Lexus CT 200h, 2011, Lexus Hybrid Drive system

 

 

Lexus CT 200h, 2011

The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The Lexus CT 200h was designed and developed with the European market in mind. Lexus's first five-door compact car, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and low emissions fully address the requirements of discerning, environment-conscious customers in a key market sector. At the same time, it does not compromise the quality, refinement and driving pleasure that are the hallmarks of every Lexus.

Exterior and interior design
The production-ready Lexus CT 200h retains strong visual links to the LF-Ch Concept unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Its styling marks a powerful evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy with a distinctive, sharp-edged look that sets it apart from its premium compact rivals.
The exterior is styled for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise. The strong front grille, directly referencing the LF-Ch concept sits over a full-width bumper and air dam. The headlamp units, positioned higher than the grille (a signature feature of L-finesse design), incorporate LED daytime running lights.
At the rear, the trailing edge of the roof overhangs a wide, wraparound rear window to create a seamless, integrated spoiler. A pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the shoulders of the rear wheelarches and is anchored by a tail lamp design that displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model.

The interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces.
Lexus has retained the asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car. Based on the Future Lexus Interior concept, the dashboard is split into an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen; and a lower Operation Zone, with the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus's Remote Touch multi-function controller.
With the car's performance, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver's seat. The instrument binnacle houses large, twin dials; in SPORT mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. The two-mode switch ring and a spotlight in the centre cluster also light up in red, changing the whole atmosphere of the cabin.

Lexus Hybrid Drive
The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the Lexus CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.
Unlike mild hybrid systems used by other manufacturers, the Lexus CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph.

Chassis and suspension
The Lexus CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.
Several elements in the MacPherson strut design have been exclusively developed for the mode, including the coil springs and shock absorbers, and a new front anti-roll bar has been designed to deliver improved roll rigidity.
The double wishbone rear suspension is exclusive to the Lexus CT 200h and incorporates a lightweight trailing arm. The springs and shocks are positioned separately to minimise intrusion into the loadspace floor.

Technical Specifications
    * ENGINE
          o Number of cylinders: 4, in-line
          o Displacement: 1,800 cc
    * MOTOR GENERATOR
          o Motor type: Permanent magnet synchronous motor
    * HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY
          o Battery type: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMh)
    * TRANSMISSION
          o Type: Front-wheel drive
          o Gearbox type: Electrically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT)
    * SUSPENSION
          o Front: MacPherson strut with anti-roll bar, coil springs and shock absorbers
          o Rear: Double wishbone with coil springs and shock absorbers
    * STEERING
          o Type: Electric power-assisted rack and pinion
    * EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
          o Overall length: 4,320 mm
          o Overall width: 1,765 mm
          o Overall height: 1,430 mm
          o Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
          o Front track: 1,525 mm
          o Rear track: 1,525 mm
          o Front overhang: 915 mm
          o Rear overhang: 805 mm
    * WHEELS
          o Type/size: Alloy, 17"
    * LUGGAGE CAPACITY
          o Rear seat up: 345 l
          o Rear seat down: 700 l