2011 Lexus CT 200h

This is the front fascia the hs should have. I think that would turn the hs from frumpy to great looking.

 

Here's the Lexus page:

Lexus - Future/Concept Vehicles - CT200h

134hp from both the 1.8 liter ICE & EV combined... 17" rims ... but no guestimation on mpg's


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So in other words, the 3G Prius powertrain (also listed as 134hp).

For the Auris Hybrid, which is also a repackaged 3G Prius, the 15" wheel version is expected to consume slightly less fuel than the equivalent Prius model on the EU driving cycle - 3.8 vs 3.9 L/100km (though this is rounded to the nearest 0.1L, so could be less than 0.1L difference in reality). The Auris will be lighter than the Prius but have greater drag as it's adapted from the standard Auris rather than a ground-up redesign.

I think it's hard for any vertical-back design to approach the Prius' 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd), which it gets from its fuller Kammback profile. Therefore I'd expect the CT200h to be in the vicinity of the Prius results unless it's significantly lighter than the Auris. The conventional Auris is lighter than the Prius but not substantially - I suspect that since it's built outside Japan, that its chassis is made from cheaper regular-grade steel rather than the high-tensile steel used for the Prius. We'll see what they've used for the Lexus.

 

I'm thinking I would really like the double wishbone suspension and the HDD nav.

Just for grins, here's a dimensions comparison:

200h 170.1 69.5 56.3 102.4
Prius 175.6 68.7 58.7 106.3

So a lot shorter and less headroom, but otherwise not bad.

 

looks like a mazda 3 or Subaru Impreza from the side. I love the front. Put that front end on the Prius 3G and I'd be in heaven.

 

Well I love our Lexus' feel, and I waited impatiently for the HS to come out. It came out, saw the price and look of it and passed. Now this comes out, and the looks are there but I am sure the price will be abhorrent as well. Oh well.

 

One thing bothers me , how is lexus going to price the CT200h. I have no doubt that this will start very close to the hs in price. I think the CT will end up killing off the hs due to it's improved flexibiity and I am sure it gets better gas mileage (the CT is a lot lighter than the hs). It's not that much smaller and should be quicker.

 

I am going to test drive one anyway and see what the road noise situation is. If it is Lexus-class, then I will probably trade up. I think this is supposed to come in under the other Lexus models price-wise since it is supposed to attract new customers to Lexus. If it is under $40K with options, I am there.

 

I dont see them pricing this lower than the HS which starts at $35k USD but I also dont see it being more than the RX which is $43k.

My guess would be in the $38k to $40k range base, and everything will be an optional extra just like in the other Lexus models.

 

You know, I like the CT 200h. But when I really sat and thought about it, I realized that it is going to be obsolete before it even rolls off the manufacturing floor. I think I'll share the letter I wrote to Lexus about it here, because I'm wondering how many others of you might be seeing this as a potential problem:

Lexus
P.O. Box 2991-Mail Drop L201
Torrance, CA 90509-2991

Re: Lexus CT 200h

Dear Lexus:

I am a shareholder in Toyota and an owner of a 2010 Prius. I am also probably the precise demographic that the Lexus CT 200h is targeted toward. Because I’m a shareholder, I’m going to take the time to try to get you to fix the colossal mistake you are about to make. Given the recent recall difficulties, I can no longer assume you all know what you’re doing.

The CT 200h is set to hit the market at the same time that:
1) The Tesla Roadster EV will have been available for a couple years
2) The Nissan Leaf EV (and Infiniti version thereof) should also be available
3) The Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid should also be available
4) The Mitsubishi iMiEV should also be available
5) The Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid should also be available

If you look at all these cars that 1) have plugs and 2) are due out about the same time the Lexus CT 200h hits the market, there is a clear problem. I presume from your perspective you don’t think that a Roadster or a Karma or an iMiEV competes in the same market segment as the CT. But as far as price points go, the Leaf’s Infiniti corporate cousin and the Volt are going to be all in the same broad price range.

Now is the time to make sure that when the CT arrives, it too plugs in. This is certainly a situation worthy of your time, attention and consideration. It appears to me otherwise that the CT will be obsolete before it rolls off the assembly floor and you’ll have another rip-roaring HS 250h on your hands as far as sales figures go.

Very truly yours,

 

stevejust, the market will do just fine. Many folks that buy hybrids simply want to feel "a bit" more green ... or "a bit" more eco conscious ... or obtain "a bit" better mpg's. Someday, most vehicles will be either PHEV or EV ... but someday may be a ways off. Even so, I'd give you an A+ for the effort.

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Lexus should stick to making zippy performance cars, like the IS series. Those cars are FAST. I would buy an old 2001 Lexus IS over a new BMW anyday.

IMO the CT should be priced under the IS, that is, <$35k. There is no way that the CT can make up in efficiency what it lacks in power, and therefore should become Lexus' newest entry level car.

 

My guess is that a base model (no nav, no leather, no moonroof) should come in right at $30k.

 

No leather Lexus? I didn't know they were shooting downmarket.

Looks fun if you can fit things in it. Wonder how long before we get a hybrid in this size with part time AWD?

MPG 35/36 or 45/46 choose city/highway. If it performs and has speed, I bet this thing doesn't do high 40s in mpg on a regular basis.

 

I just modified my prius to a Lexus and saved the extra money! It only cost me $200! I have pics on my page!

 

Is the CT200 based on the Auris?? see: 2011 Toyota Auris HSD T Spirit First Drive

 

They had a CT200h at the SF auto show and it was a special 'F sport' edition with 18" wheels and more.

There was a lot of interest and people looking at the car. It has a very upscale interior. The car was powered on although I didn't pay much attention to the displays, I tried it on for size.

With a sunroof installed, the car was a little tight on headroom for me, < 2" clearance. The horizontal fit was much better as it offers spacious legroom. The seats were very comfy to me even with the unique entry level material which is leather like on the sides and something I can't explain in the middle.

Although you can get big room in the front, at that point, the rear seating is very limited, as in, you probably won't get back there. No surprise as this is a compact car.

That's about it. Not to much to report as this car is a wee small and tad over my price range.

This car will be, I believe the 2nd 'sport hybrid' to hit the market and I think it will reign in the driver looking for efficiency in a sporty car look and feel.

 

I sat in one at the autoshow. Mostly unimpressed, inside and out.

inside:
-the nav mouse is very nice and works well
-interior is very claustrophobic. Center console thing is up high
-interior quality is not on par with even the lowly IS250
-trunk/hatch space: not much. seriously did not look much bigger than the mini cooper's trunk

-exterior:
-looks a like Matrix or a stretched mazda 3 with big rims slapped on it.

I had high hopes for this car, but in person, to me, it's disappointing.