2012 Lexus Special Edition Version of LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h

What's the first thing automakers do when they want to boost their sales but don't have a completely new or refresh product(s) in the pipeline? The age-old answer to that question is a special edition model.
For Lexus it's actually three new limited edition models based on the 2012 LS 460, ES 350 andCT 200h, with the first two arriving in U.S. dealerships in November, and the third next month.
We'll start off with the 2012 LS 460 Special Edition that bundles all existing Sport package performance and appearance elements, plus a new interior package. Among other features, it gets 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires, Brembo brakes and a sport-tuned air suspension. The MRSP for the special LS is $77,000, not including an $875 delivery, processing and handling [DPH] fee.
Next in line is the 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition, which is priced at $40,475, plus an $875 DPH fee. It will be available in two colors, Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl, with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels in a Liquid Graphite finish, additional wood trim inside and saddle tan leather-trimmed seats.
Finally, Lexus' third model is the 2012 CT200h F Sport Special Edition. Offered in a choice of three colors, , Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl, it comes equipped with the F Sport package that includes 17-inch wheels, sport suspension and an aero kit, plus several other features such as the Navigation and Premium Audio packages. Pricing for the hybrid hatch is set at $37,995, not including a DPH fee of $875.

LS 460 Sport Special Edition


· Two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching on black leather trim
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Sport and Comfort Packages
o 19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires
o Brembo brakes
o Sport-tuned air suspension with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
o Sport exterior trim and grille
o Sport front seats with climate control
o Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters
o Headlamp washer
o Intuitive Parking Assist
o Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl wood trim
o One-touch open/close power trunk
o Power door closers
o Heated rear seats
o Rear power sunshade




ES 350 Touring Edition
· 17-inch 10-spoke wheels in Liquid Graphite finish with full-size spare wheel and tire
· Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
· Heated and ventilated front seats
· Lexus HDD Navigation System
· Saddle Tan leather-trimmed seats, center console lid and door armrest
· Brown Walnut wood trim




CT 200h F Sport Special Edition
· F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Silver finish
· F Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs
· Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats
· Black F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching
· TUMI tote and backpack both with F Sport embossed logo and Ocean Blue NuLuxe zippers and lining
· F Sport Package
o Unique front mesh grille
o Larger rear spoiler
o F Sport exterior badge
o Metal front scuff plates
o Aluminum sport pedals
o Metallic trim added to dash panel
o Perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F Sport logo
o Leather-trimmed shift knob
o Black headliner
· Navigation Package
· Premium Audio Package

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IAA 2011: Citroën Tubik Concept

If you are not familiar with Citroën's long history, you will most likely find the Tubik  as another concept model with an overly futuristic design language.
But the truth is that the French automaker blooked into its past for inspiration as the Tubik pays homage to Citroën's iconic 1939 Tub van and its replacement, the 1948 Type H that was produced for more than three decades.
Citroën described the Tubik as a "high-tech executive shuttle". The van measures 4.80m long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall, and is big enough to carry up to nine passengers who are accommodated in three separate rows of adjustable seats plus an individual seat for the driver.
Up front, the first row of seats lets two people sit facing the road or facing towards the rear. At the back, the middle row can seat up to three people or, alternatively, it can be converted into a small table, be folded onto the last row to free up an area of almost two-square meters, or be folded out completely to create a meridienne style coach.
The Tubik runs on the PSA Peugeot-Citroën group's new Hybrid4 full-hybrid diesel powertrain that combines a front-mounted diesel engine driving the front-wheels and an electric motor that motivates the rear axle.

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IAA 2011: Mercedes-Benz F 125! Gullwing Concept

Birthdays are special occasions – even more so if it's your 125th. For most people, reaching such an age is unlikely, but for Mercedes-Benz it is a fact this year and to celebrate the event, the German automaker unveiled a gullwing concept named -not too imaginatively- F 125! at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The F 125! is a plug-in hybrid that demonstrates Mercedes’ vision for a large luxury coupe of the not-so-far future. The company claims that while its previous research vehicles have “looked ahead” by one model generation or approximately seven to eight years, the F 125! concept“looks” much further, by more than two generations, beyond 2025.
“With the F 125! we want to show that large, comfortable and safe saloons have an excellent future, partly because they are able to operate with no emissions" says Mercedes’ head of Research and Development, Thomas Weber. "The legend is that the S-Class will continue into the future thanks to intelligent solutions.”
The F 125! utilizes a lithium-sulphur high-voltage and high energy density (350 Wh per kg at cell level) battery that powers four individual electric motors, one for each wheel, creating an all-wheel drive system that Mercedes names e4MATIC.
The car's hydrogen tank is integrated into the floor assembly and has a capacity of 7.5 kg. It can withstand pressure of up to 700 bars and offers a driving range of 1,000 km (622 miles).
According to Mercedes, the F 125! doesn’t sacrifice performance either, as it can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).
The bodywork is made of a mix of fibre-reinforced plastics, carbon fiber, aluminium and high-strength steel, resulting in great rigidity but with a significant weight reduction compared to a regular vehicle of this size.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz's designers wanted to create a cabin with which the driver will be able to interact intuitively. Tech highlights include 3D displays, projector-beam technology, next-generation networked telematics system with social media integration and remote control of vehicle functions., and of course, a semi-autonomous driving via the Advanced Driving System.

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