The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) today announced the all-new Lexus 2011 CT 200h hybrid vehicle earned a “Top Safety Pick” award. The CT 200h, which went on sale in March 2011, has 134 total system horsepower and has achieved EPA estimated fuel economy ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined 42 mpg utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.
The “Top Safety Pick” is the highest safety designation awarded by the IIHS. To qualify for the award, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of “good” in the IIHS’ front, side, rollover, and rear impact evaluations and be equipped with electronic stability control. The announcement was released on the IIHS website www.iihs.org. The IIHS is an independent non-profit research and communications organization funded by auto insurance companies.
According to Lexus, the body structure of the CT 200h plays a key role in the fundamental safety characteristics. To help protect the driver and passengers, the body is designed to be strong but strategically resilient to help absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. High-strength steel components are carefully located in the body structure to help ensure strength in key areas.
Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
