REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012?
Lexus CT concept teaser sketch – Click above to enlarge
Just about a week ago, Lexus released a teaser image for a small hatchback that's tipped to debut in concept form at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September. At the time, we wondered out loud if Toyota's premium brand would see fit to offer the entry-level model here in the States since sales of small wagon-shaped premium cars like the Audi A3 and Volvo C30 have yet to set the world on fire.
Citing unnamed sources at Toyota, Automotive News (sub. req'd) reports that the Lexus hatch will indeed be developed for Europe but could possibly come Stateside in 2012. If that's true, the entry Lexus would potentially go up against the aforementioned European hatchbacks along with the BMW 1 Series and upcoming small cars from Cadillac and Lincoln.
Previous rumors had indicated that the new Lexus hatchback would be based on the Toyota Auris, carry the CT designation and come equipped with a range of hybrid powerplants – possibly starting with the 1.8-liter four cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive from the 2010 Toyota Prius.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lucien 7:03PM (8/24/2009)
Officially Toyota said they will be producing the Auris Hybrid next year in UK. So my guess is that this is a seperate model (perhaps the CT is based on the Auris, not sure).
In addition autonews reported earlier that there would be a cheaper Hybrid for the US:
http://www.autonews.com/article/20090813/ANA02/908139988/1290
Bit confusing and not much official but either there will be up to 3 new compact hybrids or this is all the same car really.
We know that Fit/Jazz Hybrid won't be coming to the US so potentially neither will a similar Toyota model.
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