2021 Lexus CT 200h Specs, Hybrid, Release date

2021 Lexus CT 200h Specs, Hybrid, Release date. The new 2021 Lexus CT is getting more power. Far, it was a cute electric car with less than 100 hp and modest outputs. Now, the company announced plans to compete with Tesla Model 3 hatchback. That means a lot of improvements. The CT needs more power, more range, autonomous drive, and many other upgrades. It seems like Toyota and Lexus are trying to pull an impossible thing. Clearly, they have some ace upon the sleeve to challenge the leading vehicle in the class.

2021 Lexus CT 200h Interior

We can read the first official updates about the 2021 Lexus CT. Rumors are even older. With the confirmation of the new electric vehicle, even more, speculations appeared. Now, fans are trying to figure out what will the CT look like and what kinds of modifications it brings.

2021 Lexus CT Concept

It is very strange. The last edition of the electric car was in 2017. Now, after the break, the company is going after the segment leader. What’s changed so Lexus can think about this.

2021 Lexus CT 200h Spy Photos

Of all, when we saw the new Lexus UX, we thought it will be CT’s replacement. Crossovers and SUVs are overtaking market and slowly kill sedans and hatchbacks. With a year of pause, everything pointed the similar faith awaits the electric model. Soon enough, we saw a denial with the announcement of the upcoming 2021 Lexus CT.

The new model will show future plans for Toyota’s premium branch. All vehicles will be electric models, or they will have EV in the lineup. Well, Lexus is one of the leaders in this segment already. All its crossovers and SUVs (except GX and LX) are using hybrid drivetrains. Now, the situation will become more serious with electric motors. The first model after CT to offer such power source will be UX.

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2021 Lexus CT 200h Specs

2021 Lexus CT vs Tesla Model 3

Estimations about the new electric vehicle are not available. We can compare it to its next big rival– Tesla Model 3. There are three different battery packs available for this car. Top trim is coming with a 75 kWh electric motor. Lighter versions are 62 and 50 kWh. With the largest battery, you can go 325 miles. The smallest one offers 220 miles of run before a refill. The new 2021 Lexus CT will aim the range between these two to start the challenge.

The new model will need to catch up with one of the most advanced autonomous drive systems in the automotive world. Tesla is one of the rare carmakers that offer Level 3. Nissan announced plans to bring Level 4, and the US carmaker will definitely respond. Toyota and Lexus are not so famous about self-driving features.

Details Available

We are again rolling back the history to see what to expect in the future. A few years ago, Toyota joined forces with Mazda and Denso in 2017. That is the season when the last CT rolled out from the factory. The new partnership is called EV Common Architecture Spirit Co., Ltd. There, all companies will give their strengths. Mazda is the best in computer development, Denso offers electronics and the latest technologies, while the TNGA platform comes from Toyota. The cooperation will result with new 2021 Lexus CT appearing next season.

What fans can expect from all these preparations? The vehicle that can compete with Tesla Model 3. The 2021 Lexus CT will be a small hatchback. It will keep dimensions and stay smaller than the new UX crossover. The subcompact hatch is light and it will improve the range. Of course, few electric batteries will be offered, with various capabilities (power output and mileage). It is not clear yet, but it seems like the CT will be available as EV and hybrid.

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Speculations

The new 2021 Lexus CT will be a very close sibling to Toyota Corolla, as the latest hybrid by the Japanese carmaker. The new engine for this car is a 2.0-liter hybrid. If the CT pastes the specs from the old-school car, then we will get 180 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle will be able to sprint to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds. Well, chiefs still need to confirm this is actually happening. Current CT is using a 1.8-liter petrol engine as the base for the hybrid in the US. The combination is good for only 135 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is exceptional– 43/40 mpg in city/highway. The new engine will deliver more power, but it will probably cut some miles from the overall range.

2021 Lexus CT Release Date

There is a big hint about the release date of the new 2021 Lexus CT. Such vehicle, with an electric drivetrain and a huge range, will debut in its homeland, during Olympics in 2021. The opening ceremony is one of the worldwide shows with a lot of publicity, and that is the perfect time to show the new model. We’ll see if this will come true.