Lexus To Launch Updated CT 200h Next Year, Eventually Offer More Variants: Report
02-26-14, 02:39 PM
#151
04-04-14, 08:27 AM
#153
Interview with Lexus CT 200h Chief Engineer Chika Kako
The Lexus Spain weblog has an extensive interview with Lexus CT 200h chief engineer Chika Kako, the first-ever woman chief engineer for a Lexus (or Toyota) vehicle — here are some translated quotes, by way of Kaizen Factor:
Former CT chief engineer Osamu Sadakata engineer set the bar high with the first version of the CT200h. Was it difficult to be his successor?
Of course (it was difficult being his successor). Sadakata is a very experienced person and taking over his work has been a great responsibility. It hasn’t been easy, especially because I am originally a materials engineer, so I’ve needed to cover certain areas in which I’d never worked. It has been a great challenge for me.
We know Japanese cultural idiosyncrasies insofar as women in the labor force. Could you tell us about the difficulties in leading this project being a woman?
I have been very lucky. I haven’t had great difficulties in that regard. On the other hand, I have had to make an extra effort given my particular area of expertise, since chief engineers usually come from fields such as chassis design and prototype development. These areas are very closely connected to the vehicle’s final production and thus more akin to the work of a chief engineer. In my case, I’ve always dedicated myself to the basic study of materials. While materials are a very important aspect of a vehicle’s production, if we take the final product into account, one needs other types of knowledge. I think that, in those fields, my expertise was insufficient.
…For me, nevertheless, this has been more a challenge than a difficulty. Besides, most people are nicer and more polite towards women (laughs), so this has not been an aggravation in carrying out my work. I have been very fortunate.
Former CT chief engineer Osamu Sadakata engineer set the bar high with the first version of the CT200h. Was it difficult to be his successor?
Of course (it was difficult being his successor). Sadakata is a very experienced person and taking over his work has been a great responsibility. It hasn’t been easy, especially because I am originally a materials engineer, so I’ve needed to cover certain areas in which I’d never worked. It has been a great challenge for me.
We know Japanese cultural idiosyncrasies insofar as women in the labor force. Could you tell us about the difficulties in leading this project being a woman?
I have been very lucky. I haven’t had great difficulties in that regard. On the other hand, I have had to make an extra effort given my particular area of expertise, since chief engineers usually come from fields such as chassis design and prototype development. These areas are very closely connected to the vehicle’s final production and thus more akin to the work of a chief engineer. In my case, I’ve always dedicated myself to the basic study of materials. While materials are a very important aspect of a vehicle’s production, if we take the final product into account, one needs other types of knowledge. I think that, in those fields, my expertise was insufficient.
…For me, nevertheless, this has been more a challenge than a difficulty. Besides, most people are nicer and more polite towards women (laughs), so this has not been an aggravation in carrying out my work. I have been very fortunate.
08-16-14, 05:32 PM
#156
2015 Lexus CT 200h Starts at $32,975
Just the Facts:
TORRANCE, California — The 2015 Lexus CT 200h hatchback starts at $32,975, including a $925 destination charge, reflecting no price increase over the 2014 model, according to Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.
This is a carryover model with minor changes. Upgrades for the new model year include a new standard Siri Eyes-Free Mode and an improved Lexus Enform App Suite that expands music choices. The turn signals get a new three-flash system.
The 2015 CT 200h is on sale now. It is one of six hybrid models that Lexus offers for 2015.
Key rivals to the CT 200h include the Audi A3 TDI, Chevrolet Volt and Ford Focus.
Edmunds says: Car shoppers who want a blend of fuel efficiency and luxury may want to consider the Lexus CT 200h, especially since Toyota has held the line on pricing for the 2015 model year.
- The 2015 Lexus CT 200h hatchback starts at $32,975, reflecting no price increase over the 2014 model.
- Upgrades for the new model year include a new standard Siri Eyes-Free Mode and an improved Lexus Enform App Suite that expands music choices.
- The 2015 CT 200h is on sale now.
TORRANCE, California — The 2015 Lexus CT 200h hatchback starts at $32,975, including a $925 destination charge, reflecting no price increase over the 2014 model, according to Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.
This is a carryover model with minor changes. Upgrades for the new model year include a new standard Siri Eyes-Free Mode and an improved Lexus Enform App Suite that expands music choices. The turn signals get a new three-flash system.
The 2015 CT 200h is on sale now. It is one of six hybrid models that Lexus offers for 2015.
Key rivals to the CT 200h include the Audi A3 TDI, Chevrolet Volt and Ford Focus.
Edmunds says: Car shoppers who want a blend of fuel efficiency and luxury may want to consider the Lexus CT 200h, especially since Toyota has held the line on pricing for the 2015 model year.
08-17-14, 12:18 AM
#158
Lexus Test Driver
Soooooooo much potential for this vehicle, ranging from styling, luxury, power, sportiness, mpg's, range, and more. It's current stats do not come close to fulfilling a top tier mantra.
08-17-14, 04:24 AM
#159
The pursuit of F
The only Lexus I find that having added the spindle grill did not enhance (nor detract) its looks. Loved the '11 I had and looking forward to the next gen CT with expected increases in power and range. As an aside, it's the only Lexus model that starts off with a lower base price in Canada than in the US, BUT with the 17" wheels and moonroof like in the US as standard equipment, it's at 34K.
08-17-14, 06:41 AM
#160
Pole Position
Its really hard to make a $33,000 case for a car like this. Hybrid powertrain the heart and soul of this car is nothing special in 2014 anymore, no premium technology inside the cabin, fit and finish is ok I guess and probably the only thing that this car has going on is premium hatchback looks. No other car in its line up feels like Toyota more than this.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
08-17-14, 08:18 AM
#163
Its really hard to make a $33,000 case for a car like this. Hybrid powertrain the heart and soul of this car is nothing special in 2014 anymore, no premium technology inside the cabin, fit and finish is ok I guess and probably the only thing that this car has going on is premium hatchback looks. No other car in its line up feels like Toyota more than this.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
Criticism for Toyota I have can be applied to this car as well, they are slacking with hybrid system big time. They started off great with second gen Prius and then just milked their way with the third gen and CT by marginally improving the HSD instead of making another jump. Introduction to PHEV in 2011 was a milestone to a degree but unfortunately for Lexus CT it didn't get that option that would make it more premium in premium segment.
08-17-14, 08:44 AM
#164
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
the CT is a unique vehicle. i really don't understand why they don't offer a LOADED option, but maybe because it's so slow already they don't want to add more weight. the interior is quite nice but the car space is not very tall, and the side profile is a bit quirky/awkward. the car has sold ok because the mpg and premium interior with some practicality are a decent combo especially for those who do a lot of city driving. but i can't help thinking it would do better with some more luxury options, a bit more space, and a bit more power.