Lexus officially confirms CT 200h for U.S. market

We found the article below over at Autoblog, and couldn't wait to share this Lexus news.  Check out the excerpt below, or head over to Autoblog to read the full article.

"Earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show, Lexus pulled the covers off its new CT 200h hybrid hatchback for the very first time. At the show, representatives for Toyota's luxury brand assured us that there would be 'a near-simultaneous global launch a year from now. In their own words, the United States and Japan will receive the CT 200h, even if it was developed as an euro-centric model. First deliveries should begin in Q1 2011.'

Turns out they were right. Today, Lexus has officially confirmed that it will indeed offer the premium hatchback in the States, and the CT 200h will make its North American debut next month at the New York Auto Show. This car will join the HS 250h as the brand's second dedicated hybrid model, and Lexus is keen to point out that the CT will be the only dedicated hybrid in its class of small, premium hatchbacks.

Lexus tells us that the CT 200h will boast a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) mated up with twin electric motor/generators and a CVT automatic transmission powering the front wheels. Though official EPA mileage numbers aren't yet available, the automaker expects its baby to be at the head of its class in efficiency.

Four drive-modes will be selectable from the cockpit: Normal, Eco, Sport and EV. Eco mode will adjust air conditioning settings and the throttle for the best possible fuel economy while Sport tightens up the steering, sets the stability and traction control at less obtrusive settings and provides 150 more volts of power from the electric motors. EV mode will allow the car to travel up to one mile on electric power alone under certain circumstances."

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