2011 Lexus CT 200h Hybrid

The Lexus CT 200h Hybrid will make its North American debut at the New York auto show on March 31. The CT 200h evolved from the LF-Ch concept, an extravagantly styled, gold-painted hybrid hatchback.

 

As we've reported, the CT 200h pairs a 1.8-liter I-4 with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. The CT 200h can run on electricity alone for up to 1.2 miles -- as long as you keep speeds below 28 mph. Its CVT transmission offers four drive modes: EV, ECO, Normal, or Sport. The chassis employs a MacPherson strut up front and a double wishbone setup out back. The rear suspension uses a lightweight trailing arm, with the coil springs and shock absorbers positioned separately to reduce intrusion into the loadspace floor.

 

As a premium hatchback, the CT 200h is unabashedly European, although Lexus says it will be available globally. In the U.S., the hatchback will be the fifth hybrid in the Lexus line, slotting next to the recent HS 250h. Be sure to stay tuned to our live New York auto show coverage March 31 and April 1.

Lexus LFA White Innovation and Efficiency

 

Lexus will offer a limited edition Nürburgring Package to LFA customers for 2012. This Nürburgring Package is limited to only 50 units out of the 500 LFA hand-assembled for global distribution. According to said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager, Nürburgring Package builds on the track-ready Lexus supercar with styling cues from the 24 Hours of Nürburgring prototype LFA racecar.

The 2012 LFA Nürburgring Package will introduce a sport-tuned suspension, exclusive black mesh-type wheels and dedicated high-grip tires for better handling, as well as a larger front spoiler and fixed rear wing for improved high speed down force. The 4.8L V10 engine for Nürburgring Package equipped LFA’s will produce 562 horsepower, 10 more horsepower than the standard high-performance LFA. The gear-shift time has been reduced by 0.05 seconds to only 0.15 seconds for even faster gear changes.