Lexus CT to Return?

According to bestcarweb.jp the Lexus CT will return as a crossover and slot under the UX somewhere around the 2024, 2025 timeframe. This is still being sold in Europe, yes with the same THS Gen 2 or LHS Gen 1, but this is the last year of production and will end in October. Don't know how many people have sat in a UX but it's hard to image something slotting smaller than that. They indicated there will be 3 different drive trains, BEV, hybrid and gas. Almost got this to replace my 2005 Prius, but got the Prius Plug-in instead - they were similar in price. Should have got the CT because the resale value was much higher.

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2022/07/19/lexus-ct-returning-for-2025/

 

More info on the rumored reintroduction of the CT. Seems they are targeting Winter of 2024 according to bestcarweb.jp which has a compendium of rumors for Lexus in this article:
新型レクサスIS、CT、LFAII…怒涛の新車ラッシュで大攻勢!! レクサス新型戦略集中スクープ2022秋 - 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」

Partial translation:
"■ Lexus new CT (market model, scheduled to appear in winter 2024)
　The current CT debuted in January 2011, so more than 11 years have passed. The next CT is a concept change from the current premium compact to a crossover SUV. The total height is expected to be about 1520mm between the current CT and UX.

　The focus is on the abundant power unit types, with a lineup of three types, including a BEV, a 2L hybrid, and a 2.5L gasoline engine (is there a 2L turbo?) to meet a wide range of needs. The price is likely to be 4.3 million yen, which is slightly higher than UX.


New Lexus CT (Pre-market car, scheduled to appear in winter 2024) *The image is a predicted CG by the best car
"

The height, 1520mm (59.8 inches), is about the same height as the UX and slightly lower than the Crown. Looks like they are making it an entry as a hatch in among their field of sedans, even though bestcarweb.jp thinks it'll debut as a SUV. Why would they make it a SUV with the same size to compete with the UX? Lexus version of lifted sedan ala Crown?

 

Probably why it is higher in height than the older CTh.

 

Slightly more info on the CT revival from bestcarweb.jp. Seems the gas-only version is out.
レクサス CT新型プリウスベースで復活!?　24年登場でSUV仕立てか？ - 自動車情報誌「ベストカー」

Partial translation:
"　The "CT" was born as an entry-level Lexus model in 2011 and ended production in October 2022. However, development of a crossover model to replace this CT is already underway. The CT will be reborn as a successor to a crossover hatchback that is different from an SUV like the UX.

　The base is the new Prius, and the platform including the body structure has evolved to the second generation TNGA.


There was information that the next model of CT will be integrated with UX, but it will be reborn as a crossover separate from UX
　Another highlight is the power unit. Hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs are also available. The main sales will be the 2L hybrid that will be installed in the new Prius, but EVs are being developed with a view to growing needs, especially in Europe.

　Crossover models are now a global trend. With the birth of the CT successor, a new wind will blow to Lexus.

Lexus CT Successor Expected specs
・Overall length: 4340mm
・Overall width: 1765mm
・Overall height: 1460mm
・Wheelbase: 2610mm ・
Vehicle weight: 1440kg
・Power unit: 2L, straight 4DOHC + motor
・Maximum output/maximum torque: 150ps/21.0kgm
・Motor Maximum output: 113ps (system output: 193ps)
Transmission: Electric continuously variable transmission
Estimated price: 4.2 million to 6 million yen"

So the BEV will probably follow around the 2025 mark when they finish their new BEV Global Architecture (Lexus uses GA, Toyota uses TNGA) and start producing them in North America. They've already stated the first EV plant will be in Kentucky.
Toyota Wants To Build EVs In America Starting In 2025 | CarBuzz

 

Yep, Big Blue, my PiP, was 6 inches longer and almost 2 inches higher than the new or old CT. It had less room behind the rear seats than the BMW i3 and Prius C. About the only thing it could beat was the room behind the 3rd row of the Highlander.

 

Apparently a Priusy looking BEV flashed on the screen during a presentation by Toyota Chief Tech Officer. So why is this in the CT thread? Well the original CT was a classier version of the 3rd gen Prius. And the Lexus Enthusiast site says this new BEV really follows the Prius form a little too close. Check it out for yourself. Could this be the revived CT coming back as a BEV?
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2023/04/26/lexus-teases-new-ev-during-press-briefing/