral damper mechanism in the CT 200h,” says the chief engineer. “It’s a win-win result.”

[Source: Lexus]

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Live photos of Five Axis Project CT

The Five Axis Project CT was presented at the Chicago Auto Show and I have to admit that it looks really impressive. Modifications by Five Axis include the following:

• Five Axis custom widebody conversion 
• JDSU “Dark Passage” paint and custom black accents
• TEIN Flex coilover suspension system
• Custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged wheels
• Custom Ultrasuede® EcoDesign interior
• Custom touch screen interface center console 
• Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front

More photos after the jump!

[Source: Lexus, Autoblog]

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Lexus CT to get the "F" treatment?!

The Lexus CT 200h was released this month in Japan, and already rumours have started suggesting that an "F" version is around the corner. Best Car magazine has published an interesting article, which mentions that the CT-F is one year away. Don't expect great thrills, it's not going to be like the IS-F. 

The plan is to fit the oily (2.4 L) and electrical bits of the HS 250h into the CT. This move will add 51 ps, which should be able to make it faster, taking into consideration that it's a small car. Hmm, it sounds like a... hybrid GT sort of thing.

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Lexus IS-F concepts and CT 200h F Sport at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon

Lexus presented the CT 200h F Sport at 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon, as well as a couple of IS-F concepts. The first one is the IS-F Club Performance Accessory built by TRD. The parts fitted to this car could hit the market very soon and give a new breath of life to the TRD brand. The second concept, called IS-F CCS-R (Circuit Club Sports-Racer), is a lightweight track-going concept.

More photos after the jump!

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Lexus launches CT 200h in Japan

Lexus announced today the launch of the CT 200h in Japan, with a sales target of 1,500 units per month. Three versions will be available, the version L costing 4,300,000 ¥, the F Sport costing 4,050,000 ¥ and version C costing 3,750,000 ¥. The CT 200h is manufactured at the Miyata plant.

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A glimpse of the new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

The latest issue of Best Car magazine has a very interesting cover showing all the important new Japanese models coming in 2011!!!

So, here is what's coming (... I am missing a couple of Nissan sedan models):

• Daihatsu's small car based on the concept e:S (earlier post)

• Honda Fit - aka Jazz - wagon (earlier post)

• Honda Freed Hybrid 

• Honda Insight (facelift with design cues from  FCX Clarity)

• Lexus CT (looks like a spicy version... a CT-F perhaps?) 

• Lexus GS-F (earlier post)

• Mazda CX-5 (Mazda's variant of the Ford Kuga)

• Nissan Tiida - aka Versa - (earlier post)

• Toyota FT-86 / Subaru 216A (related posts)
  

• Toyota Prius V (related posts)

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Lexus at Harrods

First it was Aston with the Cygnet debut at Harrods in Knightsbridge and now, it is Lexus' turn to showcase its models. From now until 15 January, the four-window Lexus display will give the chance to shoppers not only to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h and RX 450h, but also to experience the latest Mark Levinson audio technology, as featured in a number of Lexus models.

Anyone wanting to arrange a test drive, or to place an order will be able to do so inside the store, with a Lexus team on hand to provide further information and immediately forward customer details to the appropriate Lexus centre via iPads.

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