Higher Performance, More Efficient Lexus CT200h Models Coming
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 1
From: ON
Higher Performance, More Efficient Lexus CT200h Models Coming
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...ideration.html
Plus... more CT200h news
CT200h Getting F-Sport Performance Goodies
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...nce-parts.html
Lexus Expects CT200h to Spark Significant Growth in Compact Premium Segment
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...m-segment.html
Lexus is taking a close look at even more efficient versions of its new CT200h premium compact hybrid, while hinting that a high-performance version of the car is in the works.
During a product presentation of the CT200h at the car’s global launch just outside Paris, France, Lexus College manager Paul Williamsen went out of his way to point out that the current battery pack located in the rear of the CT doesn’t take up all of the space. The larger area, “could ‘theoretically’ be used to put a larger battery pack with increased capacity,” he said.
This news coincides with previous reports that Lexus has also filed for patents on the CT300h and CT400h names.
Currently the CT uses a hybrid powertrain similar to that found in the Prius, making 134-hp and delivering a 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds.
In addition, Osamu Sadakata, Chief engineer for Lexus hybrid vehicles told media present that both a plug-in hybrid version of the CT200h as well as a version using a more efficient and compact lithium-ion battery pack are possible. Sadakata said the shift to lithium-ion battery technology is, “the way of the future” and that a Li-On CT is “technically possible,” but stopped short of confirming a CT using the more advanced technology.
As for a plug-in CT, following after the plug-in Prius, Sadakata said that it would depend on market demand, both for the system and for the CT in general. “If we have the demand, as Chief engineer, I could like to bring it to market as soon as possible.”
During a product presentation of the CT200h at the car’s global launch just outside Paris, France, Lexus College manager Paul Williamsen went out of his way to point out that the current battery pack located in the rear of the CT doesn’t take up all of the space. The larger area, “could ‘theoretically’ be used to put a larger battery pack with increased capacity,” he said.
This news coincides with previous reports that Lexus has also filed for patents on the CT300h and CT400h names.
Currently the CT uses a hybrid powertrain similar to that found in the Prius, making 134-hp and delivering a 0-60 mph time of 9.8 seconds.
In addition, Osamu Sadakata, Chief engineer for Lexus hybrid vehicles told media present that both a plug-in hybrid version of the CT200h as well as a version using a more efficient and compact lithium-ion battery pack are possible. Sadakata said the shift to lithium-ion battery technology is, “the way of the future” and that a Li-On CT is “technically possible,” but stopped short of confirming a CT using the more advanced technology.
As for a plug-in CT, following after the plug-in Prius, Sadakata said that it would depend on market demand, both for the system and for the CT in general. “If we have the demand, as Chief engineer, I could like to bring it to market as soon as possible.”
CT200h Getting F-Sport Performance Goodies
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...nce-parts.html
Lexus Expects CT200h to Spark Significant Growth in Compact Premium Segment
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...m-segment.html
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well a lot of people called the more powerful CT's coming but didn't think we though more efficient ones were coming.
I hope this signals Lexus really continuing to diversify individual lineups with multiple engine, drivetrain, sport choices.
Great news!
I hope this signals Lexus really continuing to diversify individual lineups with multiple engine, drivetrain, sport choices.
Great news!
Speaks French in Russian
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 13,396
Likes: 98
From: What is G?
Only makes sense to add a plug-in version since the Prius will in a couple years. F-sport sounds pretty damn cool. And IMO, I think they can meet their goal of 12,000 cars a year here.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,471
Likes: 0
From: SF
you can give me an argument about Miata and such but Power is everything and you know it.
Trending Topics
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
I love that yellow/gold on in the pic.
I think this is a great idea. Having multiple engine variants and sport/efficiency variants for the CT makes a lot of sense. That will make the CT more popular and lead to more sales.
For this to work, they'll have to possibly get rid of the HS or get rid of it entirely. They will also have to move the IS a little upmarket IMHO.
Also these CT variants would have to be priced right.
I think this is a great idea. Having multiple engine variants and sport/efficiency variants for the CT makes a lot of sense. That will make the CT more popular and lead to more sales.
For this to work, they'll have to possibly get rid of the HS or get rid of it entirely. They will also have to move the IS a little upmarket IMHO.
Also these CT variants would have to be priced right.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: falling back and fading...
When they talk about taking up more space in the rear for a larger battery pack, are they talking about sacrificing cargo space? I love the idea, but I don't know if there will be much demand for a hatch/miniwagon/whatever that doesn't have any cargo space if that's what they are thinking. Hopefully I'm wrong about this, because this is an intriguing vehicle for me.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 5
From: CA
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: CA
On the other hand, the A3 TDI isn't available with AWD either (in the US at least), so it's likely that even at $32k it's too much for a small hatch according to their market study.
Last edited by Mister Two; Sep 28, 2010 at 03:20 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,806
Likes: 7
From: californication