Lexus to Unveil 'CT200h' at 2010 Geneva Motor Show - VIDEO ENHANCED
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TOKYO - March 2, 2010: Lexus unveiled the five-door hybrid "CT200h"(1) - the first Lexus vehicle in
the premium-compact segment - at the 80th Geneva International Motor
Show. Press Days are today and tomorrow, the show is open to the public from March 4 to 14.
The CT200h was designed to
open the way for a new Lexus era by combining the dynamism of sporty
driving performance and styling with outstanding environmental performance,
resulting in an experience that captivates driver and passenger
alike.
A newly developed high-rigidity body and strong yet flexible
suspension, together with Lexus Hybrid Drive, are the basis for
exhilarating handling performance and the pursuit of top-of-its-class(3)
environmental performance.
The vehicle has precise response thanks
to its easily selectable Sport, Eco and other driving modes, while a
sophisticated cockpit offers clear visibility and operability that enhances
driving pleasure.
Click PLAY to watch the introduction
The Japanese launch of the CT200h is scheduled for
early 2011.
In addition to the CT200h, Lexus vehicles on display at
the motor show will include the "LFA", "LS600h", "GS450h", "RX450h" and
"IS250C".
Vehicle Outline
The newly developed high-rigidity
body, along with enhanced suspension and a package with a low center of
gravity, ensures superior handling and cruising stability as well as a
comfortable ride. Also, carefully positioned, low-hip-point seats and other
features augment driving pleasure.
The 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle
combustion engine(4) is combined with an electric motor to create a hybrid
system optimized for the CT200h.
The CT200h offers the standard
driving mode that balances power with fuel efficiency as well as different
driving modes that modify control of the hybrid system, vehicle stability
control and electric power steering, thus transforming both the driving
style and the cabin mood.
- Sport Mode offers direct response and
quick acceleration, while Eco Mode combines emphasized fuel efficiency with
comfortable driving
- Gauge illumination turns red in Sport Mode and
blue in Eco Mode; tachometer as well as Hybrid System Indicator light up in
Eco Mode
- Vehicle also equipped with EV (electric vehicle) mode for
quiet operation that uses motor only
A refined exterior design based
on the Lexus L-finesse(5) design philosophy evokes the dynamic driving
performance of the vehicle.
- Wheels with wide-tread, low-profile
tires create striking, road-hugging impression
- Forward-positioned
quarter pillars express cabin's forward motion and compactness, while long
roof extending to rear of vehicle contributes to aerodynamic performance
and rear-seat comfort
- Lexus' unique "arrowhead" profile(6)
expresses depth and air-flow, while lowered grille emphasizes
resoluteness
The sophisticated cockpit is designed to lessen the
need for physical movement and enhance the drivers' line of vision, and
features two distinct zones: an information-filled Display Zone and a
function-control Operation Zone. The Operation Zone controls, including
shift knob and Remote Touch, are within easy reach of the driver to enhance
operability and create a sporty driving space.
CT200h (European-market version) Main Specifications
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Length/width/height 4,320 mm/1,765 mm/1,430 mm
Wheelbase 2,600 mm
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Track(1) Front 1,525 mm
Rear 1,525 mm
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Engine type 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
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Battery Nickel-metal hydride
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Transmission Electric continuously variable transmission
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Powertrain Front engine, front-wheel drive
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Suspension Front MacPherson struts
Rear Double wishbone
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(1) 11,525 mm (front and rear) for vehicles with 17-inch wheels
(1) "CT" stands for "creative touring" and "200h" refers to hybrid-vehicle
performance equal to that of a conventional 2.0-liter vehicle(2) Officially named the "80th Geneva International Motor Show and Accessories"
(3) Compared to premium-compact vehicles of similar engine displacement
(4) Raises thermal efficiency by increasing the expansion ratio above the compression ratio
(5) Created by combining "leading-edge" and "finesse" design concepts
(6) An original Lexus vehicle design combining sharp outer corners with artistic curving lines on their inner edges
