Production-ready 'Baby' Lexus set for world debut
In a world-first appearance, Toyota offshoot Lexus will have its new compact hybrid CT 200h on display at the Geneva Motor Show in MarchThe new Lexus, which follows the compact LF-Ch concept hatchback revealed six months ago at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, is claimed to be the first and only full hybrid in the compact premium segment.
That might be the case, but that doesn't mean others aren't well advanced in development of 'green' technology. On-road examples are Mercedes-Benz and its BlueEfficiency concept (plus hybrid S-Class and pure electric concept cars such as the BlueZero E-Cell Plus), BMW's hydrogen-powered 7 Series currently doing the rounds in the hands of prominent people, and Audi's clean-diesel technology seen in the 99g/km A3 1.6 TDI.
As it currently stands, the CT 200h is expected to go into bat against the likes of non-hybrids such as BMW's 1 Series, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi's A3. The LF-Ch concept measured 4300mm long and 1790mm wide, which approximates the current Audi A3 Sportback.
Although the company is saying little in its initial CT 200h press statement apart from connecting it with the LF-Ch, it can be assumed the new model -- like the LF-Ch -- will feature front-wheel drive. If that is indeed the case, then the compact hybrid will be the first Lexus to use such a configuration since the now-discontinued ES300.
Whether the CT 200h borrows technology from Toyota's front-drive Prius has yet to be revealed, but it's difficult to see the investment that went into developing the third-generation Toyota hybrid not being directed towards Lexus.
According to the Lexus press statement, the CT 200h will be "equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology" which could simply mean that Lexus hybrids so far -- RX 450h, GS 450h and LS 600hL -- have all been based on rear-drive platforms. A front-drive hybrid might be second generation for Lexus, but it represents the third generation for Toyota.
Although various images of what is claimed to be the CT 200h have circulated for some time, none so far appear to have captured the car in its actuality -- something the "teaser" taillight pic issued by Lexus fails to do also.
Although there is no official word from Lexus expect the CT to be priced somewhere in the $40,000 range, underneath the current entry-level Lexus IS 250 which starts at $55,900.
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