Lexus CT 200h:

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.

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2011 Lexus CT 200h

After 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 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.

Press release after the jump.

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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.