Sporty character for CT 200h
Lexus insists that the small luxury hybrid will be tailored for European tastesThe Lexus CT 200h is on the way and the good news from the UK is that the small hybrid hatch should offer some driving enjoyment for enthusiasts. According to a press release issued by the prestige manufacturer's British PR team, the CT 200h will make its debut at the Paris motor show in October, prior to going on sale in Britain at roughly the same time as in Australia -- early next year.
When it arrives, it will incorporate lateral performance dampers (pictured) to suppress vibration and enhance torsional rigidity. These dampers combine with conventional engineering solutions to raise the car's torsional rigidity without adding substantial weight to the total.
Described as operating like mono-tube dampers in suspension systems, the lateral dampers are fitted between the front suspension strut towers and across the lower panel at the rear. Each lateral damper is calibrated to suit its respective application. The CT 200h is the first volume production car to use these dampers front and rear for the purposes of reducing NVH and improving crash safety and driveability.
In crash testing, the company's engineers observed a 15 per cent reduction in "displacement of the left and right suspension towers". Lexus also claims that the dampers contribute to steering feel and ride quality. Even white noise heard through the car's audio system is reduced, thanks to the adoption of the lateral dampers.
The lateral dampers are not the whole solution though. Lexus stresses that the CT 200h will be a strong car in its own right, with denser spot welds for the underbody around the point where the rear crossmember meets the wheel housings. In addition, front and rear suspension mounting points are strengthened and engineers have specified extra reinforcement for the wheel mounts, steering box and steering column.
During the manufacturing process the car's front cowl, strut towers and A pillars are joined by a "network of bracing". Other measures to counter NVH and improve safety centre around tailgate, C pillars, front floor brace, hybrid vehicle battery carrier and the rear lower support members.
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