Say hi to Lexus hybrids

TOYOTA Australia will use its Lexus luxury brand to spread the hybrid word before offering petrol-electric technology across its own vehicle range.

"We’re starting with the Lexus range here, because there’s a premium and performance image already attached to the brand," Toyota Australia boss John Conomos told GoAuto last week.

"Lexus is the ideal (hybrid) platform because it will suit those who want high performance and luxury without damaging the environment." At this stage, Toyota has confirmed three hybrid-powered Lexus models for Australia, beginning with the new GS sedan early next year.

Following the 3.5-litre V6-powered GS450h, which is claimed to deliver the fuel economy of a 2.0-litre car and the output of a 4.5-litre engine, will be the RX400h hybrid SUV and the third-generation LS sedan flagship, which was previewed in Tokyo last week by the LF-Sh "Flagship Sedan Concept Car" and mates all-wheel drive with a V8 petrol engine and electric power for the first time.

It’s unclear whether Lexus Australia will offer both short and long-wheelbase – or all-wheel drive or rear-drive – versions of the next LS.

The GS450h is part of the Lexus line-up that was launched in Japan for the first time on August 28, which is expected to attract more than the 60,000-odd annual sales currently achieved by BMW and Mercedes-Benz to become the nation’s top luxury brand.

If Lexus’ hybrid foray is successful, expect Toyota to expand its petrol-electric power availability beyond Prius, for which there is currently a two to three-month delay in delivery times – the longest of any Toyota model.

Hybrid powertrain fuel consumption and emission savings are said to be greatest in Corolla-sized vehicles and upwards, but with Toyota US due to launch a four-cylinder petrol-electric version of the new Camry, Toyota Australia’s locally-built medium sedan is more likely to be the first non-Prius Toyota model to be offered with hybrid power.

Tokyo’s Estima Hybrid Concept previews the next-generation Tarago, due on sale here next March, while the RAV4 concept – which debut at Frankfurt last month and is due here in production guise around January – could be another hybrid candidate.

Finally, the Kluger hybrid that recently went on sale in Japan is not only an odds-on favourite for Australian consumption – but a model that Toyota Australia is undoubtedly keen to manufacture itself in future.

WHAT’S COMING: LEXUS
MODEL:	ARRIVAL:
GS450h hybrid sedan	February 2006
RX400h hybrid SUV	August 2006
LS460 sedan redesign	September 2006
LS600h hybrid sedan	January 2007
LX460 SUV redesign	2007
LF-A supercar	2008