Lexus hinted that it may add a smaller model to slot below the UX subcompact crossover, and that car could also be Lexus’ long-awaited all-electric model. Speaking with Autocar, Lexus’ European boss, Pascal Ruch, confirmed that the new entry-level model will replace the aging CT 200h, which left the North American market in early 2017 but is still sold in Europe. It’s not clear yet whether the new model will remain a conventional hatchback or transition to a crossover body style; however, the chances of it using one of Toyota’s TNGA platforms are high.
Autocar says the new model should arrive by 2021, as the CT hatchback will stick around in Europe for a couple more years. Ruch also told Autocar that while Lexus is in a good position as hybrids become more mainstream, he admitted that on a global scale gas-electric hybrids remain a small percentage of its output. Battery supply limitations and a small share of U.S. hybrid sales (only 10 percent) contribute to that issue. As part of its long-term plan, Lexus aims to move its hybrid production share to 50 percent at a global level, according to Ruch. Europe remains one of Lexus’ biggest markets for hybrids at 75 percent of models sold. In addition to hybrids, Ruch revealed that there will be EVs and fuel cell vehicles included in Lexus’ future powertrain strategy.
For the longest time, Toyota hybrids have been about prioritizing efficiency. But it seems Toyota and Lexus want consumers to see hybrids as more than just the economical choice. Take a look at their current-generation systems. There are now higher-powered options that offer you plenty of power while getting exceptional fuel economy. The largest four-cylinder-based hybrid uses a 2.5-liter I-4 paired with two or three electric motors and offers between 208 and 240 hp combined, depending on the application. Even the smaller 2.0-liter-based unit on the Lexus UX and European-market Corolla 2.0 Hybrid hatchback has 181 hp combined. Models sporting V-6-powered hybrid systems have well over 300 hp on tap. A recent ad campaign for the Lexus LC 500h pitched the performance benefits of the hybrid model.
Hybrids appear to be a stepping stone for Lexus as it continues to electrify its lineup. Should the upcoming entry-level model turn out to be Lexus’ first EV, Toyota’s luxury division will be (as always) fashionably late to the party. But such a car could showcase what the Japanese automaker has learned through its years as a hybrid leader. Whatever the case, don’t expect Toyota and Lexus’ future EVs to be focused solely on efficiency.
Source: Autocar
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