Photo: Fox Syndication
More news from the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show . Lexus will unveil an all-new compact hatchback concept that's destined for European showrooms. No official details have been released, but we compiled these illustrations based on some inside information.
Designed to go head-to-head with other premium hatchbacks like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, the new compact Lexus will use a front-wheel drive Corolla chassis and four-cylinder engines. Lexus also plans to sell a top-of-the-line model that will use the same hybrid drivetrain found in the new HS 250h.
A production version of the concept will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto show. Sales in Europe are expected to start shortly thereafter, but the chances of it coming to the U.S. are slim. We don't like hatchbacks, remember?
Photo: Fox Syndication
cwajag says:
12:12 PM, 08/ 5/09
WOW! Looks like a shrunken Venza/RX and an IS. Let's see the production version, won't stay too much like this anyway.
flicmod says:
12:36 PM, 08/ 5/09
If it's competing with the likes of the 1 Series and the A3, it's just going to be another over-priced compact hatch with a niche following.
What'd be better is if a manufacturer made one of these under their mainstream brands. Something to compete with the Mazda3, Vibe/Matrix, etc. The more hatches, the better.
thejohnp says:
12:42 PM, 08/ 5/09
Looks better than the ZDX that's for sure.
breif says:
12:49 PM, 08/ 5/09
I sure like hatchbacks, just not that one. Maybe once they 'un-concept' the front end it'll look better.
benson2175 says:
01:38 PM, 08/ 5/09
Wow; something that looks good from Lexus. Old people will love it.
herrstreet says:
03:34 PM, 08/ 5/09
Splendid! The Lexus Cimarron!
Take away the Audi S5 Wheels and look at the styling. It's nice and I think it has a modern/japanese appeal. But a Corolla? Really? A Corolla?
I think the car could sell in metropolitan areas but it needs to be cool and have dynamics and I'm not sure that a Corolla is the starting point for that sort of car.
kdragon5 says:
03:47 PM, 08/ 5/09
the Corolla chassis is a bit worrying, but hey, the Evo X has the underpinnings of a Dodge Caliber, albeit highly modified - miracles can happen :) ;
This looks interesting and I really hope they sell it in the US... but they need to change that horrid rear end
billt9 says:
04:02 PM, 08/ 5/09
this is absolutely messed up. the rear end is just squished, not how a real car would be.
get a better illustrator.
alman08 says:
04:12 PM, 08/ 5/09
this thing is absolutely beautiful. when i first saw the pics, i thought it's a lexus version of the venza, but then it said it's based on the corolla. since now lexus is using ford's signature 3-bar grill, perhaps ford can just copy this (exactly the way this is, front and back) and make this the next edge.
can someone who's good with photoshop put a blue oval in place of the lexus L for me?? thanks! I have always like the ford edge except there was always something that i couldn't explain about what i didn't like about the exterior... it's like something is missing. well here it is, the perfect edge for me!
cwc1 says:
06:44 PM, 08/ 5/09
We also don't like Lexi that are Corollas underneath. Just sounds cheap to me.
charlesb says:
09:32 PM, 08/ 5/09
How many ways can you say ugly? Well Lexus just found a new one.
ddkk10 says:
06:42 AM, 08/ 6/09
this is obviously a photoshop made from a bunch of other lexus designs mixed and mashed together so i wouldn't draw any conclusions from the photo about the actual design of the vehicle. it gives me chills to think that lexus would actually design something as obtuse as that.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
07:47 PM, 08/ 6/09
Given that for '10 Lexus added 450 lbs to the RX400h (calling it RX450h ), and decided the 250h should be a sedan instead of Hatchback, Lexus really has nothing for customers who would like a more luxurious hybrid CUV.
I don't see the regular version of this coming to the USA, but Lexus could hit a niche with the hybrid version.
2010caddysrx says:
04:47 PM, 08/16/09
Wow lexus.......I was actually digging the front but like someone said its squished, I hope thats something that does'nt make it to the production version...........