Toyota Says Lexus CT 200h Compact Hybrid Will Be Available in the United States
By Scott Doggett March 10, 2010
Toyota officials have confirmed that the Lexus CT 200h, a premium hybrid five-door hatchback, is coming to the United States.
The Lexus CT 200h would be Lexus's first compact car, and the first compact hybrid sold by Toyota in America. The car (pictured) was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show last week, but until recently the company insisted that the compact hybrid would only be sold in Europe.
According to a report in Automotive News, Lexus executives pleaded with Japan to bring to the car to the U.S., partly in hopes that the smaller Lexus would appeal to a younger demographic.
"When the all-new Lexus CT 200h enters the market it will be the only hybrid vehicle in the emerging premium compact segment," said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager.
The CT 200h features a 1.8-liter gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, a "high-performance battery" (details have yet to be disclosed), a power-control unit, a transmission with an electric-motor generator, a power-split device to re-allocate power from the engine and electric motor generator according to operational requirements.
Four drive modes enhance the capabilities of the CT 200h's Lexus Hybrid Drive technology and change the rate of throttle opening for a given throttle-pedal angle:
- EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running on electric motor power alone;
- Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response;
- Eco mode reduces throttle response relative to the pedal angle and adjusts air-conditioning settings to emphasize fuel economy;
- Sport mode provides a more responsive throttle and modifies the Electronic Power Steering settings to give a faster response to driver inputs.
The sides of the cabin have been tapered, the rear edge of the roof lowered and even the lower body painstakingly detailed to optimize airflow. Completing the look are unique 17-inch alloy wheels and blue badging specific to Lexus hybrid vehicles.
The interior offers unprecedented levels of refinement in this segment. Efficient and elegant, the cabin combines superior ergonomics with hand-crafted, premium quality materials to create an outstanding driving environment. The extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft touch materials reinforces the luxury experience.
Despite the compact package, the CT 200h does not compromise interior roominess. Its long, 102-inch wheelbase offers front and rear seat passenger accommodation that is amongst the most spacious in the segment.
"Lexus has been at the forefront of luxury hybrid technology for the last five years. The CT 200h is just another example of our commitment to developing cars that are innovative and different from what's already out there," Templin said during the Geneva show. "With its exceptional fuel economy, ultra-low emissions, dynamic handling, and beautiful styling, the CT 200h is a car that doesn't sacrifice excitement for efficiency."
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I bet this will be faster than the CR-Z. Of course, it really doesn't have to be all that fast to be faster than the CR-Z since Honda set the bar so low with the meager 122 hp that the CR-Z power train generates. Unfortunately for the CR-Z almost everycar on the road today has better 0-60 times than the CR-Z. Sadly, Honda is still lacking any exciting sports cars.
Wanna talk about spinning out of control Toyota is Dropping the ball in a huge way.
Another very public runaway car related to the pedal recall http://www.carpedalrecall.com check if your car is affected
but then recalling all Tundra trucks from 2000 - 2003 so many they don't even release a number of affected vehicles .
I Can't see it getting any better for them any time soon , just worse ...
Ghey.
Lexus is a loser car company From the losing to the NIssan GTR LFH, to crap cars that all look the same, to a past of overweight slow vehicles at a ridiculous price, this car company is a total and complete has been.
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