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2011 Lexus CT 200hAfter we saw the Lexus LF-Ch concept at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, a model that would compete head to head with other luxury compacts like the BMW 1 Series and the Audi A3 being offered exclusively as a hybrid. The Lexus LF-Ch concept combined stylish design cues with full hybrid drive train in a practical 5 door compact package that would fulfill the needs of even the most demanding of premium compact customers with its bolder Lexus grill sitting atop a deep, bulging front bumper complete with a trio of intakes giving it a perfect balance of both precision and power. While the sharply sculpted, aerodynamic front fenders flow into the front bumper to create a wide set of arches and a deep set of brake cooling ducts that give the LF-Ch a powerful and purposeful stance. The CT 200h’s full hybrid system combines a 134 HP 1.8 liter VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery, a power control unit, and a power split device which employs a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements. The car will make its world debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show and will enter production at the end of 2010. PRICING UPDATE 12/15/10:Lexus has finally released the US pricing for the 2011 CT 200h. The base price for the CT 200h will be $29,120 and, depending on what optional features you want, could go all the way up to $30,900. Optional packages are also available depending on what options you get. The Premium Audio Package has a price of $1,125; the same package with the addition of a backup camera will cost you $1,475. The leather interior package will cost $1,330, while the satellite navigation package will cost $2,445. Finally, Lexus is also offering a package consisting of a Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Cruise Control for $1,215. UPDATE 12/18/2010: Lexus continues its Pursuit of Perfection with a new video for the CT 200h. Check it out by clicking on the picture above! Press release after the jump. Full story 2010 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport Concept 
We may have seen the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport make its global debut at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show a couple of weeks ago, but the U.S. will only be seeing the concept version of the electric hatchback when the SEMA show opens its doors this week. In a crowd of five customized hybrid models, each an attempt by Lexus to prove that hybrids can also be fun to drive, the CT 200h F-Sport is the best example of this mission. Ironically, the best example of this idea is also only going to be a concept, according to Lexus, as they say they have no plans on producing the F-Sport. Something tells us they’re fibbing and we are actually seeing the preview version of the future F-Sport version of the CT200h model. The customization program for this F-Sport Concept includes an F Sport performance adjustable suspension, adjustable dampening shocks, and an F Sport high performance Big Brake Kit – Front with 12.9 x 1.1-inch cross-drilled rotor. The whole package is finished by F Sport 18x8.0-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli PZero Nero 225/40R/18 front and rear. Add to that the cool white exterior paint and the fact that it can get 42mpg, and you’re looking at something that would definitely be fun to drive.
2011 Lexus CT 200h F-Sport
Lexus’ main attraction at the 2010 Australian International Motor Show may be the recently launched CT 200h, but there’s another model that is is sure to please the sportier side of the green goers. That model is the CT 200h F Sport which is basically the same hybrid hatchback, but with a few more enhancements to help it look more like a sports car. However, it’s all show and no go because while they took the time to add this sporty look, they completed ignored the engine leaving it with no boost for its electrical power. Performance and exterior enhancements include a unique suspension, front and rear styling, alloy wheels, and badging. Like all the other F-Sport models, the CT 200h comes painted in Lexus’ unique Flame Blue exterior color. Inside, the F Sport model CT 200h will receive an optional unique interior trim, an F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel, and privacy glass. The hybrid system under the hood remains unchanged: a 1.8 liter VVT-i petrol engine combined to a powerful electric motor, a generator, a high performance battery, a power control unit, and a power split device. The total output delivered by the hybrid system is 134 HP. *Yawn* The F-Sport package will be available in the first half of 2011. Full story Consumers get a "Dark Ride" in the Lexus CT 200h Hybrid
Lexus is talking their marketing to a whole new level with the continued launch of the Lexus CT 200h Hybrid. Their latest effort is a 12 minute and 30 second action film that has just been released today. The film features actor Norman Reedus (Boondock Saints franchise) behind the wheel of the CT 200h while you, the consumer, call every automotive shot imaginable. Yes, Lexus has given the consumer the wheel. Dave Nordstrom describes the online experience: "With ’Dark Ride’ we are creating a unique virtual test drive opportunity so consumers can experience this hybrid, that is like no other, months before it is available at dealerships in early 2011," said Dave Nordstrom, Lexus vice president of marketing. "In it, consumers play a co-starring role as the fun-to-drive Lexus CT 200h is put through its paces. By guiding the driver and the CT through a series of adventures, customers will be exposed to ’The Darker Side of Green,’ which is completely different than the way hybrids are usually portrayed." Not only will the consumer be calling the shots, they also get to insert themselves into the film with the use of a webcam or photo. Consumers can also record their own dialogue lines, control the camera movement and POV, and make decisions that alter the path of the Lexus CT 200h Hybrid. Hit the jump to see the trailer for "Dark Ride" and the official press release. Full story Future Lexus hybrid compact will be called CT 200h
A few days ago Top Speed reported that the Japanese automaker Lexus is preparing a new compact model to compete with the BMW 1-Series. Well now it officially has a name: the car will be called CT, where C stands for compact and T for tourer, and will be offered in three different trims: CT 200h, CT 300h and the top of the line CT 400h. The car’s official auto show debut will be made in October at the Tokyo Auto Show. The future compact Lexus will be a gas-electric model offered exclusively as a hybrid powered by a 2.4 Liter four cylinder engine that, with the help of an electric motor, is set to produce a maximum output of 187 HP, not too shabby for a hybrid.
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