What does the CT stand for in Lexus?
The CT designation most commonly stands for "Compact Touring" and refers to Lexus' compact hybrid hatchback, the CT 200h.
Origin of the CT 200h name
The CT 200h was launched in 2011 as Lexus' first hybrid-only hatchback. The letters "CT" have been widely interpreted as "Compact Touring," signaling its compact size and long-distance comfort. Lexus has not published a formal expansion of the acronym, leaving room for industry interpretation.
Official stance on the acronym
There is no publicly published official expansion from Lexus; the prevailing interpretation in press materials and automotive reference works is "Compact Touring."
Common interpretations
One widely cited interpretation is that CT stands for Compact Touring, highlighting its role as a compact hybrid hatchback designed for comfortable long-distance travel. Some enthusiasts have cited other forms informally, but there is no official expansion published by Lexus.
- Compact Touring
- Compact Town/City Touring (informal)
In short, the name CT is commonly understood as Compact Touring, with no official alternative confirmed by Lexus.
Key specs of the CT 200h
These are the core mechanical and efficiency details that defined the CT 200h when it launched:
- 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle petrol engine
- Electric motor integrated with CVT (Lexus Hybrid Drive)
- Combined output around 134 horsepower (100 kW)
- Front-wheel drive
- Hybrid Synergy Drive with regenerative braking
These specs illustrate the model's positioning as an efficient compact hybrid hatchback rather than a traditional sport coupe.
The CT today and its legacy
The CT 200h debuted in 2011 as the brand’s first hybrid-only hatchback. It remained on sale in various markets through the mid-2010s and was discontinued in many regions by 2017 as Lexus shifted focus to crossover and SUV offerings like the UX and NX. The CT designation has not resurfaced in a new model line.
Summary
In brief, CT stands for Compact Touring in most automotive references and press materials, a naming choice designed to position Lexus’s compact hybrid hatchback as a comfortable, efficient tourer. The CT 200h is now a historical model, with no current direct successor in Lexus’s lineup, though its hybrid philosophy lives on in newer compact crossovers.
What does RX stand for in Lexus?
"RX" in a Lexus model stands for Radiant Crossover. The name reflects that it was the first crossover SUV from the brand, bridging the gap between a luxury car and an off-roader, and was intended to represent a new, bright direction for Lexus.
- Radiant Crossover: This is the official meaning given by the manufacturer.
- Significance: The "Radiant" part signifies a new and bright future for the brand, while "Crossover" points to its positioning as a versatile vehicle that blends the comfort of a luxury car with the capabilities of an SUV.
- "L" suffix: In models like the RX 350L, the "L" stands for "Larger," indicating a longer, three-row version of the vehicle.
What does CT stand for in Lexus?
"CT" in a Lexus model stands for Creative Touring. This name was chosen because the CT 200h was the world's first luxury hybrid hatchback, making it "Creative" for its powertrain, and "Touring" to indicate that its hybrid system didn't compromise passenger or luggage space, says Lexus UK Magazine. Some Lexus distributors have also referred to it as "Compact Touring," notes Wikipedia.
- Creative: Refers to the car's groundbreaking hybrid powertrain in a market segment typically dominated by diesel models.
- Touring: Aims to convey that the hybrid technology did not sacrifice practicality for passenger and cargo space.
What does CT 200h stand for?
"CT" stands for "Creative Touring," and "200h" signifies a hybrid car with a power output equivalent to that of a 2-liter gasoline engine vehicle.
Why is Lexus CT discontinued?
By 2017, the CT200h was falling behind, despite a 2014 face-lift. Lexus' first-mover advantage had disappeared. Sales plummeted from 8,903 units in 2016 to 4,690 in 2017. Car and Driver noted that competition from luxury brands and even its stable-mate Prius made the car seem slow, outdated, and under-refined.
