REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012?

REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012?

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury

Lexus CT concept teaser sketch - Click above to enlarge

Last week, Lexus released a teaser image for a small hatchback that's tipped to debut in concept form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. At the time, we wondered out loud if Toyota's premium brand would see fit to offer the entry-level model here in the States since sales of small wagon-shaped premium cars like the Audi A3 and Volvo C30 have yet to set this side of the world on fire.

Citing unnamed sources at Toyota, Automotive News reports that the Lexus hatch will indeed be developed for Europe but could possibly come Stateside in 2012. If that's true, the entry Lexus would potentially go up against the aforementioned European hatchbacks along with the BMW 1 Series and upcoming small cars from Cadillac and Lincoln.

Previous rumors had indicated that the new Lexus hatchback would be based on the Toyota Auris, carry the CT designation and come equipped with a range of hybrid powerplants - possibly starting with the 1.8-liter four cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive from the 2010 Toyota Prius.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
REPORT: Lexus hatch coming to U.S. in 2012? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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