Five Axis Lexus CT 200h at 2011 Chicago Auto Show

No, this slammed CT200h isn't a super-early preview of one of this year's SEMA offerings, it's actually a car Lexus will debut at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.  Looking to "prove that hybrids can be aggressive" (read: appeal to young people), Lexus had this CT done up by Five Axis.  It wears a custom body kit covered in unique Dark Passage green paint, and the hybrid rides low on a Tein coil-over suspension with 19-inch forged wheels all around, and upgraded Stoptech binders in the front.  The interior is wrapped in suede and features a custom touch-screen multimedia interface.

The CT200h will, in fact, be surrounded by a few of last year's Lexus SEMA customs in Chicago, including the LS600hL by VIP Auto Salon and RX450h by Paul Tolson of EST Styling.  And while it seems a bit out of place to debut this modified CT at a traditional auto show, it actually makes some sense when you do the marketing math: Lexus's newest hybrid hits showrooms in March and Chicago is home to many young professionals.  And even with this Chi-town unveil, we won't rule out Lexus saving a spot on its 2011 SEMA stand for this custom CT200h.

Power for the Lexus CT 200h comes from a 1.8L WT-i gasoline engine mated to a powerful electric-motor fueled by nickel-metal hydride batteries.  The models produces a total system output of 134 hp allowing it to go from 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds.  The 2011 CT 200h gets a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg.  Unlike a mild-hybrid system, the CT 200h has an EV (electric-vehicle) mode that allows it to run on only its electric-motor for up to 1.2 miles at speeds of up to 28 mph.  Prices start at $29,120.

Credit: Jon Yanca @ CarandDriver