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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Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Toyota, Rumormill

Toyota Hybrid X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Autocar, Toyota will launch its next couple of hybrid vehicles under the Prius banner in the spring of 2011. The two new bodystyles will include a Prius-based wagon and an MPV, or minivan. After that, the Japanese automaker will reportedly turn its attention to a sporty coupe model that would theoretically go up against the new Honda CR-Z.

Expect that coupe to have a similar look and feel to the FT-CH concept that was shown at the Detroit Auto Show. Finally, Toyota is said to be developing a hybrid powertrain for its RAV4 compact SUV. None of this news should come as a surprise, considering Toyota's stated goal of hybridizing its entire model line and the revelation in Detroit that future hybrids would likely fall under a Prius sub-family within Toyota.

Gallery: Geneva Motor Show: Toyota Hybrid-X concept

[Source: Autocar]

Autocar tries to lay out Toyota's future Prius hybrid path, new models coming spring of 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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