It's been known for a while now that Lexus was cooking up an all-new, hybrid powertrain only vehicle and now we have the photos to prove it!
Referred to internally as "SAI" this all new Lexus will be built on the same platform as the Prius. SAI will also have a Toyota-branded cousin, code-named "500L" - essentially a larger Prius in sedan form. Both will be front-wheel-drive.
The Lexus will take the lead, starting production in Japan in July of 2009. The Toyota should follow a few months later (in November). The Lexus should sport either a 2.0L or 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid powertrain with a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.
photo:Colin Rear/Brenda Priddy & Company
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Referred to internally as "SAI" this all new Lexus will be built on the same platform as the Prius. SAI will also have a Toyota-branded cousin, code-named "500L" - essentially a larger Prius in sedan form. Both will be front-wheel-drive.
The Lexus will take the lead, starting production in Japan in July of 2009. The Toyota should follow a few months later (in November). The Lexus should sport either a 2.0L or 2.5L 4-cylinder engine mated to a hybrid powertrain with a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack.
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photo:Colin Rear/Brenda Priddy & Company
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