This past weekend the Lexus CT hybrid hatchback made its racing debut on the Nurburgring during a gruelling endurance race while competing in the Adenauer ADAC Rundstrecken-Trophy against the Lexus LFA, Porsche models and BMWs. Almost 200 cars took part to line up for the start and of course the Lexus CT wasn’t the first one to cross the finish line.
Prepared by Gazoo Racing, the same company responsible for the LFA Race Car, the Lexus Gazoo Racing GT competed in the SP4 Class. While it kept its Lexus Hybrid Drive, it came with a higher capacity 2.4L gasoline engine instead of the usual 1.8 unit.
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“The batteries and hybrid system are identical to the road car,” Lexus said. “At start-up and under braking, the race car uses just its electric motor, producing zero tailpipe emissions and using no fuel. The combustion engine seamlessly takes over at higher speeds with the electric motor providing extra power when accelerating and at racing speeds.”
Lexus remains the only car automaker to compete in major endurance races with full hybrid cars, starting with the Lexus RX 400h which contested the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2005.We’re not sure of the record but Lexus probably remains the only manufacturer that hasn’t won the Nurburgring 24 Hours either.
Refresher: Power for the 2011 Lexus CT 200h comes from a 1.8L VVT-i gasoline engine mated to a powerful electric-motor fueled by nickel-metal hydride batteries. The models produces a total system output of 134 hp allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds. The 2011 CT 200h gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg. Unlike a mild-hybrid system, the CT 200h has an EV (electric-vehicle) mode that allows it to run on only on its electric-motor for up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 28 mph. Prices start at $29,120.
2011 Lexus CT 200h:
- By: Roman Bronfenbrener
