Future Mini Lexus Quietly Announced At New York Auto Show?

Club Lexus picked up on a sparsely attended NYIAS (New York International Auto Show March 21-30) closing session with Lexus/Toyota at the "Toyota Live!" event that was mostly overlooked by the automotive press.

During the news review portion of the interactive show, Lexus discussed several upcoming changes to their model line as well as new vehicles that will make their way onto showroom floors near term (defined as model years 2009 - 2011). The one that caught us by surprise was the reveal of a planned small vehicle in the Lexus lineup termed a "compact luxury hybrid".

Said an unnamed corporate spokesperson at the event "Given the pressure of rising fuel costs and requests from many of our loyal customers and dealers, Lexus is planning to rapidly bring to market a compact luxury hybrid vehicle, currently called the LF-Ch". When asked for more details on how quickly Lexus plans to bring this auto to a showroom near you, the spokesperson shared that existing and new mechanical platforms will be married with an all-new luxury interior design for a compact vehicle that should begin to be available in late 2009.



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0to60 - 4/4/2008 1:14:00 PM

+7 Boost

LOL!

AMiodynski - 4/4/2008 11:48:46 AM

+2 Boost

Not sure if this is an actual Lexus "prius-like" Hybrid, but I know they have been talking about them for a while now.

Looks cool IMO

gooch - 4/4/2008 12:12:24 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah, this is not really new. It will be based on the next Pious, oops I mean Prius.

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 5:01:44 AM

+2 Boost

the toylex critics/haters can joke, criticize, and BRAY all they want. but this vehicle, i predict, will generate a whole slew of deposits and pre-release orders.

remember the LS600hL? on release, orders were 300% of what even lexus anticipated!

what with gas prices likely to tickle (if not exceed) $5/gallon by 2009, this car may see backorders not seen since the intro of the current generation Prius.

lexusis350 - 4/5/2008 12:22:19 PM

+2 Boost

Yeah because people are going to pay $25k+ for a luxury Yaris when you can get the Prius for that same price. And the Prius is bigger.

Htay7500 - 4/5/2008 5:20:11 PM

0 Boost

not to mention, its an april fools joke!

M53R - 4/4/2008 11:49:24 AM

+11 Boost

Toyora Yaris with IS-F wheels and paint? NICE!



....




NOT. -_-

07G35J - 4/4/2008 12:01:25 PM

0 Boost

My thought exactly!

w209w114 - 4/4/2008 2:21:33 PM

0 Boost

Agreed. This takes the word "Rebadge" to a whole new level.

zorbeeze - 4/5/2008 11:26:52 AM

+1 Boost

Are you guys that blind?????????
This is just a drawing.

Lexus will build a smaller entry level luxury car and it will be a good one.

lexusis350 - 4/5/2008 12:24:57 PM

+2 Boost

I'm sure it will be a good one, but it goes against the luxury car image. Lexus would be bringing down their reputation with this.

zorbeeze - 4/6/2008 6:06:21 PM

+1 Boost

And that is called the American mentality.
Nowhere else in the world would a smaller car be considered bad for a luxury brand.
If done well, like the A3, it can be a good investment.

lexusis350 - 4/6/2008 6:26:05 PM

+1 Boost

American mentality for a luxury car brand that sells best in America.

zorbeeze - 4/7/2008 1:28:49 PM

0 Boost

Selling good in one country will do nothing to help you advance in the rest of the world.
You have to realise that there are other markets out there and Lexus needs this if they are to be a serious player in the Luxury market. Look what happened to Lincoln and Cadillac when they refused to change their mentality regarding overweight oversized with big engines and crappy handling and ugly interiors. They lost out and it took them years to get back into the game. If Lexus stays out of this market they will see their sales flatten and eventually decrease. Think long term Lexus needs a smaller car.

lexusis350 - 4/7/2008 10:12:33 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, then sell this in another country. The US doesn't want it.

bigTYME - 4/4/2008 12:10:49 PM

-1 Boost

Not bad for a hybrid, cause they usually look hideous. I'd rather drive this instead of a Prius. If they do make it, they better not make it more expensive than a Prius. I doubt that will happen.

bigTYME - 4/4/2008 12:15:19 PM

+2 Boost

BTW that's good they are sticking to what they do best, making efficient cars, rather than risking a challenge to the 1 series.

ChicaneShooter - 4/5/2008 5:09:44 AM

+2 Boost

and just WHY should it not be more expensive than a Prius?

you expect lexus to throw in the leather package, lexus sheetmetal reskin, lexus badge, lexus dealer pampering, all for FREE? dream on.

there are more than a few prius owners who TRADED DOWN FROM a lexus just to get the goodness of a prius. you can expect these happy owners to come home to lexus.

along with thousands who WOULD've gotten an ES or even IS or GS instead.

this will be yet another toyota motor company HOME RUN! count on it!

bigTYME - 4/5/2008 1:05:45 PM

0 Boost

I just realized the Prius starts at $21,100. But then again it tops off at about $28,500. Looks like this car will be at about $30,000. For 30 grand there are a handful of cars I would rather drive. However, my decision still depends on the the epa figures this car will do. Not sure many people are looking for an "economy" sized Luxury car. Maybe in Europe, but definitely not in the States. However, I'm not against the concept, because energy costs are going up most people should be trading in those V8s and even sixes for cars like these. Toyota should consider an ES hybrid, with the same powertrain as the Camry Hybrid. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if thats already in their plans.

BMW4me4ever - 4/4/2008 12:20:05 PM

+5 Boost

lol ... just give him a moment or two..

BMW4me4ever - 4/4/2008 6:02:29 PM

0 Boost

gobama .. what are you talking about? get off your lexus cool aide. someone slap the kid to wake him up, he has been daydreaming again.

iamdabest1 - 4/4/2008 12:19:12 PM

+1 Boost

this doesnt look like a luxury car......

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 12:23:57 PM

-2 Boost

the link provided doesnt work, here is the correct link:

http://www.clublexus.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=513&Itemid=171

note the date......

That said, I totally dig it!!!!

w209w114 - 4/4/2008 12:51:29 PM

-4 Boost

Of course you do. Like everything that has to do with Toyota. Lexus shaped turds are coming to a dealer near you.

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 1:05:18 PM

+5 Boost

Quality additions to the discourse provided by w209w114, as always. Get a life.

w209w114 - 4/4/2008 2:19:09 PM

-1 Boost

1970Toyotamarc

I have a feeling Im going to be having a lot of fun with you from now on. I have yet to see real quality coming from you.

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 2:28:55 PM

+1 Boost

I think once you learn to read you will see the quality. And have as much fun as you want, you are only making your self look foolish.

Example..."This takes the word "Rebadge" to a whole new level." As you still are demonstrating no understanding that this is an April Fool's Joke.

But keep playing, it makes me just look all the better.

w209w114 - 4/4/2008 2:36:02 PM

-1 Boost

I am aware its an April Fools joke. Sighhhh... You chose to see only what you want, and I dont think thats gonna stop any time soon.

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 2:45:20 PM

0 Boost

Yeah, I believe you...... Because you always know exactly what is going on, like your astute observations on Jim Press's lies. You are the undisputed voice of reason on this site, everyone knows that. Please keep illuminating us with your wisdom and insight.

Oh, but I'm not sure you understand sarcasm....

w209w114 - 4/4/2008 4:20:22 PM

0 Boost

1970Toyotamarc

"You are the undisputed voice of reason on this site, everyone knows that"

Thats a claim you simply can not back up :)

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/4/2008 12:28:12 PM

0 Boost

The Lexus BS?

EL34 - 4/4/2008 12:28:25 PM

-2 Boost

What a spectacular design :-)

answer - 4/4/2008 12:29:47 PM

+6 Boost

This is both an April Fool's joke posted on clublexus.com and another attempt by 009 to stir up a flame war.

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 12:33:21 PM

+3 Boost

indeed, of course it worked.

1970toyotamarc - 4/4/2008 12:40:45 PM

+3 Boost

It actually might have been fun to see all the hatred spew forth before some people were let in on the joke. Actually even tho they know it is a joke, the usual suspects will still use this as an opportunity to bash. Flame on!!!
BTW the (Yaris based) story is still on ClubLexus's homepage. The google link is a slightly different story about a fuel cell Prius based Lexus. Looks like a lot of folks were having fun over at Lexus on April 1.

Carboy - 4/4/2008 3:12:18 PM

+3 Boost

LMAO!

lexusis350 - 4/4/2008 3:50:18 PM

+3 Boost

WHAT?! Toyota is turning Lexus into...well, Toyota. Luxury car brands shouldn't have a cheap thing like this.

JUGNU - 4/4/2008 4:11:45 PM

-1 Boost

that's not true.

JUGNU

JUGNU - 4/4/2008 4:13:43 PM

+1 Boost

I mean it's just a joke. Lexus will never have such a car.

JUGNU

07G35J - 4/4/2008 5:23:07 PM

+1 Boost

GoObama: "Lexus is on the way to competing with Bentley and Rolls Royce."

Not by creating a glorified Yaris like the one above...

BMW4me4ever - 4/4/2008 6:04:07 PM

+3 Boost

" lexus is on the way to compete with Bently & Rolls"


lmao ... always need a good laugh. What flavor of kool-aide are you drinking now? dont forget to share

BMW4me4ever - 4/5/2008 10:29:05 AM

+2 Boost

gobama .. I was making a comment on your inane comment about lexus as the next bentley or rolls. Just the fact that you threw the lexus into the same equation is appauling. Go and sit in a Rolls or Bentley, then explain how a Lexus even competes. I find most of your comments so ridiculous. Actually, keep up the good work. It does create a good laugh from time to time ...

theoptimisticpessimist - 4/4/2008 6:53:20 PM

+3 Boost

Lexus BS Compact Hatchback

Just last week, Tokuichi Uranishi, a Toyota executive vice president, told German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, that Lexus is interested in developing a compact hatch. “We can foresee a competitor to the BMW 1-Series” said Uranishi. This year, Lexus expects to sell around 55,000 units in Europe but its targeting annual sales of 150,000 units by 2015 and the addition of a lower priced (than the IS) entry-model would definitely help Lexus achieve that goal.

We’re not sure if this rendering of the so-called BS series that we discovered in the net has anything to do with reality, but we can tell you that if Lexus goes ahead and introduces the compact hatch, it'll most likely be based on the IS platform and mechanics (front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout).

Of course, since the hatch will be aimed towards the European market, we should expect 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engine variants added to the range. In addition, a hybrid version shouldn’t be out of the question, as Toyota Europe needs to sell more frugal and low-emission cars to deal the EU’s stricter rules.

[Source: CarScoop] 09-29-2007

MartyMoose - 4/4/2008 7:25:54 PM

+1 Boost

Within a year , Lexus will have a unique Prius like Hybrid in its lineup. It will be similar but bigger more luxurious version of the prius and its name at the moment is the Lexus SI . Not the best choice of names but they may change it by the time it comes to market
Just an FYI

PresidentoftheUSNOTOBAMA - 4/4/2008 10:33:21 PM

+2 Boost

april fools!

Htay7500 - 4/5/2008 9:55:36 AM

+2 Boost

oh dear.

farabira1 - 4/5/2008 4:33:55 PM

+2 Boost

Nice one, Yeah i was certainly bamboozled at first, what Lexus is going to make such a puny little car with no flair and no design for their much hyped about hybrid car? Then certainly i came to know it was a Yaris with photoshop chop up.