During the first quarter of 2014, the new, even more comfortable and refined Lexus CT 200h will be offered on European markets. The new compact premium hatchback emphasizes the advanced luxury attributes that are the hallmark of Lexus vehicles. It offers a more elaborate stylistic rendering of the exterior, a more refined interior with improved equipment elements, a higher degree of driving comfort and the possibility of greater differentiation thanks to the F SPORT variant .
When viewed from the front, the new CT 200h is distinguished above all by the next stage of development of the radiator grille in the typical spindle-shaped design, characteristic of current cars of this brand. At the same time, the center was pushed a little more forward, giving these parts a more predatory and plastic appearance . The bottom corners are now slightly further apart and the stem ' choke ' point has been reduced, further highlighting the CT 200h's low frontal profile and large wheel track .
When viewed from the side, the new CT 200h can be recognized by the new 16- or 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels , respectively. new shark fin roof antennas. At the back, a new bumper with an accent on horizontal shapes will attract attention. It features prominent ' L ' shaped reflector recesses and a black section at the bottom centre, to emphasize the car's low center of gravity and wide track when viewed from the rear. For the new Lexus CT 200h, 11 paint colors will be available, including a new shade of red. In all variants, the paint will be provided with a covering layer highly resistant to surface scratches and with the ability of automatic renewal .
The new interior of the CT 200h model has been further refined to offer even greater comfort, richer equipment and higher quality to look and feel. The new steering wheel with a diameter of 370 mm, the same as in the IS series, is also a benefit for the driver. A 4.2″ TFT display connected to the multimedia system and controlled using switches on the steering wheel can be built into the instrument cluster with optitron indicators.
The central TFT display of the multimedia system is now thinner and has a solid construction; part of the second generation RTI interface ( Remote Touch Interface ) is a new and more intuitive control switch with confirmation by a simple press. Both the Lexus Media Display and the Lexus premium navigation system bring additional features, easier control and improved hands-free support and voice recognition. The display system includes a new controller built into the center console . Speaker technology using bamboo wood (the first in the world) helped make the sound even better with the Lexus audio system. Injection-moulded bamboo fibers are used in combination with synthetic opal and activated carbon to create the industry's thinnest speaker diaphragm , delivering noticeably better sound quality.
Other equipment improvements include a rear camera ( optional ) transmitting the image to the display of the Lexus multimedia system, a tire pressure control system or the option to turn off the traction control control system. The redesign also affected the range of center console decor colors and their combinations. Significant stitching is now used for the door panels and upholstery, increasing the visual quality . The five decorative surface treatments offered now also include Shimamoku wood. The controls on the center console are newly covered in metal foil with a sophisticated look. The revised upholstery offer now includes one new leather variant in the shade Topaz Brown ( brown Topaz ) and three improved textile upholstery in the shade red, brown and sea blue.
Thanks to a significant reduction in produced emissions, the Lexus CT 200h in the 2014 model boasts CO 2 parameters at the top of the class. Emissions produced by the version with 16″ wheels have dropped by 6 g/km (from 94 to a final 88 g/km), while the version with 15″ wheels has dropped by 5 g/km (from 87 to just 82 g/km). The new Lexus CT 200h combines higher body stiffness, an improved suspension system and more perfect aerodynamics . Even thanks to comprehensive measures to reduce noise, vibration and vibration, this model now offers the pleasure of a more refined and comfortable ride in an even quieter environment. The rigidity of the body was increased thanks to additional spot welds and the wide application of the technology of gluing body parts . Higher stiffness then made it possible to change the tuning of the suspension system. The optimization affected the stiffness of the springs, new damper valves were used and the designers also adjusted the diameter of the rear stabilizer bar with regard to higher ride comfort without compromising on handling issues.
The control unit of the transmission of the hybrid drive received modified mapping. Therefore, the increase in engine speed now better corresponds to the actual acceleration of the vehicle , making the performance more similar to a classic automatic transmission. The inherently quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive has gone through 94 separate measures to further reduce noise, vibration and vibration. The new design of the intake channel (a first for a Lexus hybrid model) combines very quiet operation with excellent suction efficiency .
The new version of the F SPORT will now attract a more striking appearance with a more pronounced differentiation from the other versions of the CT 200h construction series. The new spindle-shaped grille design uses the same predatory grid as the new IS F SPORT model . The unique rear spoiler includes special openings to increase downforce. The 17″ 10-spoke alloy wheels have a finish used exclusively on the F SPORT version. The offer of nine different body colors now also includes the new red or the white White Nova, which is only available for F SPORT.
In the interior, you can notice the improved F SPORT upholstery , aluminum pedals and door sills, the steering wheel covered with perforated leather, the head of the shift lever covered with leather with a dimpled surface, or the F SPORT emblems. The five exclusive color schemes are complemented by the offer of four types of decor, including Shimamoku wood or metallic silver foil, in this case only for the F SPORT version. Complete leather upholstery in black or dark pink, including colored stitching, is also available.
The F SPORT version brings all the drivability enhancements of the rest of the new CT 200h range. In addition, however, it benefits from custom coil spring tuning and optimization of the front/rear torsional stiffness distribution to further enhance sporty driving dynamics .
Source: Lexus
