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Lexus LFA a star of the Show


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  • The LFA
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  • Not being able to afford the LFA

Lexus staged the world debut of the first compact luxury hybrid car, introduced three F Sport models, revealed pricing for its IS 350 and announced it has sold all its eight allocated LFA supercars at $700,000 each.<56365 >The CT 200h F Sport hybrid model - the fourth Lexus hybrid - looks the part with “flame blue” paintjob and sports wheels.  Underneath it features ``body performance damper'' to increase rigidity, suppress vibration and improve ride and handling.

It will also have a two-mode function that varies dynamics from economical to sporty and is the first luxury car with a top three ranking on the government’s Green Guide.  The CT 200h F Sport goes into production in December and will arrive here early next year.

Lexus chief executive Tony Cramb says there is a trend to small vehicles that do not compromise on features.  "CT 200h F Sport models will add even greater appeal to a vehicle that - with its hybrid drivetrain and list of advanced features - is set to become Australia's most advanced luxury hatch,'' he says.

Cramb also announced that Lexus will eventually offer a dedicated F Sport model on every vehicle line starting with the IS and CT 200h vehicles.

"Twenty years ago, Lexus offered just one dedicated luxury vehicle, the LS400. Today, that dynamic has changed and we have five model lines with 33 variants and a growing platform,'' he says.

"The coming years for Lexus will be defined by a growth in hybrid vehicles and performance-oriented product - driven by our two halo vehicles LS 600hL and LFA.''

Cramb says the eight allocated 412kW/480Nm LFA supercars have all been sold with the first arriving early next year, but he would not reveal the identity of owners or who missed out.  He says they could have sold more and were originally only allocated five until they pleaded for more.

"Each and every Lexus LFA customer has had personal dialogue with senior Lexus Australia representatives,'' he says.

"Lexus has forged a strong relationship with each LFA owner. This relationship will continue well into the future, encompassing technical and service support and access to Lexus' exclusive Encore program.  “They will become collectors’ cars.”

The carbonfibre-bodied 411kW V10 supercar was unveiled by US racing legend Scott Pruett who has taken potential buyers around US racetracks and helped sell 171 of the 500 vehicles built.

Cramb also announced the new IS 350 will arrive in three trims, starting at $64,800.  The 233kW, 3.5-litre V6-powered IS sedan will be more than $20,000 cheaper than its nearest rival, with competitors cited as Audi A4 3.2 FSI Quattro, BMW 335i M Sport and Mercedes-Benz C 300 Avant.

"As part of Lexus Australia's negotiation process for IS 350, pricing was always top of mind,'' he says.  "IS 350 pricing is not apologetic. It's realistic and supports our long-held belief that luxury vehicles shouldn't be priced highly just because they can be.''

The F Sport model will cost $71,800 and the Sport Luxury will be $81,300 and all will come standard with satnav.  Cramb says the IS 350 will not be the top seller but will “substantially” increase sales of the IS line which is its top selling line.  Lexus will extend its motor show presence with a travelling show around the country, featuring the CT 200h.

The "Progressive Luxury Tour'' has already toured the US and Canada and features a mobile tech centre, with iPad information consoles and prototype vehicles.  Brisbane will play host to the first leg of the Australian tour, followed by Sydney and Melbourne.

The free tour is in Brisbane at Redacliff Place, Queen Street Mall, from October 16 to 18, 10am to 7pm; Sydney, Palm Grove, Darling Harbour, October 22 to 23, 12-9pm and October 24, 10am-7pm; and Melbourne, Queensbridge Square, Southbank, October 29-30, 12-9pm and October 31- November 1, 10am-7pm.

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