Lexus Hybrid 2012 – Introduction
Due to the constant rise in fossil fuel prices, hybrid cars are getting more and more popular these days. A hybrid vehicle uses the combination of the traditional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The result of this combination is a vehicle with better fuel economy and even better performance compared to conventional vehicles. Hybrid vehicles exist in the form of hybrid cars, trucks, as well as buses.
Lexus is one of the several car brands that have implemented this green technology into their cars. Lexus is a luxury vehicle division of the Toyota Motor Corporation, which happens to be the world’s largest car manufacturer. The first Lexus hybrid car was introduced in the year 2004. Ever since, this marque has committed to produce more hybrid cars for the auto market. As a matter of fact, in 2009, Lexus sold more hybrid cars than conventional petroleum-based cars in the European market. Shortly after that, the company announced plans to become a hybrid-only brand in Europe.
According to Takeshi Uchiyamada, the Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Company, the company plans to release six new hybrid vehicles by the end of 2012: four under the Toyota brand, and the other two are from Lexus. The 40-mpg-plus 2012 Lexus CT 200h sporty compact hybrid is strongly predicted to be one of these two Lexus hybrids.
Lexus Hybrid 2012 – Features
First introduced in March 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show as the 2011 model year, the CT 200h is one of the latest petrol/electric hybrid cars from Lexus. The 2012 edition of the CT 200h, however, will not feature any major changes from its predecessor. This hybrid compact car is smaller than the other Lexus hybrid, the HS 250h. The 2012 CT 200h is classified as a 5-door compact hatchback with front engine, front wheel drive engine layout. It comes equipped with a 1.8 liter VVT-I 4-cylinder petrol engine, the same engine used by the highly popular mid-size hatchback Toyota Prius. This engine can generate up to 98 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque. When combined with the electric generator of the hybrid rive system, both engines can produce 134 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque. According to a study done in Australia, the 2012 CT 200h only consumes 4.1 liter for 100 km use. Imagine how much money you could save!
A driver can choose whether to drive the car with either one or the combination of the petrol/electric engine. Each option contributes to acceleration balance and fuel economy. This car does not require plug-in charging, because the electric engine recharges as the car moves. A driver can choose one of these four different powertrain modes: Normal mode for daily driving, Eco and Sport modes for high-economy, sporty driving, and EV mode which allows the car runs at 28 mph per 1 mile using electric power only.
Standard features include keyless access and engine start, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and wireless cell phone link. Adaptive cruise control, sunroof, leather upholstered seats, navigation system, and rearview camera are optional. On the other hand, safety features include traction control, ABS, anti-skid system, curtain side airbags, front side air bags and front knee airbags. The estimated price for the 2012 CT 200h is $30,000, which makes it the cheapest hybrid in the market.
