Say It Isn't So
Okay we’ve already heard that Toyota will be debuting two hybrid only models at next year’s Detroit Auto Show; one which will be the next-generation Prius and the other which will be a Lexus only hybrid.

According to a small blurb by the guys at MotorTrend, Lexus will shock us with a ‘lifestyle wagon-like vehicle based on the Prius platform and drivetrain.’

Now we were thinking more along the lines of another hybrid sedan or an entry-level hybrid crossover based on the LF-Xh hybrid SUV concept we saw at the Tokyo Motor Show. Maybe Lexus is trying to get a piece of the R-Class market.

Whatever the case, let’s hope they don’t give us a Lexus badged Prius.

 

MotorTrend's working with outdated blurbs.

The Prius platform and technology is now over 5 years old. And they're gonna build a brand new technologically-savvy Lexus model out of that?!?

 

i think they meant the off the new prius' platform. but i dont think it will be made out of it, since the prius is such a small car. i dont think lexus will make it so small. it might be based off the camry platform, as there is a lot of success with that platform.

actually screw this, just make an ES hybrid

 

if it's a crossover type car, then i think it'd be a nice addition to the lineup

 

Prius Based Lexus to Debut Along Side Prius
It should come as no surprise Toyota will unveil the third-generation Prius hybrid car at the 2009 Detroit auto show just over nine months from now. What's much more surprising, however, is a new report indicating a Prius-based Lexus model will debut at the same time.

That's right — Toyota will debut not one, but two hybrid-specific models at next year's North American International Auto Show. Based on the same platform and drivetrain as the new Prius, the Lexus model will be a sort of lifestyle sports wagon, according to Motor Trend.

Not much else is known about the new models, and debut dates could easily change in the coming months. It's also unclear if the Lexus model will be presented as a showroom-ready car or a production-preview concept.

 

Looks more crossover, I agree. Not totally feeling the acura tsx'ish shaped headlights upfront, but looks relatively clean!

 

I doubt that the new "dedicated Lexus hybrid" will be merely a rebodied Prius. Don't forget the clues that Lexus' Great Britain director Steve Settle dropped in June/July of last year, which imply, most likely, that it'll sit on the Toyota Avensis/Scion tC platform. For more on this:
http://my.is/forums/f41/lexus-planni...2007-a-333791/

 

That's a different image of a different concept, may not have anything to do with this Lexus Prius thing.

 

Come on DI 2.5L hybrid!

 

I loved the SportCross, so I hope it is a good design.

 

that would be heaven. Hopefully it be a global model. It sucks europe gets the diesel IS argh!

 

Oh dear...........

 

What he said.


Hmm.. so a Lexus Venza but based on a Prius, not a Camry.

Interesting. So does this mean the Prius gets a better chassis?

 

hmm detroit auto show will be on January 17th. Do you think they will sell this model by April? or do you think they will wait until september

 

According to a blurb from MT? I've seen several sites now post this "news" as fact, when it's nothing more than some assumptions from MT.

I highly doubt the Lexus hybrid is going to be a "Prius wagon". It *may* use the Prius platform, but I doubt even that. If it does use the Prius platform, chances are it will look nothing like the Prius and will look more like a Lexus.