More Details on Lexus' Dedicated Hybrid
We reported previously about Lexus developing a new dedicated hybrid model positioned between its IS and GS models and now its UK Chief Steve Settle has revealed more details about the upcoming car. Speaking with BusinessCar, Settle explained that the new car, which is planned for 2010, will be a “D-segment” model.

The car would be aimed at well-to-do individuals who are after a roomy sedan but not prepared to step up to a car the size of the GS. Mid-sized D-segment models are ideal for families and when combined with Lexus’ luxury and quality standards, could be a real winner for fans of hybrids and non-hybrids alike.

“We’ll add a specific hybrid model and leave the IS as a sports petrol and diesel. There will be more focus on interior space than on sports styling and it will have more boot space,” Settle revealed.

Lexus sees hybrid technology as a way to differentiate itself against the other premium makes, a “brand-defining technology” explains Settle. Lexus has already introduced an efficient diesel engine in its IS sedan, but management see hybrid as its future. Three of its current models have hybrid options and those cars account for 70% of Lexus sales in the UK, plus demand for the green cars is growing.

 

The current GS is not that roomy in it's class, especially for the N.American market. Even for Europe/Asia, I don't see an in-between IS/GS size car as roomy, it will only be slightly better than the 2IS, probably not significantly bigger than a E90 3-series sedan ? Maybe that's considered roomy in Europe ?
More boot space(trunk) is good, particularly if they make it's shape rectangular, unlike the oddly shaped one like the 3GS's.

 

Cool. Sounds like a European version of our ES350 (in execution, not design) with a hybrid engine.

 

So looks like the IS will not be a hybrid. Instead a new hybrid only car slotted between the IS/GS in size.
Hmmmmm, probably price as well. This is an odd move to me.
IS is 180 inches long, GS is 190 inches long. Some have complained the GS is too small, so the next gen surely will grow to about 192 inches. So this new car maybe about 185-187 inches.

So it will be TL/G35 size but a hybrid.

So they would have IS/ES/GS/hybrid car all between 32k-50k

 

We don't know if this rumour is true, so I wouldn't worry just yet.

 

sounds like a midsize. The Prius is a "b-segment" sized car with "d-segment" interior room. Since the Prius is classified as a midsize here, it's probably safe to assume the new Lexus hybrid will be a midsize. Perhaps filling in for the ESh?