We don’t usually associate Playboy with cars, unless scantily clad women were somehow involved, but the American men’s magazine has just unveiled the top 11 hottest models people should buy in 2012. Now guys can really say they are picking up Playboy’s latest issue for the articles!
The top spot for this honorable list goes to none other than the fastest production Jaguar ever built - the XKR-S! But next to this remarkable sports car is the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the Fiat 500, the Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus CT 200h, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the Bentley Continental GTC, the Ford Mustang Boss 302, the Audi A7, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, and the Hyundai Veloster.
There are certainly many fabulous vehicles to choose from on this list - and some not so fabulous vehicles - so do you agree with the top spot? Let us know in the comments section below!
Hatchbacks may not offer the same kind of thrill as sports cars and muscle cars. They also don’t have the utility of SUVs and pick-ups. Heck, they’re not so much for luxury, either. But at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show, hatchbacks will have their turn in the spotlight as a host of custom-modded hatches will be making their way to Las Vegas.
This list comprises most of the vehicles you’ll see. There are Scions iQs, Ford Fiestas, Ford Focus, and even a Lexus CT200h. Not only are these vehicles modded to the brim, but they also give us an idea on all the possibilities that come with aftermarket works being done on hatches.
The people who think that hatches aren’t cool enough should take a good look at this list and if they don’t change their minds, then they really need to check themselves before they wreck themselves.
But for those like us that enjoy modded hatchbacks, this list will tell us all the vehicles we need to look out for at the SEMA Auto Show.
Check out the 2011 SEMA Auto Show: Hatchbacks after the jump.
Full story
The Lexus CT200h talks a big game about being an environmentally friendly sports hatchback that defies the typically bland designs of other hybrids on the markets.
The car’s attendance at the SEMA Auto Show certainly adds more credence to the car’s tuning worthiness and Meguiars’, known for being one of the best auto surface care companies in the world, has decided to bring their own iteration of the Lexus sports hybrid hatchback.
The look of the render suggests that the Meguiar’s CT200h will be decked in a two-tone paint color featuring a vibrant yellow body paint with a gloss black paint on the bonnet, roof, and pillars of the hatchback. According to Meguiars, the color scheme was inspired by Meguiars Ultimate Wash and Wax product line. In building the car, Meguiars enlisted the help and assistance of some of the aftermarket industry’s heavyweights, including Glasurit Paint Systems, Rotiform, Falken Tires, CKS Suspension, Street Concepts, and Shoreline Motoring.
The powertrain of the CT200h appears to be the same - a 1.8-liter VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor that produces 134 horsepower - but even if there doesn’t seem to have any performance modifications, the true essence of the CT200h sports hybrid hatch is uncompromising and efficient performance with drop-dead good looks.
The Lexus CT 200h was developed as a means to get greater fuel efficiency without too much thought put into the sportiness of the vehicle. That’s the typical thought process involved in producing a hybrid, but Five Axis has a different way of thinking. They have developed a new tuning package for the hybrid hatchback just in time for one of the greatest tuning events in the world: the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. Their package shows that even hybrids can look great combining an aggressive exterior look with a sporty interior and that same tremendous fuel economy of the CT 200h.
The look begins with a custom widebody conversion and a mysterious JDSU "Dark Passage" paint combined with custom black accents. The interior gets a touch more spunk with bright orange accents, uniquely appointed seats with laser etched Ultrasuede EcoDesign inserts, custom illuminated headliner with Ultrasuede EcoDesign Upholstery, and upholstery by Turinmodel, Inc., and 3M Crystalline window film by The Tint Factory. The technological factor was also boosted with a custom Touchscreen Interface center console. A set of 19" forged wheels complete the vehicle’s overall look, while a new Stop Tech high performance big brake kit and a TEIN Flex Coilover suspension system provide a better stability.
The engine for the Lexus CT 200h remains the same, but the 134 hp 1.8 liter VVT-i petrol engine, powerful electric motor, generator, high performance battery, power control unit, and power split device is enough of a setup to leave alone for now. After all, a responsible and environmentally friendly vehicle with a touch of sport and fun? Sign us up!
Shortly after releasing details on the 2012 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Package, Lexus has unveiled the CT 200h F-Sport Special Edition exclusively for the US market. Only 900 units of this model will be built, and they are scheduled to arrive in dealerships in November 2011 with a price tag of $37,995.
The new Lexus CT200h F-Sport Special Edition will be offered in the new Nebula Gray Pearl color, as well as Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl. Each model will come with a new set of F-Sport 17" alloy wheels in a Liquid Silver finish. The exterior will be further distinguished by a unique front mesh grille, a larger rear spoiler, and an F-Sport exterior badge.
The interior of the F-Sport Special Edition also gets a number of additions including Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats, black F-Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching, metal front scuff plates, and aluminum sport pedals. Metallic trim was then added to the dash panel, highlighting the black headliner. The interior is completed with a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F-Sport logo and a leather-trimmed shift knob.
The Lexus CT 200h F Sport Special Edition will still be offered with the F-Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs, but Lexus is also throwing in a Navigation Package and a Premium Audio Package as standard (these are optional in the standard F-Sport Package).
