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Lexus to launch baby RX hybrid crossover based on RAV4

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:31:00 EST

2011 Lexus RX 450h - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're looking to buy a luxury SUV or crossover, Lexus offers no shortage of choices. The GX and LX models may be the more capable when the road turns to dirt, but the most successful is the RX (pictured above), accounting for nearly half of all models the company sells here in the United States. Building on that success, rumor has it that the Toyota luxury division is planning on launching a smaller version of the RX 450h hybrid based on the RAV4.

Tentatively dubbed 'CX', the model would slot in below the RX and arrive as something of a high-riding counterpart to the CT hatchback. As such, it is rumored to be offered, at least initially, exclusively as a hybrid, wearing a new CX 300h nameplate. In size and price, it is expected to compete with the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Infiniti EX.

If the reports come to fruition, the launch of the gas/electric crossover could pave the way for a more affordable RAV4 hybrid, as well.

Lexus to launch baby RX hybrid crossover based on RAV4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Mitsubishi Concept cX

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Click the image above for more shots of Mitsubishi's Concept cX.

Our man on the floor, Jonathan, snapped a set of live shots of Mitsubishi's Concept cX after the automaker took the wraps off its dual-purpose crossover. The AWD concept draws cues from the recently redesigned Lancer, with a mildly raked front clip, tautly drawn headlamps, a gaping maw and a duo of heavily accented swage lines that flank the hood and sides. Power comes via a 134 HP 1.9-liter variable turbine geometry-equipped turbo diesel making 206 lb.-ft. of torque. Grunt is sent to all four wheels via a dual-clutch SST automated manual transmission, while the exterior is made of more eco-friendly elements, including organic resin from bamboo.

You can read through Mitsubishi's full press release after the jump, and check out the full gallery below.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept-cX

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Mitsubishi Concept cX

Frankfurt 2007: Mitsubishi Concept cX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1988 Citro�n CX

Dan Roth — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Auctions, PSA

We wonder if this thing tells you "Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!" whenever you shut it off. Hilarity aside, this long-wheelbase CX Prestige looks like it's made out of the same material that fashioned Darth Vader's mask. Maybe the hydro-pneumatic suspension even makes the same kinds of breathy noises. Probably not, as the seller claims the spheres are in good shape. Citroëns are pretty rare in the US, and the CX's are funk-tastic executive expresses.

This series-II car is a fine example of the last Citroën design before Peugeot purchased the brand. The long, tapered body dressed in black gives this thing an evil presence we think absolutely rocks. This is the car that replaced the space-capsule DS, and there's definitely a familial resemblance (though the CX looks more like Gumby's SAAB 900 than anything alse, if you ask us).

Underhood, there's a 2.5L four-cylinder that smokes Gauloises and is powered by croque monsieur. The price is up to $2650, which is actually pretty reasonable for a CX Prestige in good shape. 1988 was the second-to-last year for this smooth-riding teardrop that was first introduced in 1974, so any teething pains were long gone by then. Of course, the joys of maintaining a luxed-up European car with a very small support base are part of the thrill of ownership. We'd wear a Vader suit wherever we went. And limo-tint the windows. That'd make pulling up to the curb, any curb, the Best. Arrival. Evar.

more photos after the jump

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: 1988 Citro�n CX

eBay Find of the Day: 1988 Citro�n CX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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