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Hybrid power, low emissions and
high fuel efficiency: it’s not
the kind of equation that
suggests the kind of sharp and
sporty handling that Lexus has
built into its new, full hybrid
CT 200h.
Far from being simply a standard
hybrid in smart clothes, the new
CT 200h – the first Lexus for
the luxury small car market –
has been the subject of
innovative, detailed chassis
engineering to ensure that it
will put a smile on the face of
the driver.
From the outset, Lexus has aimed
to make the CT 200h 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. True to 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.
Deployed front and rear, the
lateral dampers 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
proven 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.
CT
200h’s handling has been
developed specifically to appeal
European customers. 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, as
shown in the diagram below. 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.
As
well as absorbing and minimising
unwanted vibrations,
particularly through the vehicle
floor, they 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, the kind of
attention to detail that is a
hallmark of Lexus engineering.
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 invested by Lexus 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.
The CT 200h will form the
centrepiece of Lexus’s display
at the Paris motor show before
going on sale in the UK early
next year. |
