First-In-Class Advanced Safety Systems For Lexus CT 200h

Pre-Crash Safety and Adaptive Cruise Control announced for new full hybrid hatchback

KEY POINTS

• Lexus CT 200h expected to lead the compact premium segment with advanced safety systems
• New full hybrid model to be available with Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control
• Electronically Controlled Braking Regeneration system (ECB-R) maximises energy regeneration performance
• Suite of eight airbags

The new Lexus CT 200h is ready to set new standards in the premium C-segment by offering the highest levels of preventive, active and passive safety.

The full hybrid hatchback will be the first model in its class to feature Lexus’s Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), furthering the technical innovation for which the brand is renowned.

Lexus announced the details this week, as the CT 200h makes its USA debut at the New York Auto Show. The car will be launched in the UK and Europe in late 2010.

Pre-Crash Safety system

The CT 200h’s Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system sets a new benchmark for preventive safety in the compact premium segment. Already established as a key safety feature of other Lexus models, it uses a millimetre wave radar sensor to scan the road ahead for potential impact hazards. If the system determines a risk of impact, it assists the driver to reduce the chances of a collision.

If there is a high possibility of an accident, PCS will alert the drier and automatically provide emergency braking assistance when the brakes are operated, activating the seatbelt pretensioners at the same time.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) works in tandem with the PCS system, using the same millimetre wave radar to maintain a selected distance from the vehicle ahead. Once the road ahead is clear, ACC automatically accelerates the CT 200h to its original cruising speed.

Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration system

The Electronically Controlled Braking-Regeneration System (ECB-R) on the CT 200h co-ordinates control of both hydraulic and regenerative braking to maximise energy regeneration by the Lexus Hybrid Drive’s electric motor during deceleration and under braking. It has been tuned to improve pedal feel and performance.

Active and passive safety features

The ECB-R incorporates a full range of active safety systems, including the latest generation ABS with Brake Assist, Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Passive safety provisions include eight airbags, including first-in-segment driver and front passenger knee airbags.

ENDS