29 Apr 04 13:32
Lexus RX400h
Toyota's luxury arm Lexus has announced what will greet visitors to its stand at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live - the RX400h hybrid-electric 4x4, and the LF-X crossover concept. The former will hit British roads in early 2005, and be the world's first mass-produced part-electric 4x4. The hybrid's 3.3-litre petrol engine and electric motors, which are mounted to front and rear wheels, offer similar levels of performance to the V8 RX, but with improved economy and lower emissions. The RX400h's powertrain is essentially an evolution of the Toyota Prius' Hybrid Synergy Drive, and will cement Toyota's reputation alongside Honda as a frontrunner in hybrid technology.
Lexus LF-X
The LF-X concept hints at a large cross-over estate cum SUV in Lexus' future, perhaps to challenge Audi's allroad and Volvo's XC70. The fresh family looks that were introduced by other LF-series concepts remain: a meaner-looking, crisper front end, chunky wheelarches and trimmed window glass all lend the LF-X a pretty slick appearance. It'll seat six, too, lifting it somewhat out of the IS Sportcross's lifestyle estate crowd.
