Tech Specs of the Lexus CT Hybrid

ByMatthew Keegan

It should be no surprise that Lexus is in the hybrid game. After all, its Toyota parent sells the segment leading Toyota Prius. Lexus has five hybrid models to offer, more than any other luxury brand. Its CT Hybrid is its entry-level model, a five-passenger sedan that is priced from $32,050. The following are the technical specifications of the 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid.

Hybrid Powertrain

The 2013 Lexus CT Hybrid is powered by a 1.8-liter in-line four cylinder engine. This engine runs on the Atkinson cycle and features 16 valves, continuously variable valve timing and a 13-to-1 compression ratio.

The gas engine is supplemented by a high-output electric-drive motor. Together, this combination produces 134 horsepower. Lexus outfits this model with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Fuel Economy

The Lexus CT Hybrid takes regular grade gasoline. This car is rated at 43 mpg around the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It comes equipped with a 11.9-gallon fuel tank, providing a maximum driving range of approximately 500 miles. That represents enough fuel to take you from Atlanta to Orlando on one tank.

Vehicle Dimensions

The unibody Lexus CT weighs from 3,130 pounds and sits on a 102.4-inch wheelbase. This vehicle is 170.1 inches long, 69.5 inches wide and 56.7 inches tall. Ground clearance is 5.9 inches.

Front head room measures 38.3 inches to 37.1 inches in the rear. Leg room comes in at 42.1 inches up front to 32.9 inches in the rear. Shoulder room is 54 inches in the front and 52.6 inches in the back. Hip room comes in at 53.1 inches up front and 51.8 inches in the back.

This hybrid has a 34.2-foot turning circle is measures a slippery 0.29 coefficient of drag. Its top speed is 113 mph and this hybrid clocks 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds.

Chassis Information

Every CT Hybrid sits on 17-inch alloy wheels set within 215/45R17 all-season tires. Trident five-spoke alloy wheels are also available.

This model makes use of an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and an independent rear suspension with a double-wishbone design and a stabilizer bar. Ventilated brakes are up front and solid discs can be found in the rear.

The Lexus CT Hybrid provides an electric power steering system and is equipped with electronic controlled braking, an anti-lock brake system, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. A pre-collision system, automatic stop technology and eight airbags are standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recognized the 2013 edition with its "top safety pick" award.
 

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Monroe Shocks and PIAA Lights.

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Tech Specs of the Lexus ES Hybrid

By Matthew Keegan

The Lexus line up is one of the most varied and expansive among all luxury makes. Its portfolio is dominated by gasoline-powered cars and SUVs, with nary a diesel model in the U.S. fleet. Instead of relying on diesels to give its line up an important edge, Lexus serves up five hybrid vehicles including its five-passenger ES Hybrid sedan. The Lexus ES Hybrid slots above the CT200 Hybrid, and is a front-wheel drive vehicle that features Lexus' now signature hourglass grille. This vehicle is priced from $38,850.

Hybrid Powertrain

Officially known as the Lexus ES 300h, the ES Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter in-line four cylinder engine. Its direct competitor is the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

This model makes 200 horsepower total and is features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Its 16-valve gasoline engine runs on the efficient Atkinson cycle and offers four valves per cylinder. This engine features continuously variable valve timing and has a 12:5-to-1 compression ratio.

Fuel Economy

The 2013 Lexus ES 300h is rated at 40 mpg around town and 39 mpg on the highway. This vehicle has a 17.2-gallon fuel tank to provide a maximum range of approximately 688 miles or enough fuel to take you from San Antonio to Dallas and back.

The Lexus ES has a 0.27 coefficient of drag. It is certified as a super ultra-low emission vehicle. This sedan is of welded-body construction.

Vehicle Dimensions

The ES Hybrid sits on a 111-inch wheelbase and is 192.7 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 57.1 inches tall. This sedan weighs from 3,660 pounds and has a 12.1 cubic foot trunk.

Headroom measures 37.5 inches in the front as well as in the rear. Leg room comes in at 41.9 inches up front and 40 inches in the rear. Shoulder room comes in at 57.6 inches up front and 55 inches in the rear. Hip room measures 54.8 inches up front and 53.8 inches in the rear.

Chassis Information

This sedan features an independent suspension with MacPherson struts at all four posts. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar are standard. The ES Hybrid features an electronic power steering system and is outfitted with power-assisted disc brakes, a four-wheel antilock brake system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and regenerative braking. Ventilated front and solid rear brakes are standard.

The ES Hybrid sits on 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels set within 215/55VR17 all-season tires. The ES Hybrid is equipped with stability control, traction control and offers such options as lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, intuitive park assist, a pre-collision system, radar cruise control and rear cross traffic alert.
 

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. Matt is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including Magnaflow Exhaust and H&R Springs.

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The Most Promising Midsized Family Sedan: Nissan Altima!

By Eric Wu

On the basis of recent market analysis and test drives, one car which has emerged as a winner among the rest of its midsize counterparts is the 2013 Nissan Altima. The redesigned avatar of this new car is all set to impress the drivers with its fun filled performance and practical usability.

The company has come up with several modifications in the interior of the car with high boost in the fuel economy of the car. Nissan Altima emerges as a practical family sedan with fun hidden in its every roll. The continuously variable transmission or CVT has been provided with an overhaul, which has proved to be a very strong point for the modified car. The all-new 2013 Nissan Altima comes with all new smooth operation and immediate supply of power.

Amazingly, most of the incorporated changes in the vehicle are being accepted by people with open arms. Reviewers are strongly impressed by the high quality interior material, roomy trunk and cabin, high comfort seats, and much more. Moreover, the car comes with optional safety features found in the expensive cars of the league including detection of the moving object, monitoring of blind spot, and lane departure indication. However, there exists a conflict amongst the reviewers on the conservative design pattern of this beautiful car. While some say that the company has played it very safe with the interiors of the car, others are impressed with the simplicity of the design pattern.

With this car you can avail yourself of the hybrid fuel economy without having to pay for the electric motors or battery packs. Moreover, as confirmed by the National Highway safety Administration (NHTSA) recently, the car has been certified with a 5 star overall safety standard. With its hood, roof, and trunk made out of aluminum and tough body steel, the modified sedan is much lighter than its predecessors. Nissan Altima comes with curved body panels, aggressively attractive headlights, and the exact amount of required chrome.

Lest the loud engine of Nissan Altima, there's nothing significant to complain about this midsized sedan. High on style, performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability, the new Altima is the latest choice for all midsize family people. The company has incorporated features of high gas mileage and impressive technology, keeping the sporty identity of the car intact. With the fuel economy reaching the mark of 40 mpg on highway, Nissan Altima is undoubtedly the winner in the race of all midsized cars.

To learn more about the all new Nissan Altima and the LED lights and accessories for this car, please visit iJDMTOY.com, the car LED super store.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Wu

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