DETROIT — The curious got a first glance at the Lexus CT 200h on Friday via a teaser shot of the car's cat's-eye taillight, ahead of the full hybrid compact's debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March. But U.S. consumers are unlikely to see this Lexus in their driveway anytime soon, Toyota told Inside Line.
"There are no plans, at present, to bring this vehicle to the U.S.," said Toyota spokesman Curt McAllister in response to an e-mail query from IL.
The hybrid is expected to go on sale in Europe, but Lexus has yet to spell out a timetable for launch of what it calls "a new gateway model" to Toyota's upscale brand.
Few details were released about the CT 200h, with Lexus only saying that it will be equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology. The teaser image shows a vehicle that seems to put a premium on curves and high style, at least judging from the rear-end shot.
Inside Line says: This is one Lexus hybrid that Americans will have to admire from a distance. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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jscion says:
11:20 AM, 03/03/2010
This would have been a better choice for Lexus rather than the ugly HS250h.
old_cars_rock says:
01:23 PM, 02/14/2010
If I was in the market for an upscale Toyota or Lexus hybrid, I would get a loaded Prius. Due to the fact that this CT 200h is a "gateway model", I would guess that it is slightly more equipped than a loaded Prius at an unreasonably higher price.
Consider this: In 1997, you could have your choice of a loaded Toyota Camry V6 or a Lexus ES 300. The Lexus was slightly more equipped than the Toyota but cost much more.