Lexus has releases in Australia the Lexus CT 200h F Sport which will go on sale here in the first half of 2011. That model is the CT 200h F Sport which is basically the same hybrid hatchback, but with a few more enhancements to help it look more like a sports car. However, it’s all show and no go because while they took the time to add this sporty look, they completed ignored the engine leaving it with no boost for its electrical power.
On the exterior, the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport receives a sportier front bumper together with a honeycomb grille, streamlined side skirts, and a reworked rear bumper that features a diffuser to help the car glides smoothly through the air at high speed. In addition to the enhanced appearance, Lexus also added larger sized alloy wheels with gunmetal finish to compliment the exclusive Flame Blue body color, and it features a more solid suspension as well.
Inside, F Sport model CT 200h will receive optional unique interior trim, F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.
The CT 200h F Sport is powered by the same hybrid system as the regular CT 200h: a 1.8 litre VVT-i four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a rear-mounted electric-drive motor/generator.
Press Release
Lexus has staged the global debut of the CT 200h F Sport model at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in advance of the model’s introduction to Australia in the first half of 2011.
F Sport CT 200h receives a number of visual and performance enhancements in keeping with Lexus’ F Sport model line-up.
Performance and exterior enhancements include unique suspension, front and rear styling, alloy wheels
and badging, along with the choice of Lexus’ unique Flame Blue exterior color. Inside, F Sport model CT 200h will receive optional unique interior trim, F Sport steering wheel, sports pedals, scuff plates, instrument panel and privacy glass.
CT 200h F Sport models will feature Lexus’ unique body performance damper, which has been designed to improve ride and handling. Lexus has used the damping technology as an effective way of increasing torsional rigidity, suppressing vibrations and contributing to ride comfort without the penalty of significant extra weight.
The lateral dampers, deployed front and rear, are key elements in a detailed package of design and engineering measures that also includes strategic strengthening and carefully-gauged welding quality throughout the vehicle.
Lexus chief executive Tony Cramb said the debut of the F Sport model at AIMS demonstrated the importance of CT for the Australian market.
"CT 200h gives Lexus a presence in the growing luxury compact segment," he said. "There is a clear trend to small vehicles that do not compromise on features - in short, CT is a small car with all the luxury features of a large car. CT 200h F Sport models will add even greater appeal to a vehicle that - with its hybrid drivetrain and list of advanced features - is set to become Australia’s most advanced luxury hatch. The arrival of the CT 200h in 2011 reinforces yet again Lexus’ commitment to hybrid vehicles. It cements our real-world hybrid advantage in the luxury market," Mr Cramb said.
