New Lexus Hybrid: CT 200h (42 MPG) Updated with F-sport Debut
02-25-10, 12:37 AM
#347
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Reading through the CT brochure, I found some interesting tidbits.
The CT200h will be able to travel 2km on electric power only, at speeds of up to 45 km/h. So this shows the CT's hybrid system is updated compared to the HS.
The hood and hatch are made of aluminum, and the battery pack sits ahead of the rear suspension.
The front engine mounts have lateral stabilizers to minimize vibration and harshness. This is pretty interesting as typically engine mounts are there to suppress vertical, not lateral movement.
The CT also has lateral dampers front and rear in the suspension to minimize vibration, increase comfort, and improve steering feel.
From the sounds of it, this is a MUCH more serious effort than the HS.
The CT200h will be able to travel 2km on electric power only, at speeds of up to 45 km/h. So this shows the CT's hybrid system is updated compared to the HS.
The hood and hatch are made of aluminum, and the battery pack sits ahead of the rear suspension.
The front engine mounts have lateral stabilizers to minimize vibration and harshness. This is pretty interesting as typically engine mounts are there to suppress vertical, not lateral movement.
The CT also has lateral dampers front and rear in the suspension to minimize vibration, increase comfort, and improve steering feel.
From the sounds of it, this is a MUCH more serious effort than the HS.
02-25-10, 12:54 AM
#349
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Also according to the CT brochure, the vehicle will be sold around the world.
Chances are pretty good that the CT is coming to North America. The question then is, will it keep the same engine or get a different one? Also, what effect will this have on HS sales?
Chances are pretty good that the CT is coming to North America. The question then is, will it keep the same engine or get a different one? Also, what effect will this have on HS sales?
02-25-10, 01:03 AM
#350
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I'm hoping it'll have totally different driving dynamics compared to the HS. I'm also willing to guess that it'll be a B segment vehicle, a "size" smaller than the HS.
02-25-10, 01:11 AM
#351
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It's got lateral dampers front and rear, and supposedly the front and rear suspension is unique to the HS and not shared with other Toyota/Lexus models.
I'm pretty sure it will have better handling than the HS, which is great because the HS itself has some decent handling.
I'm pretty sure it will have better handling than the HS, which is great because the HS itself has some decent handling.
02-25-10, 05:05 AM
#352
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I hope when they introduce this in NA that they position it above the HS. To me the HS is the new entry level vehicle in the Lexus lineup, at least it should be based on the styling. They should have a larger engine for the NA market and push this as a sportier option with great fuel efficiency.
02-25-10, 05:43 AM
#353
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A couple of possibilities:
- The North American CT's EV Mode will work at speeds up to 30 mph (as opposed to the HS's 20 mph) but at a lower driving range (1-2 miles, versus 3 or 4 miles). Perhaps Lexus has decided that a higher speed at the expense of less range is the way to go, and this might work its way to HS eventually.
- Perhaps Europe prefers EV Mode with higher speed and lower range, while North America (given our greater driving distances) sacrifices EV top speed to gain greater range, and, thus, North America's CT will have the same EV Mode calibration as HS (20 mph for up to 3-4 miles). Or, perhaps, Lexus Europe is simply being conservative with their 2 km (1¼ mile) range estimate.
02-25-10, 06:31 AM
#354
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The HS on the other hand was a poor effort for a "first dedicated hybrid". The CT should have come out a year ago and the HS should have never existed in the first place.
02-25-10, 06:35 AM
#355
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I hope when they introduce this in NA that they position it above the HS. To me the HS is the new entry level vehicle in the Lexus lineup, at least it should be based on the styling. They should have a larger engine for the NA market and push this as a sportier option with great fuel efficiency.
The CT will probably be priced below the HS and IS in the US. No one is going to pay $35K for a hatchback in the US.
If the CT comes to the US it'll probably be priced around $30K. The Prius with leather and 17 inch wheels costs $27K, so the CT will probably cost a little bit more than that.
02-25-10, 08:09 AM
#356
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I hope when they introduce this in NA that they position it above the HS. To me the HS is the new entry level vehicle in the Lexus lineup, at least it should be based on the styling. They should have a larger engine for the NA market and push this as a sportier option with great fuel efficiency.
The is 250 is the entry level Lexus and with a ct 200 name that is below 250 it will be under the is.
02-25-10, 11:15 AM
#358
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Again, this isn't a bad thing. It's not a slam or knock against Toyota/Lexus, I'd be the last person to do that unless truly warranted.
The Matrix (chassis) and Prius (drivetrain) are to the CT what the Camry is to the ES. This is a necessity at this price point/vehicle class.
