Images of Toyota ’s all-new Sai hybrid have hit the Web ahead of the car’s Tokyo Motor Show debut. Announced last month, the Sai will join the Prius in the Toyota lineup as the automaker’s only dedicated hybrid vehicles.
Although the Sai is an all-new vehicle for Toyota, it’s actually based on the recently launched Lexus HS 250h . As such, the Sai is powered by the HS 250h’s 2.4L four-cylinder engine – mated to Toyota’s latest hybrid system – which should net average fuel economy in the 35 mpg range. Combined horsepower is said to be 187.
Despite its Lexus HS 250h roots, the Sai sports unique interior and exterior styling — albeit a little more bland than its Lexus counterpart.
Pricing for the Sai has yet to be announced but, given the upscale nature of the HS 250h and the Sai’s larger engine, the new model is expected to command a premium over Toyota ’s other dedicated hybrid model, the Prius. No word if the Sai will make it to the U.S. market.
