Repair Review Car

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 worlds 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.

The luxury brand of Toyota presented at the Auto Show in Autralia second LF-LC prototype with a hybrid power plant of 372 kW (500 HP).

This second version of the LF-LC combines a number of technologies that could shape the future of the sport. Excel using materials like carbon fiber, organic design and installation of an innovative hybrid powerplant.

For the construction of the car was used the experience gained in the project LFA, displaying materials using ultra Livanos among which are carbon fiber and aluminum alloys. This was achieved thanks to a light body that not only facilitates a quick response in handling it stands as the perfect platform for installation of the Lexus hybrid powerplant generation.

The propeller system comprises a combustion engine Atkinson combined with a battery pack of high capacity (which in turn is powered by a battery low). Together these two elements develop a power of 372 kW (500 HP).

Lexus LF-LC Blue Concept

The aesthetics of the LF-LC has some attractive and innovative forms serve as leverage in future models of the brand. His body Opal Blue (color taken from gemstones found in Australia) has a bold front fascia finished in a daytime L shaped, combined with elements that provide a sense of constant motion. Your sunroof extended and dynamic lines give the LF-LC single image.

Inside are a carrier masterfully joins an atmosphere of organic forms with an advanced cabin technology focused on the driver. A 12.3-inch LCD screen provides information and projects the navigation display, it is controlled by a touch screen located in the center console.

With this product Lexus says it intends to continue its policy of developing new technologies and inspiring in the world of high-end sports cars.