REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus CT concept teaser sketch - Click above to enlarge

Last week, Lexus released a teaser image for a small hatchback that's tipped to debut in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. At the time, we wondered out loud if Toyota's premium brand would see fit to offer the entry-level model here in the States since sales of small wagon-shaped premium cars like the Audi A3 and Volvo C30 have yet to set this side of the world on fire.

Citing unnamed sources at Toyota, Automotive News reports that the Lexus hatch will indeed be developed for Europe but could possibly come Stateside in 2012. If that's true, the entry Lexus would potentially go up against the aforementioned European hatchbacks along with the BMW 1 Series and upcoming small cars from Cadillac and Lincoln.

Previous rumors had indicated that the new Lexus hatchback would be based on the Toyota Auris, carry the CT designation and come equipped with a range of hybrid powerplants - possibly starting with the 1.8-liter four cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive from the 2010 Toyota Prius.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pint-sized Buick on the horizon?

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Buick

It ain't no Skyhawk. Actually, we're not even sure this is the model that Buick may be contemplating bringing Stateside. Perusing their Chinese offerings, however, this seems like the most likely bet for a smaller Buick to slot below the LaCrosse. The only other Chinese Buick that makes a sliver of sense is the Royaum, based on the Omega platform (Catera, GTO), but that's a larger car aimed at dignitaries who prefer riding to driving. There are no facts to offer yet, other than Buick is analyzing whether offering an entry-level car under the LaCrosse is a good move.

There's debate among GM execs about whether a kiddie-pool Buick is the way to go. Some feel that it'd be a bad move, and the brand should focus on moving upscale, but we don't think that "upscale" and "entry-level" are mutually exclusive. There is a market for premium small cars; witness the MINI. If the car were fussed over enough to have the General's current, much improved, level of fit and finish, some dashing style, and offer capable and competitive powertrains and performance, they could have a winner on their hands. If it's indeed the Excelle, we'd be inclined to leave it. It's based on the Daewoo Nubira, and while it looks nice enough and it's not a bad car, there's still a yawning gap to leap into a LaCrosse. We haven't seen the likes of four-cylinder Buicks since the 1990s, and very few of them were of any interest (T-Type Skyhawks, Somersets and Skylarks get a pass). If there was proper development put into a smaller Buick, we'd welcome the return of a car to fill the Skylark's old shoes. We're not seeing that car in the current Chinese lineup, where the focus is more on uber cushy appointments inside, large size, and conservative styling. Hmm.. That doesn't sound half bad if it winds up on a chassis with some starch in the suspenders.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pint-sized Buick on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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