Tokyo 2009: hybrid-only, Japan-only Toyota Sai unveiled
As expected, Toyota has taken the wraps off of its new dedicated hybrid model, the Sai. The Sai medium-sized hybrid will only be sold in Japan, starting in early December (a bit later than expected). Toyota says that the Sai shows how committed the company is to expanding its hybrid technology. Compared to the Prius, the Sai is bigger, uses a larger engine (2.4 liters compared to 1.8) and costs more. The Sai will start at around $37,500, whereas the Prius base model is around $22,000 in Japan. The Sai also gets great fuel economy of about 54 mpg (U.S.) on the optimistic Japanese cycle.
While the Sai is a bit more in most regards than the Prius, it is a bit below another hybrid in the Toyota family. The Sai shares some structure and looks with the Lexus HS 250h, but costs less.
Toyota hopes to sell 3,000 Sai units per month. There's a video (in Japanese and Danish) after the jump. Stay tuned for more pictures from Tokyo. Thanks to Dan F. for the tip!
[Source: ABC News, JPtv]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cWj 1:03PM (10/21/2009)
by "basic structure", does one mean the platform?
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Carlos 6:13PM (10/21/2009)
uuuuuu!!!!, one paralel hybrid....it´s the future!!! was the future on 1997, now it´s the past. ELECTRIC, TOYOTA "E-L-E-C-T-R-I-C"
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Andy 11:18PM (10/21/2009)
Is it a Camry hybrid with a new name?
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Ghen 10:14AM (10/22/2009)
Sai is my cat's name.
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bkong61 7:10AM (10/23/2009)
Ahem! "SAI" in Hokkien means shit...so I guess no Hokkiens will buy this SAI...eh
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