Lexus CT 200h and F Sport refreshed for 2014

Lexus has taken the wraps off a refreshed 2014 CT 200h at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China, updating the car for the first time since its debut as a 2011 mode, and it'll also be appearing at the LA Auto Show today. The biggest visual change is of course the addition of the new corporate front fascia which Lexus refers to as the "spindle grille." Other changes on the outside include a choice of new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a ten-spoke design. The CT 200h has also been treated to redesigned rear bumper, the most noticeable changes being the black lower center section, and L-shaped reflector housings.

Local Motors launches Pacific Northwest competition

Local Motors' 20th design competition, themed 'Thrive in the Elements,' opens for submissions starting today, 17 March. The new American car company is calling for entrants to design a car based around the four core elements: Earth, wind, fire and water; challenging designers to create a vehicle that will 'inspire Pacific Northwesterners to thrive'. The deadline for entries is 30 March 2010.

There's a 2015 Ford Mustang convertible on the way, too

Almost immediately after the Ford Mustang debuted, buyers could choose from three body styles -- a hardtop, a rag-top convertible and a fastback (which actually came out a few months later than the hardtop and convertible). We already knew that the 2015 Mustang will arrive as a fastback (sorry, notchback partisans), but Ford has just announced that a drop-top version is also in the works. Pictures of the convertible sport a shiny "5.0" badge on the side and and chrome "GT" badge on the back, but we assume all the standard engines -- the 5.0-liter V8, 3.7-liter V6 and that new 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four -- will be offered.