Lexus says its CT 200h, with the addition of an optional F Sport package, is “designed to extend the model’s appeal to an even wider customer base.” Compared to the standard CT 200h, F Sport-equipped models gets a bold body kit with a meshed-out front grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, a fancy F Sport badge, leather shift knob, aluminum pedals and some metallic trim on the dash. Lexus says F Sport includes a re-tuned suspension, but there’s nothing in the optional package that cranks up the performance of the CT 200h’s hybrid powertrain in any way.
Lexus has yet to release official photos of the U.S.-bound 2012 CT 200h F Sport. However, the hybrid hatch shown in Frankfurt reveals most of the bits that make up the U.S.-spec CT 200h’s optional F Sport package.
12/09/11 from Lexus
The new Lexus GS 450h full hybrid makes its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, marking the start of further expansion of the GS range in the near future.
The GS has an all-new exterior and interior which reflect development of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. The bold and dynamic exterior design includes a stronger frontal treatment which gives the new GS a commanding road presence that is appropriate for a Lexus performance saloon.
Inside, the next-generation interior design theme is carried forward, with an ergonomically designed, driver-focused cockpit with advanced human-machine interface technologies to help keep the driver alert and everyone on board comfortable over long periods of time.
Several highly innovative technologies are making their first appearance in the new GS: a new, energy saving air conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘Nano-e’ technologies; a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems that offer unparalleled power and clarity.
The GS 450h uniquely uses a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine, with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration.
Improvements have been made to every aspect of its second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, achieving both significant reductions in fuel consumption, CO2, NOx and PM emissions with performance that is on par with comparable V8-powered rivals.
The new, fourth-generation GS has been designed for an engaging driving experience, with sharp, accurate steering, excellent body control, high-speed stability and a level of ride comfort that befits a Lexus performance model.
Singificant improvements to the car’s driving dynamics have been achieved through a re-engineered bodyshell, new suspension, more powerful brakes and leading-edge technologies such as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).
The GS 450h can also be equipped with the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which provides a world-first integration of AVS, DRS, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, to co-ordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with more direct response to driver inputs.
The new GS is equipped with the most technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance systems available on the market today. VDIM Step 5 now integrates the new DRS system, while the Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). On the new GS, the ACC will function at all speeds down to 0mph.
Additional active safety features include Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), the Lexus Night View system and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.
EUROPEAN DEBUT OF THE NEW CT 200h F-SPORT
The 2011 Frankfurt motor marks the first appearance in Europe of the new F-Sport version of the CT 200h, designed to extend the model’s appeal to an even wider customer base.
The F-Sport is easily identified by a number of new, bolder exterior and interior design elements and a higher standard equipment specification.
