Autoblog

Toyota confirms Prius-based Lexus hybrid for Europe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Lexus

Toyota has finally confirmed what's been rumored for months, that a new hybrid is coming for its upmarket Lexus brand based on the underpinnings of the Toyota Prius. The Prius itself is about to undergo a major reworking, as the third-generation of the iconic hybrid will debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Lexus officials, the Prius-based Lexus will go on sale in Europe for 2010, and we're guessing the U.S. will get that model too. A second dedicated hybrid model will reportedly also join the Lexus ranks and be larger than the Prius-based car. We don't have too many details yet on either of these new Lexuses, except that they will be more performance-oriented than their Prius sibling. A high-luxe Prius, as long as it doesn't get too pricey, may be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Lexus brand.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Toyota confirms Prius-based Lexus hybrid for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Supercars, Lexus, Rumormill

Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

Lexus sales have been down every month so far this year, which may be due in part to its SUV and crossover-heavy lineup. It also seems that Toyota's luxury division doesn't quite have redesigns of its sedans ready yet. According to Automotive News, the automaker's smallest car, the IS, won't be redesigned for another few years. While the SC coupe/convertible is set to go the way of the Dodo, expect to see a coupe and convertible iteration of the IS sometime soon. Some sales help is also likely forthcoming from the Lexi-fied version of Toyota's next-gen Prius.

In a blow to high-performance sedan lovers, however, the rumored GS-F performance edition of the marque's rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan has been put on hold with fears that the sinking economy will shrink the market for gas-guzzlers too much to make it worthwhile. In more bad news, the $200K-plus LF-A supercar is also being delayed, reportedly in part for failing to meet its desired performance targets. Could that have anything to do with the recent Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 'Ring lap times? You bet'cha.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept

[Source: Automotive News]

Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Detroit '09 Preview: Lexus-branded Prius to debut

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Green, Lexus, Toyota

Last month, we brought you the words of Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe who announced that at next year's NAIAS in Detroit, his company would be unveiling a pair of dedicated hybrid models: a replacement for the lamentably iconic current Toyota Prius, and a dedicated luxury hybrid from Lexus. The latter would be the first standalone hybrid model from the luxury brand, which until now has made a name for itself producing gasoline/electric versions of its standard models.

Emerging reports now suggest that the Lexus hybrid Watanabe-san alluded to in Detroit will actually be a rebadged luxury version of the next-gen Prius, taking on a "lifestyle wagon" design based on the more basic Toyota. While the notion of a lightweight Prius being laden down with Lexus-grade luxury equipment may seem at odds, somehow we doubt the Hollywood crowd will be bothered.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Detroit '09 Preview: Lexus-branded Prius to debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments