- Lexus is launching its 2011 CT 200h as the star of an interactive video.
- Dark Ride debuted today on YouTube.
- The video has a "choose your own adventure" theme.
TORRANCE, California — Lexus is launching its 2011 CT 200h in a thoroughly modern way, with an interactive video starring the compact hybrid. Dark Ride debuted on YouTube on Friday, starring cult-film actor Norman Reedus and with a "choose your own adventure" theme.
The film, says Lexus, is a blend of Knight Rider and The Bourne Identity — and if you can picture that, you might enjoy the interactive feature that lets the viewer act as navigator and decide what Reedus will do in the CT 200h. The choices will be familiar to those who enjoy video gaming, with settings from the California desert to a downtown Los Angeles safe house "away from gangsters hired by the competition" who are trying to steal Lexus' hybrid technology.
The CT 200h debuted this spring at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The dedicated hybrid has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and Lexus Hybrid Drive technology including a shift-by-wire electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
The compact hybrid is set to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011.
Inside Line says: Lexus is wise to sex up hybrid technology, which teeters on the edge of geekiness. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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2989 says:
08:30 PM, 05/31/2010
I can't see a Lexus hatchback doing well in the states. As for the rest of the world, maybe, but kudos to Lexus for trying.
twmark says:
07:47 PM, 05/15/2010
that's really an ugly car. i suppose it could grow on you like the newer acura TL but then again so can a big tumor on your face.
phoenixc says:
12:28 PM, 05/15/2010
@isend2c - I totally agree with you!
The fact is an original CRX gets better MPG than the weird new CRZ. (I do realize FMVSS requirements have added a lot of weight) that said - the fact it only seats two, while Japan is rummored to be getting one with four seats is very odd. The designers are in a tough spot with lame 'pedestrian safety' laws, yet with a bit more refinement, they could have put the engine aft of the front axle and minimized the overhang. Either way people will likey buy it... after all I saw a Crosstour today.
charlesb says:
11:06 PM, 05/14/2010
I like the way this car looks but with a Prius drivetrain I think Lexus might be overselling the performance aspects of the CT200h. A sexier looking hybrid is actually not a bad idea.
atenza94546 says:
01:05 PM, 05/14/2010
Wood Panel actually is good, and GM should consider putting them back on with the CTS Wagon !!!
How about bring back the Pinto !!! ????
I though SUV is a over size 5 doors hatch back.
mrjost55 says:
11:57 AM, 05/14/2010
Hatchbacks are awesome. It's just people in the states don't seem to like them.
jeremy_c says:
11:43 AM, 05/14/2010
I just don't like 5 door hatchbacks. They are so stubby and plain ugly. Mazda should take the blame for bringing this ugly 80s thing back with the Mazda3, then followed by Subaru. What's next, wooden panels?
iskch says:
11:36 AM, 05/14/2010
The chase scenes are done at 25 mph????
flwind says:
11:18 AM, 05/14/2010
The video should have been made so that this car was being chased by say a Prius because it's about the only thing this POS hybrid powertrain is going to outrun.
isend2c says:
09:41 AM, 05/14/2010
@ phoenixc
I hope you'll agree with me then, that the CRX hybrid is junk. It's overhang is at least 3" longer than this Lexus'. Then it costs double what it should to boot. And gets the same mileage as a Civic. And seats less. And is slower.