More details: Lexus CT 200h
16th August, 2010
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- Innovative body engineering gives the new Lexus
CT 200h sporty handling
- First use in a volume production model of front and rear lateral performance dampers
- Body delivers greater torsional rigidity, suppresses vibration and enhances ride comfort
- Detailed reinforcements throughout the vehicle further increase torsional rigidity
- CT 200h is due on sale in Australia during the first half of 2011
The all-new Lexus CT 200h has been designed to Lexus' YET engineering philosophy, achieving low
emissions and high fuel efficiency yet maintaining a sharp, sporty and dynamic drive experience.
Far from being a standard hybrid, the new CT 200h - the first Lexus for the luxury small car
market - has been the subject of innovative, detailed chassis engineering to ensure the CT 200h is a
true driver's car.
Delivering on this promise was not a matter of finding some clever add-on parts, but required
fundamental reappraisal of the chassis and bodyshell design.
In line with its reputation for pioneering advanced technology, Lexus has equipped CT 200h with
lateral performance dampers - components that, until now, have largely been the preserve of a very
few high-performance models. Lexus has used the damping technology as an effective way of increasing
torsional rigidity, suppressing vibrations and contributing to ride comfort without the penalty of
extra weight. The lateral dampers, deployed front and rear, are key elements in a detailed package
of design and engineering measures that also includes strategic strengthening and carefully gauged
welding quality throughout the vehicle.
The result is a car powered by full hybrid technology that lets the driver enjoy an added
performance dimension, supported by a choice of Dynamic and Relaxing driving "moods" and selectable
SPORT, NORMAL AND ECO drive modes.
Final dynamic testing was carried out on European roads to ensure the all aspects of the car's
suspension, steering, regenerative braking system and full hybrid powertrain meet the standards
expected in the highly competitive market for compact luxury cars - currently dominated by the BMW 1
Series and Audi A3.
Lateral performance dampers
The Lexus CT 200h is the first volume production model to use front and rear lateral performance
dampers to increase torsional rigidity and reduce vibration. The dampers' design is like that of a
monotube shock absorber. Used in place of conventional rigid bracing, they are deployed between the
front suspension towers, and at the rear across the lower back panel. Each damper assembly is
tailored to suit the rigidity, noise and vibration performance in its immediate surroundings. They
absorb and minimise unwanted vibrations, particularly through the vehicle floor, and improve
steering feel and ride comfort.
Body deformation is also significantly reduced: in testing, Lexus engineers recorded a 15 per
cent reduction in the displacement of the left and right suspension towers. Their contribution to
on-board comfort even extends to cutting the amount of white noise transmitted through the car's
audio system.
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Structural rigidity
Lexus's ambition is for the new CT 200h to set a benchmark for handling in its segment. To help
meet this goal, it has targeted measures to give the car excellent structural rigidity, in
particular by optimising weld points and bracing around the vehicle.
On the underbody weld spot, density has been increased where the rear floor cross-members connect
with the wheel housings and bracing has been added to both the front and rear suspension systems.
Extensive reinforcement has been added to the wheel mounts, steering gearbox mount, steering
column assembly and the suspension members. The front suspension towers, front cowl and front
pillars are all connected by a network of bracing.
The front floor brace, hybrid vehicle battery carrier and the rear lower support members are
also all designed for high rigidity performance.
On the upper body, a fully closed cross-section runs around the full circumference of the
tailgate, with inner gussets and outer reinforcements located on C- pillar.
Comprehensive dynamic package
The work Lexus has invested in CT 200h's chassis and body forms part of a full dynamic package
for the car that includes equally detailed attention to aerodynamics, steering, suspension and
even the driver's position at the wheel to achieve sporty, rewarding performance.
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