Video: Lexus CT 200h Dark Ride interactive promo

Lexus debuts "Dark Ride," a high-definition interactive film that promotes its new luxury compact hybrid, the CT 200h.



Got wheels. Lexus has released a high-def interactive film, Dark Ride, to promo its new CT 200h model. Visitors to the LexusDarkRide website can slot themselves – well, a likeness – into the movie, and into the CT 200h seat right next to actor Norman Reedus, of the Boondock Saints film franchise.  From there they can record their own dialogue, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the movie narrative.









Press Release



Lexus Invites Consumers to Co-star in New 'Dark Ride' Interactive Film to Launch New CT 200h Hybrid



Torrance, Calif., May 14, 2010 -- "Get in, buckle up and start talking." Lexus customers will be calling the shots in a high-definition interactive film entitled "Dark Ride." The film features Lexus' newest hybrid, the CT 200h premium compact car, piloted by actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise). Reedus is behind the wheel in this 12:30 action film, but he is following the directions of the person riding shotgun...the consumer.



"With ‘Dark Ride' we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ‘The Darker Side of Green,' which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed."



The film releases online at www.lexusdarkride.com today along with the trailer for the film, which will appear in select movie theaters across the country. Visitors to the www.lexusdarkride.com site will get to insert themselves into the film, sitting beside "Tony" (Reedus), and navigating while he drives the CT 200h from the Nevada desert to a Los Angeles safehouse and protects it from a variety of enemies who wish to get their hands on the new prototype.



Consumers will use an array of interactive features in the film-allowing them to insert their own likeness (via a Webcam or profile pic), record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the film so new situations arise each time.



The "Dark Ride" film is the next step in the launch of the Lexus CT 200h and demonstrates Lexus' marketing theme, "The Darker Side of Green." This theme, which shines a different light on this new breed of a fun-to-drive hybrid, debuted at a star-studded event prior to the CT 200h's North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. This initiative will continue through the launch period with in-market custom events and a VIP marketing program that will give tech-savvy influencers access to an edited "Dark Ride" list of restaurants, clubs, bars and lifestyle brands. Brand partners include Duncan Quinn bespoke suits, VeeV Açaí Spirit, The James Hotel and Grand Hospitality for The Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels.



DIRECT FILM VIEWING LINK: www.lexusdarkride.com

CAMPAIGN LINK: www.darkersideofgreen.com



The all-new CT 200h premium compact hybrid will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 as the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. Expected to lead its class in fuel economy, the stylish, sporty five-door also delivers a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience. The CT is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. The CT will be equipped with four drive-modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV.



With its reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 228 dealers, Lexus has been the top-selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for ten years in a row. In addition, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, now offering four hybrids, with a fifth on the way, that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When Lexus was established in 1989, it offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 11 vehicles, from the entry-level IS 250 to its first V10 supercar, the LFA.



Note: Lexus Dark Ride is viewable with Internet Explorer (Versions 6 and most optimally, 7), Google Chrome, Safari and Mozilla Firefox. Your computer must be equipped with Adobe Flash Player Version 10, found here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

2010 Nissan Leaf European Pricing Announced

Nissan Europe have announced the pricing structure for the European rollout of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf car has received a huge number of  reservations in the U.S already and will be launched in Europe in three stages. Nissan plans to release just one model of the Leaf in Europe, as oppose to the two trim levels available in the U.S. from this Fall.

The cost of the Leaf in the UK will be £23,350 (€27,471) after a £5,000 government rebate. These first four countries were chosen because of the incentives that will keep the cost to consumers more manageable. Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf in Europe in July 2010.

Nissan Leaf customers will enjoy benefits such as zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years.

The automaker chose Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the U.K. as its launch markets because those nations already have tax reduction laws in place for purchasers of very low- or zero-emissions vehicles.  The car will be released on the rest of the European market before the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD'S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE

Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

• Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
• Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
• Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
• Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
• All prices include battery
• Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
• Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets - about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan International SA.

In the United Kingdom, the purchase price of the Nissan LEAF would be 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros)after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is 28,350 Pounds (33,353 Euros) before incentives. The UK government recently announced that it will refund 25 percent of the purchase price of a pure electric vehicle, up to a limit of 5,000 Pounds. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in the UK in February 2011.

An array of other incentives can further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning the Nissan LEAF. In the UK, EV customers benefit from advantages including zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years. This, combined with significant savings in fuel costs of about 600 Euros (513 Pounds) on average annually in Europe versus a traditional car, makes the Nissan LEAF an affordable and compelling proposition.

The purchase price in the Netherlands will be 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Here, subsidies will take the form of zero vehicle registration and road taxes, resulting in tax savings of 6,000 Euros for private car owners and 19,000 Euros for company car owners over five years. Sales in the Netherlands begin this December.

The price in the Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Buyers will be exempt from vehicle registration tax, which can amount to as much as 3,800 Euros on a C-segment car. Sales in Ireland begin in February next year.

The price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Portuguese customers owning the Nissan LEAF benefit from road tax exemption. Sales in Portugal begin this December.

Nissan has decided to launch in these countries first due to significant government incentives for electric cars, and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure for their successful adoption. By the end of next year, Nissan LEAF will be available in every major Western European country.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing over four billion Euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," said Simon Thomas. "This investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly plants, including Sunderland in the UK. This reflects the strong commitment the alliance has made to electric vehicles and our determination to lead the market."

To ensure a place in line when Nissan begins taking reservations in the four initial markets, customers in those countries should pre-register on their local Nissan consumer website.*

In addition to purchasing the car outright, customers will also be able to buy the car on a Nissan finance plan. Details of the all-inclusive acquisition method will also be released in July.

2010 Nissan Leaf European Pricing Announced

Nissan Europe have announced the pricing structure for the European rollout of the 2011 Nissan Leaf. The Leaf car has received a huge number of  reservations in the U.S already and will be launched in Europe in three stages. Nissan plans to release just one model of the Leaf in Europe, as oppose to the two trim levels available in the U.S. from this Fall.

The cost of the Leaf in the UK will be £23,350 (€27,471) after a £5,000 government rebate. These first four countries were chosen because of the incentives that will keep the cost to consumers more manageable. Nissan will start taking reservations for the Leaf in Europe in July 2010.

Nissan Leaf customers will enjoy benefits such as zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years.

The automaker chose Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the U.K. as its launch markets because those nations already have tax reduction laws in place for purchasers of very low- or zero-emissions vehicles.  The car will be released on the rest of the European market before the end of 2011.





Press Release

NISSAN ANNOUNCES EUROPEAN PRICES OF NISSAN LEAF, WORLD'S FIRST MASS-MARKET, ALL-ELECTRIC ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLE

Price to be under 30,000 Euros after incentives in most European countries

• Price in UK is 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros) after government incentives
• Price in the Netherlands is 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Dutch buyers will benefit from 6,000-19,000 Euros (5,128-16,239 Pounds) in tax savings over five years
• Price in Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds) after government incentives
• Price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds) after government incentives
• All prices include battery
• Reservations for the four initial markets to begin in July
• Prices for other countries to be announced closer to launch

Nissan International SA today announced that the all-electric Nissan LEAF will be priced at under 30,000 Euros (25,641 Pounds) after incentives in most of its European launch markets - about the same as a comparably-equipped diesel or hybrid vehicle.

The company also announced specific prices for the UK, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland and Portugal, the four initial European launch markets for the Nissan LEAF. Reservations will begin in July.

The Nissan LEAF is a compact, zero-emission five-passenger family car that comes fully equipped with features such as air conditioning, satellite navigation, a parking camera, a quick charge socket and innovative smart-phone connectivity.

"Nissan leads the industry by being the first automaker to offer an affordable zero-emission car. It's a pure electric vehicle, with no tailpipe emissions and very low running costs. Nissan LEAF may look similar to a compact family car, but its smoothness, acceleration and handling will surprise and impress drivers and passengers alike," said Simon Thomas, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan International SA.

In the United Kingdom, the purchase price of the Nissan LEAF would be 23,350 Pounds (27,471 Euros)after government incentives. The price, which includes the battery, is 28,350 Pounds (33,353 Euros) before incentives. The UK government recently announced that it will refund 25 percent of the purchase price of a pure electric vehicle, up to a limit of 5,000 Pounds. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in the UK in February 2011.

An array of other incentives can further defray the costs and increase the benefits of owning the Nissan LEAF. In the UK, EV customers benefit from advantages including zero vehicle excise duty and zero company car tax for five years. This, combined with significant savings in fuel costs of about 600 Euros (513 Pounds) on average annually in Europe versus a traditional car, makes the Nissan LEAF an affordable and compelling proposition.

The purchase price in the Netherlands will be 32,839 Euros (28,068 Pounds). Here, subsidies will take the form of zero vehicle registration and road taxes, resulting in tax savings of 6,000 Euros for private car owners and 19,000 Euros for company car owners over five years. Sales in the Netherlands begin this December.

The price in the Republic of Ireland is 29,995 Euros (25,637 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Buyers will be exempt from vehicle registration tax, which can amount to as much as 3,800 Euros on a C-segment car. Sales in Ireland begin in February next year.

The price in Portugal is 29,955 Euros (25,603 Pounds)after 5,000 Euros in government incentives. Portuguese customers owning the Nissan LEAF benefit from road tax exemption. Sales in Portugal begin this December.

Nissan has decided to launch in these countries first due to significant government incentives for electric cars, and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure for their successful adoption. By the end of next year, Nissan LEAF will be available in every major Western European country.

"The Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing over four billion Euros to lead the auto industry in electric vehicles, with eight products across three brands," said Simon Thomas. "This investment includes five battery plants and seven confirmed assembly plants, including Sunderland in the UK. This reflects the strong commitment the alliance has made to electric vehicles and our determination to lead the market."

To ensure a place in line when Nissan begins taking reservations in the four initial markets, customers in those countries should pre-register on their local Nissan consumer website.*

In addition to purchasing the car outright, customers will also be able to buy the car on a Nissan finance plan. Details of the all-inclusive acquisition method will also be released in July.

2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo

Suzuki has premiered the 2010 Kizashi Turbo Concept on the 30th of April.

The concept was born out of the designs of Suzuki tuner Road Race Motorsports working with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Road Race Motorsports added its own 16G turbocharger, high-flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow-off valve and a velocity air intake. All that takes the Kizashi up to a competitive 290 bhp (216 kW).

The power will be set to 216kW in a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine. The base power for the GTS is only 138kW, therefore the Road Race upgrade is quite hefty in the power department.

Other goodies include the custom fuel management, Road Race’s Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector as wel as a custom crafted turbo manifold and a 38 mm wastegate supplied by Tial. With all these installed, the car carries now an impressive 290 hp, more than enough we’d say to deliver impressive performances via 19-inch Dunlop tires. Also, for better stability, a new set of Road Race sport springs were installed as well as a rear-mounted spoiler delivered by Delta Tech Engineering
Source: Suzuki





Press Release

SUZUKI'S CONCEPT TURBO KIZASHI ‘BLOWS' DOORS OFF MIDSIZE COMPETITION

Blower heightens the excitement with lowered, tuned Kizashi

BREA, Calif. (April 30, 2010) - After an impressive performance preview of Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi at last fall's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the heightened fun (on closed course, with professional driver) continues with the debut of Kizashi's concept turbocharged variant. As seen - beginning this month - with racer Tommy Kendall and his Speed Channel program "Test Drive," this newest Kizashi concept morphs the intended definition of Kizashi from the Japanese - "something great is coming" - into "what might be coming next?"

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi's lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports' own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race's Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

The enhanced power bumps the Kizashi's already impressive engine to 290 hp and is connected to the track pavement via 19-inch Dunlops. Those are kept connected to the course by Road Race's own sport springs, working in combination with Kizashi's ultra-rigid unibody and all-independent suspension. High-speed stability is enhanced with the addition of a rear-mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech Engineering. The end result on the track - with either Road Race founder Rob Tallini, Tommy Kendall or the Suzuki enthusiast behind the wheel - is the need for speed suddenly and fully satisfied.

Air dates for the newest edition of Speed Channel's "Test Drive" begin on April 30, 2010. For a complete schedule, visit the Speed Channel website.

2010 Suzuki Concept Kizashi Turbo

Suzuki has premiered the 2010 Kizashi Turbo Concept on the 30th of April.

The concept was born out of the designs of Suzuki tuner Road Race Motorsports working with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Road Race Motorsports added its own 16G turbocharger, high-flow intercooler, an extreme spray injector, a blow-off valve and a velocity air intake. All that takes the Kizashi up to a competitive 290 bhp (216 kW).

The power will be set to 216kW in a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine. The base power for the GTS is only 138kW, therefore the Road Race upgrade is quite hefty in the power department.

Other goodies include the custom fuel management, Road Race’s Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector as wel as a custom crafted turbo manifold and a 38 mm wastegate supplied by Tial. With all these installed, the car carries now an impressive 290 hp, more than enough we’d say to deliver impressive performances via 19-inch Dunlop tires. Also, for better stability, a new set of Road Race sport springs were installed as well as a rear-mounted spoiler delivered by Delta Tech Engineering
Source: Suzuki





Press Release

SUZUKI'S CONCEPT TURBO KIZASHI ‘BLOWS' DOORS OFF MIDSIZE COMPETITION

Blower heightens the excitement with lowered, tuned Kizashi

BREA, Calif. (April 30, 2010) - After an impressive performance preview of Suzuki's 2010 Kizashi at last fall's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, the heightened fun (on closed course, with professional driver) continues with the debut of Kizashi's concept turbocharged variant. As seen - beginning this month - with racer Tommy Kendall and his Speed Channel program "Test Drive," this newest Kizashi concept morphs the intended definition of Kizashi from the Japanese - "something great is coming" - into "what might be coming next?"

In production form, the all-new Kizashi delivers a premium package and experience without the premium price tag, providing a unique blend of dynamic performance attributes and features more appropriate to the near-luxury sport sedan segment. The performance experts at Road Race Motorsports build on those performance attributes and near-luxury features with a host of mods designed to heighten the excitement factor while lowering the Kizashi's lap times on any closed-course venue.

Road Race Motorsports, one of the chief suppliers of go-fast goods for Suzuki automotive enthusiasts, began the Suzuki turbo project with a pre-production Kizashi GTS. Boost is supplied to the stock heads and block by a 16G turbocharger, while temp is kept in check with Road Race Motorsports' own high flow intercooler. Other adds on the hardware menu include custom fuel management, Road Race's Sleeper blow-off valve, Velocity air intake and Extreme spray injector. The equal length turbo manifold is custom crafted, while the 38mm wastegate is supplied by Tial.

The enhanced power bumps the Kizashi's already impressive engine to 290 hp and is connected to the track pavement via 19-inch Dunlops. Those are kept connected to the course by Road Race's own sport springs, working in combination with Kizashi's ultra-rigid unibody and all-independent suspension. High-speed stability is enhanced with the addition of a rear-mounted spoiler supplied by Delta Tech Engineering. The end result on the track - with either Road Race founder Rob Tallini, Tommy Kendall or the Suzuki enthusiast behind the wheel - is the need for speed suddenly and fully satisfied.

Air dates for the newest edition of Speed Channel's "Test Drive" begin on April 30, 2010. For a complete schedule, visit the Speed Channel website.