Lexus has trademarked the LX 450d nameplate in Australia, opening the door to speculation that the brand is readying their very first diesel SUV.
The 450d designation would suggest a 4.5L diesel engine, likely the same 1VD-FTV twin-turbo diesel engine currently offered on the Australian Toyota Land Cruiser. This engine produces 261 hp and 479 lb.ft of torque.
Despite the brand’s focus on hybrid technology, the possibility of a diesel SUV was mentioned by Lexus International vice-president Mark Templin in a Drive Australia interview last year.
(There’s likely a very small global market for twin-turbo diesel LX, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see sales limited to just the Australian market.)
[Source: IP Australia] (Thanks again Matt!)
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