Torrance, Calif. – The all-new 2011 CT 200h premium compact hybrid brings a contemporary, stylish flare to Lexus’ hybrid line-up. As the fifth Lexus hybrid, the CT 200h seamlessly blends its sporty and luxurious design with fun-to-drive features.

The CT 200h benefits from a new platform incorporating numerous, exclusively developed body, chassis and Lexus Hybrid Drive engineering applications designed to offer customers a choice of distinct driving modes: Sport, when the driver wants a more dynamic experience, or Normal, Eco, or EV to satisfy more typical day-to-day driving needs.

Supplementing the Normal drive mode of the new Lexus full hybrid compact’s seamless, Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), three drive modes may be selected to fit the driver’s needs or mood, while further improving either performance and dynamic ability, or driving efficiency, fuel economy and emissions.

EV, ECO and Normal drive modes place the emphasis on more relaxed driving, with particular attention paid to ride comfort, smooth acceleration and the minimization of NVH within the body, chassis and powertrain.

From start-up and at speeds of less than 25 miles per hour, the CT 200h can operate in EV mode for up to one mile driving under electric motor power alone. This unique driving mode is not available to drivers of mild hybrid vehicles, requiring the full hybrid technology of Lexus Hybrid Drive. With vehicle range dictated by battery charge, the EV drive mode allows for comfortable urban driving with minimal noise, and zero NOx and particulate emissions. Because the gas engine is switched off throughout its operation, the EV drive mode contributes to a significant reduction in the new Lexus’ overall fuel consumption.

In ECO mode, throttle response to aggressive accelerator pedal inputs is reduced and air-conditioning control optimized for improved fuel economy. Depending on driving conditions, the ECO mode can help customers adopt a relaxed driving style, and can achieve a perceptible reduction in fuel consumption.

Source: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/lexus/lexus-ct-200h-offers-standard-170964.aspx