Lexus is stepping up its game in terms of performance and visual appeal of its CT 200h for 2012 with the addition of an optional F Sport package. It will be available only on the Premium version of the hybrid luxury hatchback. The package consists of a revised body kit with a meshed-out front grille, metal front scuff plates, a perforated leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, aluminum pedals, metallic trim on the dash and 17-inch high-gloss alloy wheels.

There's also optional Black NuLuxe trimmed seats or perforated black leather-trimmed seats round out the new package. Lexus says that the package also includes a re-tuned suspension, but there is nothing here in the way of powertrain improvements. Under the hood, an Atkinson-cycle engine design was chosen specifically for its high efficiency and compatibility with a hybrid operation. The twin-cam engine uses VVT-i or Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence on the intake side to produce an output of 98 horses, and in combination with the hybrid drive motor, can churn out 134 horses.

The CT 200h can accelerate from 0-60 in a time of 9.8 seconds.The car also features Vehicle Proximity Notification System, which is Lexus talk for the pedestrian warning system that will soon be mandatory on all hybrid EV's. Some of the names of the paint finishes include Smoky Granite Mica, Nebula Gray Pearl, Obsidian, Tungsten Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Ultrasonic Blue. Maybe the designers at Lexus drew inspiration from one too many Grateful Dead concerts. Lexus has yet to release any official photos or updated pricing for the upcoming CT 200h F Sport package.

In an interesting side note, the Ultrasonic Blue hybrid hatchback featured in these photos was unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in October of last year. Photos displayed are of the Lexus CT 200h F Sport.