Last month, news came of Toyota’s Lexus brand getting a Prius-based hybrid vehicle when the next generation car breaks cover some time in 2010. Now, the latest reports have the automaker also mulling over at least one more hybrid vehicle that won’t look like anything else in the maker’s current range, this one possibly a crossover. If true, Toyota would maintain its position as a pioneer in the hybrid vehicle industry.
The Prius-based car would have unique styling inside and out, and be priced well north of its Toyota-badged donor, at above $30,000. It may also use lithium-ion batteries, unlike the current and probably next-generation Prius’ nickel-metal hydride batteries, according to Inside Line, with the inline-four cylinder gasoline engines in either displacing 1.8 liters. The crossover could very well use the same powertrain, as all three cars are to be underpinned by Toyota’s midsize MC platform, currently used in the Camry and Lexus RX SUV, both of which are available as hybrids.
The next-gen Prius, along with the unnamed Lexus variant, should bow at January’s Detroit auto show. Reports have the Prius sold in North America in the spring of next year, with the Lexus coming out at least one year later. The crossover is likely to arrive in 2011.
05/22, 1:18 PM
posted by:
400horseSS
ZZZZZZZZZZZ Lexus news zzzzzzzzzzzzz
05/22, 1:35 PM
posted by:
A4
yay two slow pieces of crap instead of one
05/22, 1:54 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
well one EXPENSIVE POS and one less expensive POS – yay!
05/22, 2:03 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Well… if you want to journey into the land of above $30k hybrids… I figure they have to make something to try and compete with the $40,000 Volt.
As far as the hybrid crossover goes… isn’t that what the RX-400h is? They act like it is something new in the world.
05/22, 2:12 PM
posted by:
A4
ooooh yes toyota are pioneers in the industry… toyota sucks ass
05/22, 3:29 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
They may suck ass A4, but they’re going to sell every one they make.
05/22, 3:31 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Johnnycanuck is correct, they will sell everyone because hybrids like the Prius make the people who buy them make the statement of “look at me, I am saving th planet, yay me”.
05/22, 4:07 PM
posted by:
bolex
“look at me, I am saving th planet, yay me”. exactly. these things might suck but the bandwagon is rolling and toyota gonna make sure it stays like that.
05/22, 4:08 PM
posted by:
Zip
everyone who buys one needs to be taught a lesson in physics…. then shot.
05/22, 4:29 PM
posted by:
ktulu
Lexus sucks
05/22, 9:26 PM
posted by:
autonut
In addition to RX-400 there is a hybrid LS and GS. There are 2 car models that aren’t (out of 4) ES & IS. What’s new?
05/22, 10:36 PM
posted by:
olds307
Yay, a Gayus with a $10,000 mark-up.
05/23, 6:33 AM
posted by:
Rover3500
Just Why? Why would anyone buy these things??? WHY??????? They look like ****, they drive like ****, they have a **** badge on them, one white goods, one faux luxury. Totally pulled the wool over the eyes of the tree huggers and the liberals.
Ironically, they cost more in the long run to the environment than most typical family hatchbacks and sedans. Hideous abominations…I wish I could take a sledgehammer to everyone made.
05/23, 8:01 AM
posted by:
brocky
Lexus bores the crap out of me. (I need to move on from my IS)
05/25, 1:29 AM
posted by:
GS400
“Ironically, they cost more in the long run to the environment than most typical family hatchbacks and sedans”
Bahahaha
I guess you bought into the article written by the guy comparing prius to a hummer.
Agreed on Lexus being boring.
Agreed on Lexus mark-up (like all luxery brands).
But damn, you take the stupid cake for believing something that a guy wrote out of his mom’s basement.
05/25, 7:11 AM
posted by:
Rover3500
What the hell are you talking about GS400? Since when is a Hummer a typical family hatchback or Sedan? I never mentioned anything about the Hummer. It’s a well proven fact that the amount of energy and resources that it takes to build a Toyota Prius is greater than a run of the mill family car, like their own Toyota Yaris for example. Not to mention, years down the line when it becomes just another second hand car, the effort and energy in recycling the vehicle is greater, due to the excess metals and acids in the batteries etc etc. Ergo Prius and its ilk, are ultimately pointless and certainly inferior to any modern diesel for example.
I guess you take the stupid cake for spelling luxury wrong and calling yourself after a faux luxury car. Oh the shame.
11/03, 11:11 AM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Dedicated models? what a novel idea!