A Brief Look at the Lexus CT
The Genesis of the Lexus CT
Lexus had long been synonymous with luxury, but the marque gave the green nod to bespoke green mobility when it launched the CT in 2011. A hatchback, the CT was an unexpected model considering Lexus’s model line-up consisted mostly of hybrid sedans and SUVs at that time. Lexus wanted to shake things up, and the CT was an experiment in providing luxury consumers with eco-friendlier transport. The CT’s development was a departure from Lexus’ usual high-brow approach to creating cars, with a cheaper hybrid system developed to keep the price competitive in the hotly contested premium compact-car market.
First Generation 2011-2017
The CT200h used the Toyota Prius’s hybrid system developed for Toyota’s sportier AE86 hybrid concept vehicle. The system used a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and regenerative electric motor. The CT entered the US Market in early 2011, sporting an entry-level specification including LED lights, a ten-speaker audio system, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin was trimmed in bamboo and featured a centre-conversation good for phone storage. The exterior was equipped with razor sharp angles, further emphasizing its sporty look. The CT200h handled like a small luxury sedan, giving it an unwavering feeling of stability and security on the road.
CT200h F Sport
The CT200h F Sport added more dynamic driving features with a sport-tuned suspension, metallic silver interior trim, and a sporty exterior look with mesh grille, flared skirts, and a rear spoiler. These changes elevated the driving experience by adding a real sporty edge to the car’s overall handling.
CT200h Special Editions
Lexus released many special edition CT200h models during the first generation. The McDonald’s CT200h was built to celebrate Lexus’s global partnership with McDonald’s and featured the signature Golden Arches on the exterior and trim. Another popular special edition was the Dark Rose edition, which added a new color option for the exterior with unique matte decoration and rose-gold exterior accents.
Second Generation 2018-Present
A completely redesigned Lexus CT was unveiled at the 2017 Detroit auto show. Lexus did not offer the new CT200h for sale in the U.S. however launched it in Japan and Europe. The new CT is powered by a pure electric battery and is built on Toyota’s TNGA platform. Inside, the cabin gets a new design with an emphasis on modern technologies, including a wireless cellphone charging pad.
CT Hybrid & CT200h Black Edition
The second-generation CT200h features a more recognizable Toyota styling, making it look less like the first model. The handling system is nimble, with quick steering that offers precise control. In addition, the CT200h comes with a front-wheel drive layout and a gasoline hybrid drivetrain that produces a total of 134 horsepower. The interior of the vehicle is quite luxurious with genuine leather seats and many tech features such as a premium audio system, innovative safety tech, and an 8-inch infotainment touch screen display.
CT200h F Sport
The F Sport trim offers a more athletic appearance and superior handling, including upgraded sway bars, stiffer springs, and upgraded shock absorbers. The interior of the CT200h F Sport has unique trim finishes, black perforated leather seats, and aluminum pedals, creating a more dynamic driving experience.
In Summary
The Lexus CT has come a long way since the first-generation launch in 2011. The latest iteration is a sophisticated, genuinely luxurious and environmental-friendly vehicle. As Lexus vehicle line leader, Chika Kako, once said, “We want to creatively provoke a new sense of passion, and we are committed to achieving a brighter future for us all.” The Lexus CT is an embodiment of that ethos, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this amazing vehicle.