More Details on the 2011 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid
- Competes with: No other hybrids, but gas-only models like the Volvo C30, Mini Cooper Clubman and the diesel Audi A3
- Looks like: Lexus is in a risk-taking mood — it's the only thing a luxury hatchback could signal
- Drivetrain: 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motor/generator producing 134 hp (total); front-wheel drive
- Hits dealerships: Early 2011
Lexus says the CT 200h grew out of a recent concept car, the LF-Ch, which was first seen just last fall at the Frankfurt auto show. The production version's resemblance is very close to the concept — and from some angles, the Mazda3 hatchback. The wheels measure 17 inches in diameter.
As for the drivetrain, Lexus has indicated that the CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-liter gas engine that teams with an electric motor/generator. Total system output is 134 horsepower. Drivers can switch among four different modes — Normal, Eco, EV (electric vehicle) and Sport — that are designed to alter the car's drivetrain performance. Eco mode also modifies the car's air conditioning for lower fuel use, while Sport quickens the car's steering. In a nod to the Sport mode’s performance intentions, one of the gauges in the instrument cluster changes from a charge/assist meter to a tachometer when it’s selected.
Even though hatchbacks — particularly luxury hatchbacks — haven't been embraced by most U.S. car buyers, they've fared better when the technology in them has been the main attraction. (Witness the Toyota Prius.) The CT 200h also packs hybrid technology, but the luxury market is fickle, so it will be interesting to see how buyers respond to the car. More photos below.
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I'm seeing a lot of BMW in that dash...
"As for the drivetrain, Lexus has only indicated that the CT 200h is powered by a 1.8-liter gas engine that teams with an electric motor/generator."
The system produces 134hp (same as the Prius). It says so right on the Lexus web site: http://www.lexus.com/fcv/ct200h.html?s_ocid=FCVAnchorHero_LfCh0909
Thanks Brian! It'd be great if the Lexus press materials mentioned any of that. We'll update the post ASAP.
looks like a tarted=up matrix with a Prius engine to me.
the interior is really nice, but the exterior isn't appealing to me. I can't see the type of person that goes for a hatch springing for this over a prius.
Broq
No problem Dave. I've noticed a few times recently that more information is sometimes available on the official brand web site than in the material posted by news sites. For example, when the new Cayenne was announced last week Porsche had a glitzy flash site up the day of the launch with videos and a fairly large photo gallery, but it seemed like the press had only been given a few shots to work with, and it didn't seem like all of the technical information available on the site was in the press release either. I'm not sure if they're actually trying to disintermediate here, or just not doing a very good job of getting information out to the press!
I love it and can't wait to see it arrive stateside.
The car looks nice, though perhaps a bit on the heavy side for sporty performance with a total of 134hp and no manual transmission.
"Lexus is readying its first hatchback for the U.S. market"
Also, not to be pedantic, but the first generation IS came in a sport wagon / hatchback (SportCross) that was shaped quite similarly to this one.
Lexus ripping off the Mazda 3 rear end and the Honda'ish front end?
I've read elsewhere that Toyota has tradmearked "CT 300h and "CT 400h" so it's possible that higher powered versions are in the future.
They finally made a hybrid version of the Sportcross! I can finally buy a new car!