GS69

MotorAuthority
Lexus is currently developing a dedicated hybrid model that’s set to go on sale in 2009. The new car will be Lexus’ most affordable hybrid and will be positioned above the current IS sedan. The hybrid will be priced in between the IS and RX 400h SUV and will be initially offered to the Japanese and UK markets. It’s still undetermined whether or not it will be sold in the US.

“Hybrid is the brand-defining technology for Lexus,” said Steve Settle, the head of Lexus in the UK, during an interview with Automotive News. The eco-friendly cars account for 70% of Lexus sales in the UK, so it’s not surprising that the luxury brand is ready to introduce a hybrid only model.

Lexus has already introduced an efficient diesel engine in its IS sedan, but management see hybrid technology as a way for to differentiate Lexus in the luxury segment. Also, the average hybrid buyer’s income level is relatively high, and vehicles like Toyota’s Prius don’t appeal to individuals in this segment.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

That would be interesting.

But honestly, I think gas-saving hybrids should stay with Toyota, and power-increasing hybrids should stay with Lexus. Effieciency equals cost savings equals Toyota. Luxury equals excessiveness equals Lexus...

Gojirra99

Maybe they want to use next gen. electric motor with light batteries as an alternative to turbo chargers for power increase/performance ? ( & be fuel efficient at the same time in comparison)

JessePS

Can't wait to see which model it is.

GS69

The article says that it will be a dedicated model - meaning like the Prius, there is no non-hybrid version ... so it will be an all new model.

LexFather

I think its great. THe Lexus hybrids are gaining some momentum publicity wise and its something that can distinguish the brand. It also shows Lexus is on the forefront of automotive technology.

GREAT move, IMO.

JessePS

I got that.

I just wonder if its going to be a sedan or some sort of cross-over like the MCX or JX.

Plus couldn't they take a car they already have in production and only make it into a hybrid. That would have made better sense to me, then actually make another model that will only be a hybrid. How hard would it be just to have the RX or LS sold only with a hybrid?!

@lpher

Only UK and JDM? Thats a first IF it happens

LetMeShowU

My guess is it will probably be the LF-S concept seen here:

http://www.lexus.com/fcv/lf_s.html


I think that would be a bad idea. Many Lexus buyers are old-fashioned in a sense and would have no use for a hybrid-only LS or RX. Customers like options and I think having a hybrid-only car in their lineup is a good move.

xioix

The Camry hybrid is faster than its I4 model and it is more fuel efficient, so that is not reserved to just Lexus
That LF-S was the design direction for the GS

encore888

I wonder if the hybrid's unique styling can be more daring, say a CLS-type competitor vehicle...would that be too crazy to be hybrid?

Gojirra99

They probably want the first hybrid-only Lexus to have reasonably good rear headroom & ease of entry/exit , as much as I like the CLS styling ...

encore888

OK, but then to go the other direction...a Lexus minivan??? They have plenty of SUVs and sedans...

Gojirra99

Since the Lexus hybrids are more attractive to the Europeans relative to gasoline models, I think they want the hybrid-only Lexus to help increase their popularity there, & a niche design like a 4-door coupe may not be the best approach.

encore888

Yeah, I can see that reasoning. In between IS and RX 400h is a pretty interesting position...