Chicago Preshow: Lexus CT 200h Concept Tune by Five Axis

Lexus will be showing off a wilder CT 200h prepared by parent company Toyota's tuning partner Five-Axis at the upcoming 2011 Chicago Auto Show, which runs for the public from February 11 to 20. The highly-modified Five Axis Project CT will be dressed in a custom made wide body kit with hybrid's bad-boy appearance further enhanced by the JDSU �Dark Passage� paint, the lowered ride height (thanks to a TEIN Flex coilover suspension system), and custom 19-inch FIVE:AD forged alloy wheels.

No word on any powertrain improvements, but the CT 200h concept study will get a bespoke interior treatment and a Stoptech High Performance Big Brake Kit on the front.

The Five Axis Project CT will be joined by numerous Lexus models including vehicles from last year�s SEMA Show such as a customized LS600h L by VIP Auto Salon and a revamped RX 450h courtesy of tuner Paul Tolson, EST Styling, plus the full range of production models like the 2012 LFA sports car.

Lexus Launches CT 200h in Japan to Boost Domestic Sales

Lexus has added the new CT 200h dedicated hybrid model to its Japanese line-up in an attempt to boost flagging sales in its home market. The company's first entry in the premium-compact segment is also its cheapest offering with prices in Japan ranging from 3.55 million yen to 4.33 million yen (about US$42,600 to US$52,000).

Originally designed with European customers in mind, the CT 200h has also made its way to North America as well as China, with more countries to be added to the list. In the U.S., the CT 200h is priced from $29,120.

The five-door hatchback from Lexus features the same hybrid powertrain as the Prius mating a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine with an electric motor, nickel-metal-hydride battery and a generator. Lexus said that using the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the CT 200h returned a fuel efficiency of 34 km/lt (equal to 79.9 mpg US or 2.9 lt/100km).

The company said it plans to sell around 1,500 units a month of the CT 200h in Japan.

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New Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Priced from $29,995 in the U.S.

Lexus has dropped pricing details for its all-new CT-200h ahead of the hybrid model's U.S. market launch in early March. The five-door model will be priced from $29,120, plus $875 for delivery, processing and handling, which comes out to a total of $29,995 [about �22,450] making it the least expensive car in the Lexus lineup in the U.S.

�For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,� said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. �Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.�

The fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup makes use of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor, a battery and a generator. The system has a combined total output of 134 hp (100 kW) and allows the CT 200h to accelerate from 0-60 mph [96 km/h] in 9.8 seconds. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid model has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.

Standard features on all CT 200h's include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather steering wheel; a six-speaker, audio system with a CD player, and Bluetooth; integrated satellite radio receiver (with a complimentary 90-day trial subscription); USB/iPod connectivity; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h is also equipped with a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

Optional features will include a sixth-generation navigation system with a backup camera, a moonroof, heated seats, and a Premium Audio Package, which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.

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