Lexus CT 200h and F Sport refreshed for 2014

Lexus has taken the wraps off a refreshed 2014 CT 200h at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China, updating the car for the first time since its debut as a 2011 mode, and it'll also be appearing at the LA Auto Show today.

The biggest visual change is of course the addition of the new corporate front fascia which Lexus refers to as the "spindle grille." Other changes on the outside include a choice of new 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels featuring a ten-spoke design. The CT 200h has also been treated to redesigned rear bumper, the most noticeable changes being the black lower center section, and L-shaped reflector housings.

The Lexus CT 200h is now available in a choice of six body colors, including a new red color option. Lexus is also hoping that the addition of a two-tone paint option featuring a black roof coupled with a body color of you choice will make some buyers take notice.

Lexus
The 2014 refresh also brings a number of changes to the interior.

On the inside, the CT 200h has received a new 14.6-inch diameter steering wheel, as well as the 4.2-inch Thin Film Transistor Optitron instrument panel, which can be linked to the car's infotainment system and controlled by steering wheel-mounted switches. Also premiering in the CT 200h refresh is the second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) system, which Lexus promises to be more user friendly. The sound system has also been improved with the debut of the world's first bamboo loudspeaker technology, which combines bamboo fiber, plant opal, and charcoal to create the industry's thinnest loudspeaker diagram, which is promised to offer noticeably improved sound quality.

Lexus
A new steering wheel and a new Optitron instrument panel debut in the 2014 CT 200h.

Lexus has also improved the CT 200h's body rigidity through additional spot welding and through the use of structural adhesive technology. The increased body rigidity has also allowed Lexus to tweak the suspension, including the addition of a new shock absorber valve and new coil springs.

A new CT 200h F Sport has also bowed at the Guangzhou Motor Show, with the car being a sportier version of the CT 200h. This means a slightly tweaked mesh grille design, tweaked fog lamp housings, and a roof spoiler. The F Sport version of the CT 200h will also feature 17-inch wheels unique to this model, as well as a choice of nine exterior colors including White Nova. Perhaps the biggest difference is the tuned suspension with firmer coil spring settings, and optimized front/rear roll rigidity distribution which should add a dash of sportiness.

Pricing has yet to be released for the 2014 model, though we don't expect it to stray too far from the $32,945 starting price of the 2013 model.

About the LA Auto Show

The Los Angeles Auto Show has long served as a spotlight for "green" cars, and a popular place to unveil new hybrid and electric vehicles. We'll have photos, video and complete coverage of all the manufacturer reveals and top news from this year's LA Auto Show right here, so check back often.

By Jay Ramey