Don’t be surprised if every Lexus is offered with a hybrid powertrain in the coming years. That’s the message from Karl Schlicht, Vice President of Lexus Europe.
Two weeks ago, at the Paris Motor Show, Mr. Schlicht spoke extensively about Lexus Hybrid Drive and its growing importance to the luxury automaker’s lineup. Schlicht has since given the press a more specific idea of his vision for Lexus. “Ideally, we would like it if all the vehicles in the Lexus range were [available as] hybrids,” he said. Schlicht said Lexus would not emulate moves made by German automakers toward diesel power. He said Lexus does not want to be a “follower,” but instead carve its own path.
Schlicht’s comments add credibility to recent rumors from the U.K.’s Autocar magazine that Lexus is planning hybrid version of its forthcoming LF-A supercar (pictured). The report suggested a 5.0-liter V8 would be coupled with an electric motor to produce 435 horsepower.
