Created for those who have an environmental conscience but have no wish to lower their standards, the CT 200h is Lexus' first ever compact, five-door car. It has introduced the company's unique synthesis of unparalleled quality, sophistication and high technology to the segment for the first time.

Priced to compete at the heart of the segment, it has brought a younger group of customers to the brand. In doing so, it has contributed considerably to Lexus' growth in Europe; as of March 2011 making up over 70% of Lexus Hybrid Drive orders and over half of the total Lexus European order bank.

With class-leading emissions just 87g/km, the CT 200h offers the highest tax advantages in many European countries, and will deliver unprecedented benefits in total ownership costs to private owners, company car drivers through lower personal taxation, and fleet operators through write-down allowances.

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show marks the European debut of a new F-Sport version, which will expand the appeal of the CT 200h to an even wider customer base.

The CT 200h F-Sport features a new suspension set-up, offering customers a more dynamic and engaging drive. The coil spring rates have been changed to a more dynamic setting, and the standard car's Showa shock absorbers have been replaced with more sports-oriented, Kayaba dampers.

With its CO₂ emissions of just 94g/km the new F-Sport version allows dynamic yet environmentally conscious driving.

The new Lexus may be readily identified by several, more aggressive exterior design elements. These include F-Sport-exclusive front and rear aero bumpers and upper and lower mesh-type grilles. Outward flaring side skits reinforce the front to rear flow of the character line at the lower edge of the front bumper, and make the body appear lower. A larger spoiler is extended by 30mm to maximise the vehicle's aerodynamic performance. F-Sport 17" dark alloy wheels with black ornamentation and F-Sport side badging complete the exterior treatment.

The CT 200h F-Sport will be available in a range of eight colours, excluding model-specific Fire Agate and Silver Blue.

The interior is hallmarked by an F-Sport-exclusive, perforated leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals, a black roof lining, and F-Sport 'Lexus' scuff plates. F-Sport seat upholstery is available in a choice of 'Abyss Blue' , mesh pattern fabric with black side bolsters, or 'Galaxy Black' leather with white perforations.

Complimenting the CT 200h's already comprehensive standard equipment specification, the F-Sport is further equipped with cruise control, a lateral performance damper system and an electro-chromatic rear view mirror with an integral rear camera screen.

Optional equipments are Full Map Navigation system, heated leather powered seats, LED headlights, Smart Entry, Sunroof and Alarm system.

2/ 'Thanks to the Drive Mode Selector, the CT 200h instantly changes its personality to match the driver's mood.'

3/ 'With CT 200h, we have the first and only full hybrid premium compact hybrid with a chassis that drivers will truly enjoy.' Bruno Reike, General Manager, Vehicle Performance Management, Toyota Motor Europe

• Unique Drive Mode Selector adapts new Lexus CT 200h driving characteristics to driver's mood
• Choice of NORMAL, ECO and SPORT modes
• Simultaneous adaptation of driver's instruments and cabin illumination to reinforce driving mood change

Adapting the new CT 200h to either a Dynamic or Relaxing driving mood, a unique Drive Mode Selector switch offers a choice of NORMAL, ECO or SPORT driving modes,.

NORMAL and ECO drive modes place the emphasis on a Relaxing driving mood, with particular attention paid to ride comfort, smooth acceleration and the superb refinement which hallmarks every Lexus.

In ECO mode, throttle response to aggressive accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Drivers will enjoy a more relaxed, eco-conscious driving experience with the emphasis on maximum fuel efficiency and minimal emissions.

Specifically tuned to deliver greater electric motor power, SPORT mode focuses on a Dynamic driving mood, allowing drivers to take full advantage of the new CT 200h's sporting driving position, high body rigidity, unique chassis and suspension settings, direct steering response and engaging agility.

The hybrid system Power Control Unit (PCU) boosts supply voltage by 150v to a maximum 650v, increasing overall powertrain output. Engine revs are held higher, and throttle and Electric Power Steering (EPS) settings are modified to give a faster response to driver inputs.

2/2 In addition, SPORT mode provides less intrusive operation of the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) systems, allowing drivers to fully exploit the new Lexus full hybrid's extended dynamic abilities.

The highly distinct character of both the CT 200h's Dynamic and Relaxing driving moods is further reinforced through changes to the driver's instruments and the cabin lighting, synchronised to driving mode selection.

Backlit in hybrid blue for the NORMAL and ECO drive modes, the instrument panel illumination, Drive Mode Selector switch and a spotlight in the centre cluster automatically alter to red when the SPORT mode is selected. Simultaneously, the hybrid power indicator function alters to that of tachometer.

Ends.

About Lexus 

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy represents a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely desirable global brand. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h, and the LS 600h. In Europe, the mix of Lexus Hybrid Drive is approximately 50% for the GS and the LS range, and around 80% for the RX.

Entering production at the end of 2010 for sale throughout the world, the CT 200h is Lexus' first ever compact, five-door car. It marks the introduction of the first, and only, full hybrid vehicle to the European premium compact segment.

Retaining strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept, the CT 200h has a highly distinctive, sharp-edged, resolute appearance which immediately sets it apart from rivals. Its interior brings unprecedented levels of quality, refinement and progressive luxury to the segment.

Combining a 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, the CT 200h's Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines 2.0 litre performance with class leading CO₂ emissions. It offers customers a choice of two distinct driving moods -Dynamic, or Relaxing- in conjunction with four, selectable drive modes.

Featuring a new platform with unique double wishbone suspension architecture to the rear, the Lexus CT 200h has been specifically developed to combine superior driving involvement and handling agility with the ride comfort expected of any Lexus.

Created for those who wish to lower their emissions but not their standards, the CT 200h is new gateway to Lexus, and will bring a younger group of customers to the brand.

LFA

LFA Sales

Since its debut at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, global demand for Lexus' thoroughbred LFA supercar has remained consistently strong, and the level of demand is now in excess of the announced 500 unit production run.

However, Lexus has not yet confirmed any orders, and prospective customers who have not yet registered their interest should not be deterred.

The deadline for receiving initial expressions of interest is set at mid-March, to coincide with the end of the Geneva Motor Show. Thereafter, the process of allocating the 500 units across the 56 countries wherein the LFA is being offered will begin.

Final allocation will be fixed in April, and individual orders confirmed with customers by the end of May.

Customer Information

Encapsulating a broad spectrum of customer profiles from business people to drivers of competition sports cars, some 75-80% of requests for further information or expressions of interest have come from non-Lexus customers.

The remaining 20-25% are Lexus owners already familiar with the unparalleled levels of quality, refinement and technological sophistication which hallmark the brand.

A high percentage of requests have come from customers who have closely followed the different stages of concept car development since the LFA project was started in 2000, and who appreciate its unique, eye-catching design.

A complete information on the LFA including all technical specifications can be found on the USB stick enclosed to this presskit.

RX 450h FWD

Boasting class-leading CO₂ emissions of just 140 g/km, a new, front-wheel drive version of Lexus' full hybrid crossover, the RX 450h FWD, is now on sale in selected European markets.

The RX 450h is the high-performance flagship of the RX range, the third generation of which remains the world's best-selling SUV. Combining smooth, powerful performance with class-leading CO₂, NOx and particulate emissions, the benefits of second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive continue to attract new customers to the brand.

Sales of the RX 450h have been higher than expected, and its segment share has grown significantly in major European markets. This trend is expected to continue, and will be boosted by the arrival of the RX 450h FWD.

The new, front-wheel drive Lexus SUV shares the RX 450h AWD's full hybrid drive powertrain componentry and 220 kW/299 bhp maximum power output, but has no rear transaxle or rear electric motor, effecting a weight saving of some 65 kg. It returns class-leading CO₂ and NOx emissions of 140 g/km and 13 mg/km respectively.

Positioned at the heart of the fleet market and on the significant, 140 g/km European taxation threshold, the new, front-wheel drive Lexus full hybrid crossover reinforces the RX 450h's position as the cleanest and most efficient premium SUV in its class.

Created for those who wish to lower their emissions but not their standards, the CT 200h will be the first, and only, full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. It will bring new levels of refinement, sophistication and attention to detail to the segment, without any compromise on style or driving pleasure.

Featuring second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the CT 200h reinforces Lexus' hybrid leadership in the premium market, joining the RX 450h, GS 450h and LS 600h to create an unprecedented range of full-hybrid vehicles.

The Lexus LFA will also be on show at Geneva, offering the opportunity to review the critically-acclaimed supercar in Europe before the initial order period closes at the end of the motor show.

Lexus' press conference will be conducted by Mr. Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, and is scheduled for 16.45 on 2nd March, on Stand 4211 in Hall 4.

Ends.

About Lexus

Launched in 1989, Lexus has become renowned throughout the world for its pursuit of perfection, the outstanding quality and sophisticated high-technology content of its products, and for its unique concept of complete customer service. Further reinforcing the traditional Lexus values of unparalleled build quality, interior luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the L-finesse design philosophy represents a highly significant factor in positioning Lexus as a uniquely desirable global brand. Today, Lexus remains the first - and only - premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive full-hybrid model range comprising the RX 450h, the GS 450h, and the LS 600h. In Europe, the mix of Lexus Hybrid Drive is approximately 50% for the GS and the LS range, and around 80% for the RX.