2010 New York Auto Show: 2011 Lexus CT 200h Makes Its North American Debut
By Scott Doggett March 31, 2010
The Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatchback announced itself to the universe at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this month, but its unveiling in New York today marked the first time the premium compact posed on North American soil.
The sporty CT 200h five-seater, which is slated to appear in U.S. dealerships early next year, is powered by a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with hybrid drive technology that features two motor generators.
Each of the motor generators performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and generator. The engine-driven generator can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to the drive motor as needed.
The drive motor is driven by electrical power from the hybrid battery pack or generator and provides motive force for the front wheels. The hybrid battery pack is located under the rear cargo area within the wheelbase for optimized balance.
The electric motor, generator and power split device are all housed in one highly compact casing the size of a conventional gearbox, with drive to the front wheels provided by a shift-by-wire, electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
The CT 200h is equipped with four drive-modes: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV. Normal mode has an essentially linear throttle response that gives naturally progressive power while the Power Control Unit limits drive voltage to a maximum of 500 volts.
The Eco mode adjusts air conditioning settings and the throttle for the best possible fuel economy. Sport mode provides more direct Electric Power Steering settings and throttle while the PCU boosts drive voltage to a maximum output of 650 volts.
In EV mode, under certain circumstances, the vehicle can be driven up to one mile using only the electric motors. The battery is nickel-metal hydride, which is not as advanced as lithium batteries.
Neither price nor fuel economy figures for the CT 200h have been provided.
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Sweet car! Man, I'd love to own one of these. Practical, stylish, sporty, and efficient. Too bad it doesn't use LiPo batteries like the upcoming Hyundai Sonata hybrid.
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