2011 Lexus CT200h Rated at 42 mpg

Toyota announced that the 2011 Lexus CT200h—brand's second dedicated hybrid model—has a projected EPA combined city/highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.

The 2011 Lexus CT 200h —like the new Toyota Prius—is powered by a lightweight, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, 1798 cc Atkinson Cycle gas engine with a displacement of 1.8-liter. It generates 98 hp (73 kW) at 5,200 rpm.

It also has a 60kW high performance, permanent magnet, synchronous 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor. The 202V NIMH battery pack allows it to drive up to 28 mph in EV mode. Electric range is about 1 mile.

With a total system output of 134 hp (100 kW), the CT 200h will accelerate seamlessly from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Lexus estimates that the CT 200h hybrid will get about 42 MPG combined on the EPA test. The 42 mpg figure is the second-highest mileage of any hybrid on the market.

Lexus is expecting its new CT200h hybrid to have CO2 emissions of just 96g/km. Some European markets will get an even greener model with CO2 emissions of 89g/km.

The CT 200h benefits from a highly modified existing platform incorporating numerous, exclusively developed body, chassis and powertrain control system engineering applications designed to offer customers a choice of two distinct driving moods – Dynamic, or Relaxing - in conjunction with the full hybrid’s EV, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT, ‘on-demand’ drive modes.

Safety
The new premium compact full hybrid is equipped with a comprehensive range of active, passive and pedestrian impact safety features in the entry luxury segment.

The CT 200h offers an optional pre-emptive, Pre-Collision Safety system incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control. Eight airbags including driver and front passenger knee airbags and Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are fitted as standard, and an upgraded Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system (ECB-R) incorporates Anti-Lock brakes (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and a hybrid version of the brake override system, Smart Stop Technology.

The Lexus CT 200h features a bespoke suspension design which combines a proven, MacPherson strut front system with a new, fully-independent double wishbone architecture to the rear, offering superior levels of ride comfort, handling and package efficiency.

The Lexus CT 200h made its North American debut earlier this year at the New York Auto Show. This car will join the HS 250h as the brand's second dedicated hybrid model, and Lexus is keen to point out that the CT will be the only dedicated hybrid in its class of small, premium hatchbacks.

The final production version of the Lexus CT200h will be revealed at the 2010 Paris Motor Show later this month. Sales will start in October and the first deliveries are expected in early 2011.