More information has been revealed about the upcoming dedicated hybrid from Lexus — Scheduled for release in 2010 (and not 2009, as previously reported), this new vehicle will be postioned between the IS and GS models:
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.
D-Segment, in case you’re wondering, is the European designation for the large family car, or in Lexus terms, a tiny step below the ES 350.
This makes me wonder, Lexus has gone on record in saying they would like their entire model range to be powered by hybrid technology, why not just release an ES 400h or something along those lines? Why introduce a new model?
[Source: Motor Authority]
No discussion thread for this article yet.