LEXUS CT200h Exhibition
LEXUS CT200h
Lexus's First Premium Compact Unveiled in Paris
Lexusannounced the exhibition of the "CT200h" at the Paris Salon. The model, which is Lexus's first premium compact, features a full hybrid system. Orders will begin in October 2010, starting in Europe.
By Giraffe
High Environmental Performance Achieved with the Same Hybrid System as the Prius
The CT in CT200h is an abbreviation for "Creative Touring vehicle," and 200h indicates it is a hybrid vehicle with the power performance of a 2-liter class.
The hybrid system installed is fundamentally the same as the Prius, combining a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. It is, of course, a full hybrid system with an EV mode.
The engine output is 98ps, but the system's maximum output is 136ps. Acceleration from 0-96 km/h is 9.8 seconds, with a top speed announced at 180 km/h.
As expected from a full hybrid, the fuel economy is 68.9 mpg (29.1 km/ℓ). CO2 emissions are also 96 g/km, achieving top-class levels for its displacement category.
Furthermore, this hybrid system allows selection from four driving modes: EV mode, Eco mode, Normal mode, and Sport mode. It automatically provides optimal performance tailored to each mode.
The CT200h also pursues a comfortable ride befitting the Lexus brand, with a highly rigid and low-center-of-gravity body shell, newly developed double-wishbone suspension at the rear, and performance dampers to improve NHV (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics.
Following its announcement at the Paris Salon, orders for the CT200h will begin in Europe in October, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2011. While its release in Japan has not been officially announced, it is reportedly planned for early 2011.
