Lexus CT 200h
 

So, someone filled a Lexus body with Prius guts? The Lexus is 1/3rd more expensive, 25% less fuel efficient, smaller on the inside, and probably actually slower. The Lexus is less than two percent heavier than the Prius, but 16% less aerodynamic. That only accounts for half of the mileage discrepancy. They have the exact same drivetrain. The Lexus looks sportier, but is less so?

Quick! Someone purchase me two! :D

It was regeared so it actually IS a little sportier.

I've seen this explanation before, maybe from Toyota even. But I don't understand how it could be. The engine electronics and transmission are designed to operate along the best efficiency line (as if on the bsfc graph). For any power level that requires more than about 1500 rpm from the ice the transmission matches road speed to engine power. Any excess power goes into acceleration. Without a more powerful engine regearing only reduces efficiency.

In addition the ct200h and the Prius transmissions are the same part - same part number.

Edit: I just checked the 0-60 times for the prius and ct200 are both 9.7 sec. so the ct200 isn't sportier anyway.

-mort

Good question. I don't have an answer. :)

Thats what I read. I also read the Prius V did the same thing.

Both the CT200h (by 100 lbs) and Prius V (by 225 lbs) are heavier than the Prius hatch (3040 lbs). I'd imagine that is why it was done.

A few months ago, the owner of a CT200h told be it's not so economic at all and could only get 35MPG. Not sure if the aerodynamic and weight disadvantage would justify such a comparatively low fuel-efficiency or the poor quality of the gasoline available here and the high amount of ethanol on it.

The average user on fuelly is getting 41 mpg with the car. The highest is getting in the low 60s, the lowest in the low 30s.

We prove everyday that the most important variable in fuel economy is the driver. I think the CT200H has a sport mode, and I bet lots of its owners live there--pounding the gas pedal and the brake pedal in frequent succession.