Lexus brand to get at least two, not one, unique hybrids

May22

april2008/lexus-prius-ri.jpg

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.




 


16 Comments

  1. ZZZZZZZZZZZ Lexus news zzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Comment by 400horseSS, posted on May22 at 1:18 pm
  2. yay two slow pieces of crap instead of one

    Comment by A4, posted on May22 at 1:35 pm
  3. well one EXPENSIVE POS and one less expensive POS - yay!

    Comment by jumpoffit, posted on May22 at 1:54 pm
  4. 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.

    Comment by RaineMan, posted on May22 at 2:03 pm
  5. ooooh yes toyota are pioneers in the industry… toyota sucks ass

    Comment by A4, posted on May22 at 2:12 pm
  6. They may suck ass A4, but they’re going to sell every one they make.

    Comment by johnnycanuck, posted on May22 at 3:29 pm
  7. 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”.

    Comment by NoNameDenton1, posted on May22 at 3:31 pm
  8. “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.

    Comment by bolex, posted on May22 at 4:07 pm
  9. everyone who buys one needs to be taught a lesson in physics…. then shot.

    Comment by Zip, posted on May22 at 4:08 pm
  10. Lexus sucks

    Comment by ktulu, posted on May22 at 4:29 pm
  11. 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?

    Comment by autonut, posted on May22 at 9:26 pm
  12. Yay, a Gayus with a $10,000 mark-up.

    Comment by olds307, posted on May22 at 10:36 pm
  13. 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.

    Comment by Rover3500, posted on May23 at 6:33 am
  14. Lexus bores the crap out of me. (I need to move on from my IS)

    Comment by brocky, posted on May23 at 8:01 am
  15. “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.

    Comment by GS400, posted on May25 at 1:29 am
  16. 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.

    Comment by Rover3500, posted on May25 at 7:11 am

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