Mean and green, the Lexus CT 200h compact luxury hybrid showed off its new front fascia at the Guangzhou Motor Show premiere in China.
In addition to a new grille, the updated hybrid also offers more dynamic, sophisticated exterior styling, a refined interior with upgraded equipment, and enhanced driving performance for the 2014 model year. In addition, the available F SPORT model features create a distinctive look.
The front of 2014 CT 200h introduces a new Lexus “spindle grille” design. The center has been pushed forward to create a powerful, more three-dimensional form. The bottom corners are spaced wider and the spindle ‘pinch point’ has been lowered, reinforcing the CT 200h’s low front profile and wide, sporting track.
In profile, the new 2014 CT 200h sports newly developed, 10-spoke, 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels, or a new shark fin-style roof antenna.
To the rear, a new bumper design features a more horizontal structure. Distinctive, L-shaped reflector housings are incorporated on the bottom corners. A black lower center section emphasizes the vehicle’s low center of gravity and broad rear stance.
The new CT 200h is available in a choice of six body colors including an all-new Lexus red. A Lexus first, a sporty black roof is available with six color schemes to provide a unique two-tone look. All exterior paint now benefits from a scratch-resistant, self-restoring top coat.
The 2014 CT 200h interior has been refined to offer enhanced levels of equipment and improved visual and tactile quality.
The driver benefits from a new, 14.6-inch diameter steering wheel. The Optitron instrument panel is now available with a 4.2-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screen which may be linked to the multimedia system and controlled via steering wheel-mounted switches.
The Lexus Display Audio (LDA) and Electro Multi Vision/Navigation (EMV/N) multimedia systems feature added functions, improved operability, enhanced hands-free, voice recognition control and a new, center-console-mounted controller.
The sound quality of the Lexus audio system has been enhanced by the adoption of the world’s first bamboo loudspeaker technology. Bamboo fiber, plant opal and charcoal are combined in an injection molding process to create the industry’s thinnest loudspeaker diagram, which results in noticeably improved sound quality.
Additional equipment upgrades include the availability of rear view and backup monitors for the LDA system, as well as Intuitive Parking Assist, a Tire Pressure Warning system and a Traction Control “Off” switch.
The 2014 CT 200h combines increased body rigidity, suspension revisions and enhanced aerodynamics with comprehensive NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) measures to offer a more agile, engaging driving performance and an even quieter cabin environment.
Increased body rigidity has also allowed for suspension re-tuning. Coil spring rates have been optimized, a new shock absorber valve adopted, and the rear stabilizer bar diameter altered to enhance ride comfort with no loss of handling agility.
The 2014 CT 200h F SPORT has been designed with a more powerful road presence, to give it a stronger differentiation from the standard CT 200h.
A new spindle grille design features the same aggressive mesh pattern as that of the new IS F SPORT, which is reversed between the upper and lower sections. The fog lamp housings share the same mesh finish, and are underscored with a fin also finished in black.
To the rear, an exclusive roof spoiler features cut-outs to provide additional downforce for even greater grip and stability.
