Lexus announced the LF-Ch compact hybrid concept, which had its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show, will be on display for the first time in North America at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

As the latest concept hybrid vehicle from Lexus, LF-Ch offers dramatic style, premium features, an innovative drivetrain with low emissions, and impressive fuel economy in a sporty yet versatile five-door package.

“Lexus has been leading the luxury hybrid market ever since we came out with the RX 400h in 2005,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “To continue raising the hybrid benchmark, we need to continue exploring hybrid technology in different segments. The LF-Ch concept gives us the opportunity to gauge consumer reaction and help us determine whether or not this would be viable for production.”

The LF-Ch concept was designed by Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif., and will allow the brand to study the needs of young urbanites and consumer values in a compact luxury vehicle.

“The LF-Ch concept is the next evolution of the compact luxury vehicle,” said Kevin Hunter, president of Calty. “We were able to create a beautifully designed hybrid with a deep sense of mystery and intrigue.”

Designers created an intriguing contrast between the powerful, machine-like surfaces, fluid forms and details that appear hand-sculpted.

The exterior of the LF-Ch concept exudes strength and simplicity with a wide stance, broad and high-shoulders, an arching roofline that flows into the rear spoiler, and sheer surfaces wrapped in a contemporary yellow paint. To give the sporty five-door concept the illusion of a sleek coupe, designers cleverly blackened the B-pillar and hid the rear door entry button in the chrome molding.

An aggressive grille with a wide front bumper and air dam gives the hybrid concept a powerful personality in keeping with its dynamic lines. Efficient and bright LED taillights and headlamps also add to the vehicle’s personality. The concept is marked with hybrid details including its blue Lexus logo, which is shared across the Lexus family of hybrids, and hybrid side badging.

Inside, designers created an elegant cabin that is contemporary, and functional with metal and leather trim. Metal surfacing stretches the length of the asymmetric dashboard and blends with leather trim to provide a luxuriously handcrafted and soothing environment. The artistic leather, and metal detailing is also visible on the door panels, instrument panel and seats.

A blue headliner light, that borders the roof and contrasts with the yellow exterior, turns on to reveal an ambient pattern reminiscent of a sophisticated lounge. A wide grip steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters makes for a spirited driving experience. The instrument panel features two, large twin dials with a uniquely embellished turbine blade design.

The LF-Ch is powered by the latest generation of Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. A drive mode-switch allows the driver to select between four modes: Normal, Eco, and EV plus a Sport mode that amplifies throttle response for the most enthusiastic drivers.

Lexus’ Remote Touch controller with user-adjustable haptic feedback, also currently found on the 2010 HS 250h hybrid and RX luxury utility vehicles, allows the driver or front passenger to operate the navigation, audio and climate systems.

The LF-Ch has four sport seats that feature trim lighting along the cushion’s edge for cabin illumination. Rear passengers can enjoy headrest-mounted iPhone® docking capability for audio and video entertainment. In addition, the LF-Ch has storage in the rear seat armrests for small items such as iPods®, PDAs and cell phones.

“We look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch,” said Templin. “We hope consumers like what they see so we can change the luxury hybrid marketplace again.”

Demonstration Program Begins in U.S. Late 2009

The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) Concept vehicle made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Based on the third-generation Prius, the PHV Concept expands Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology, utilizing first generation lithium-ion battery technology and enabling electric operation at higher speeds and longer distances than conventional hybrids. When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve an electric-only range of approximately 12 miles and will be capable of achieving highway speeds in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the PHV concept reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure electric vehicles.

Beginning in late 2009, Toyota will begin global delivery of 500 Prius PHV vehicles. Of this initial fleet, 150 will be placed with select U.S. lease-fleet customers for market and engineering analysis. This program will allow Toyota to gather real world driving feedback and understand customer expectations for plug-in technology. In addition, the program will allow evaluation of the first generation lithium-ion battery’s durability, reliability and performance.

“The greatest hurdle in bringing to market a reliable lithium battery is mass production. We must have a production process that guarantees each battery will be identical in performance and quality,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs.

The vehicle’s first-generation lithium-ion battery will be built on a dedicated PEVE (Panasonic EV Energy Company, LTD) assembly line. PEVE is a joint-venture in which Toyota owns 60 percent equity. The first generation lithium-ion batteries were developed in-house by Toyota Research and Development, and a dedicated battery development team is already working on the next battery “beyond lithium.”

The 150 demonstration vehicles will be placed in strategic clusters around the U.S., allowing development of charging infrastructure and communications support for program participants. Each placement scenario will have a variety of ‘use cases’ or driving conditions (ie: commute length, usage type, access to charging) to gain maximum input to vehicle performance and customer needs.

“Although we like to be first to market with these technologies, it’s more important that we are best to market,” said Miller. “This demonstration program will ensure that the vehicles we bring to market will not just meet customer expectations, but exceed them.”

The Toyota Highlander Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle – Advanced (FCHV-adv) achieved an estimated range of 431 miles on a single full tank of compressed hydrogen gas, and an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles/kg (approximate mpg equivalent) during a day-long trip down the southern California coast.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Savannah River National Laboratory (SNRL) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), approached Toyota to participate in a collaborative evaluation of the real world driving range of the FCHV-adv. On Tuesday, June 30, two fuel cell vehicles, two Toyota Technical Center engineers, an SRNL engineer and a NREL engineer completed a 331.5 mile extended round trip drive between Torrance, California and San Diego.

“This evaluation of the FCHV-adv demonstrates not only the rapid advances in fuel cell technology, but also the viability of this technology for the future,” said Jared Farnsworth, Toyota Technical Center advanced powertrain engineer.

The route encompassed a variety of drive cycles, including high speed highway driving, moderate highway driving and stop and go traffic on surface streets, in an effort to capture a typical commute. Each vehicle was outfitted with a data collection system that captured vehicle speed, distance traveled, hydrogen consumed, hydrogen tank pressure, temperature and internal tank volume.

Driving range data from each vehicle was calculated by SRNL and NREL engineers. The results were averaged for an estimated range of 431 miles, with an average fuel economy of 68.3 miles/kg.

For comparison, the 2009 Toyota Highland Hybrid achieves an EPA-estimated rating of 26 mpg combined fuel economy and has a full-tank range of approximately 450 miles. With premium grade gasoline currently priced at about $3.25, the gasoline-powered V6 Highlander hybrid is estimated to travel approximately 26 miles at a cost of about $3.25. Currently, hydrogen gas pricing is not fixed, but DOE targets future pricing at $2 to $3 per kilogram. Therefore, the FCHV-adv is estimated to travel approximately 68 miles at a projected cost of about $2.50 – more than double the range of the Highlander Hybrid, at equal or lesser cost, while producing zero emissions.

SRNL and NREL analyzed all data gathered during the evaluation and prepared a formal report to DOE verifying range results and miles per kilogram achieved. This report will assist regulators and government research programs to accurately assess the status of the fuel cell industry and viability of the current technology.

“Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology has advanced rapidly over the last two years,” said Irv Miller, TMS group vice president, environmental and public affairs. “In 2015, our plan is to bring to market a reliable and durable fuel cell vehicle with exceptional fuel economy and zero emissions, at an affordable price.”

The Toyota iQ is on track for North America- a relatively fast track at that. First introduced as a concept car in 2007, the iQ became available in Japan in 2008 and in Europe in January, 2009. A version of the iQ made its American debut as a Scion-badged concept car at the New York Auto Show in April.

Rumor has it that the iQ will become the first in a series that will include the Scion iQ as well as a hybrid version. It is also rumored that the iQ platform will also be the basis for the next generation Toyota Yaris.

New strategies from Toyota tend to support (at least some) of these rumors. Toyota has announced new versions of the iQ that will soon be available in Japan and a joint venture with Aston Martin that will use the iQ platform.

Soon available in Japan will be new versions of the iQ. These will be limited edition, customized versions in much the same way that Scion markets its vehicles in America. Among the versions that will be available as early as November will be a sporty version. Following that are plans for a version tailored to younger consumers and one that will be marketed toward women.

Meanwhile, a joint venture with Aston Martin will produce an iQ-based car called the Cygnet. Aston Martin is based in the UK but will market the Cygnet throughout Europe.

Though Toyota has yet to confirm any rumors, it clearly has shown commitment to the iQ platform and a willingness to move the iQ quickly from concept to production.

Don’t expect an “economy” car like the Kia Forte with a low sticker price. General consensus among car makers is that such vehicles sell poorly due to poor perception of quality and have a low profit margin- a combination that spells disaster. Rather, expect any version of the iQ to be more moderately priced but trendy and “green”.

Scion will unveil a micro-subcompact concept car at the 2009 New York International Auto Show. The concept is said to represent a new segment for the brand aimed toward the growing urbanization trend.

Toyoland will cover the press conference and unveiling on Wednesday, April 8 from the Javits Convention Center in New York.

Production versions of the xB urban utility vehicle, tC sports coupe and xD urban subcompact five-door will be on display in the Scion space as well as five highly-modified vehicles that debuted at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Toyota and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation have partnered to create the Matrix 6-String concept car with design elements created and inspired by the world-renowned Fender Custom Shop. With Matrix’s appeal to independent males who are a little rebellious in nature and like to experience things first hand and Fender’s rich rock-n-roll history and credibility with the youth market, this relationship was a natural pairing.

The Matrix 6-String’s Austin Speed Shop-designed interior keeps in the classic style of Fender® while incorporating the modern lines and feel of the Matrix. Pearlessence Silver and Chatham Black leather by Garrett Leather adorns the front seats and doors panels. Austin Speed Shop’s own Fat Lucky’s Upholstery is highlighted by custom red stitching, mimicking the 1960’s Von Dutch style pinstripe, embellishing the front seats in a theme that is carried throughout the vehicle. Reproduction 1960’s black and silver carpet by Auto Custom Carpets further carries the classic theme to the floor of the concept while black suede covers the headliner, sun visors, and pillars. Color matched accents in vintage red pearl drum wrap add visual interest and enhance the musical ties within the interior.

The rear of the concept houses an extraordinary Panasonic audio/visual system that includes a 42 inch wide plasma screen HDTV, four amplifiers producing 875 watts, and a Fender® G-DEC® guitar amplifier. For extra flare, custom illuminated billet speaker rings with Fender grill cloth have been incorporated into the vehicle covering each of the 17 speakers. Additionally, an integrated Sony Playstation 3 allows enthusiasts to play the popular Rock Band™ music game from the back of the vehicle. Even the Rock Band guitar conveys the vintage theme with the same red pearl drum wrap treatment displayed throughout the vehicle.

The exterior of the vehicle boasts an aggressive body kit painted in House of Kolors Kandy Brandy Wine. A custom set of three-piece Klassen 22-inch wheels wrapped with Toyo Proxy performance tires, front mount intercooler and a one off stainless steel exhaust compliment the new look.

Accompanying the exterior modifications are JBT big brakes and calipers, braided stainless steel brake lines and a height adjustable coil over the suspension. Classic pinstriping paint by Dart Graphics ties the exterior to the interior of the concept.

The pièce de résistance, a custom Fender Stratocaster® guitar built at the Fender Custom Shop will be played by Custom Shop Marketing Director Mike Eldred and amplified from the back of the Matrix 6-String during the show. The Fender Custom Shop® is where Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, John Mayer, Jeff Beck and many others go to get their instruments made. This special guitar will be displayed in a custom display case next to the Matrix 6-String during the SEMA event.

For two decades now, the Fender Custom Shop has astounded players and collectors worldwide with achievements of creativity, ingenuity and guitar artistry. From humble mid-’80s beginnings in Fender’s original Southern California home, the Custom Shop has grown to become the world’s preeminent maker of custom “instantly collectible” instruments; a veritable dream factory that has made Fender’s finest the world’s finest.

Design by:
Street Image & Austin Speed Shop

Participating Suppliers:
Auto Custom Carpets
Dart Graphics
Fat Lucky’s Upholstery
Fender
Garrett Leather
Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
JBT Motorsports
Klassen id
Panasonic
Toyo Tires

2009 TOYOTA MATRIX 6-STRING SPECIFICATIONS

Design by: Street Image & Austin Speed Shop

Exterior Modifications:

•Aggressive 4 Piece Body Kit with Replacement Bumpers
•Front Mount Intercooler
•Tinted Window Film
•Klassen K10.0 Wheel – Staggered Offset, Black Face with Polished Lip
Front 22″ x 8.5”
Rear 22” x 8.5”
•Toyo Proxy 4 Performance Tires
Front 235/30ZR22
Rear 235/30ZR22
•Dual Tip Stainless Steel Exhaust
•Old School Pin-Striping Paint by Dart Graphics

Interior Modifications:

•Seating in Pearlessence Silver & Chatham Black Leathers by Garrett Leather
Front Seats with Fat Lucky’s Designed Pinstripe Stitching
•Door Panels in Pearlessence Silver & Chatham Black Leathers by Garrett Leather
•Accent Upholstery in Black Suede
Headliner & Sun Visors
Pillars
•Accent Lighting
•Color Matched Accents – Vintage Red Pearl Drum Wrap
•Reproduction 1960’s Black and Silver Carpet by Auto Custom Carpets

Suspension Modifications:

•Height Adjustable Coil over Suspension

Brake Modifications:

•JBT Big Brakes
Front 15” Diameter
Rear 14” Diameter
•JBT Forged Calipers
Front 6 Piston
Rear 4 Piston
•Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
•Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid

In Car Entertainment:

•Sony Playstation 3
•Rockband Video Game
•Panasonic Strada Head Unit – In-Dash Navigation with 7” Wide Screen Display and DVD Multi-Source Receiver x 1
•Panasonic I-Pod Adaptor
•Panasonic Viera Plasma – 42” Wide Screen 1080p HDTV x 1
•Panasonic 8 Channel Digital Signal Processor Amplifier x 2
•Panasonic 4 Channel Amplifier x 2
•Panasonic Titanium Tweeter x 4
•Panasonic 5cm Super Mid-High Speaker x 4
•Panasonic 17cm Super Dynamic Range Tweeter x 6
•Panasonic 10” Super Low Distortion Sub-Woofer x 3
•Fender G-Dec Guitar Processor
•Cascade APS90 Continuous Power Supply
•Custom Subwoofer Enclosure
•Custom Hatch Enclosure
•Billet Aluminum Speaker Finishing Rings with Fender Amp Cloth
•Illuminated Speaker Rings
•Reproduction 1960’s Black and Silver Carpet Truck Area Upholstery by Auto Custom Carpets