Newest Lexus hybrid is a compact hatchback

Lexus LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept, Frankfurt Auto Show

The words Lexus and hatchback are not normally spoken in the same sentence, especially when you add the word hybrid. But they will be, once the Lexus LF-Ch hybrid hatchback concept is revealed at the Frankfurt Auto Show next week.

So far, the only news that’s leaked out is a couple of photos, and the fact that this five-door Lexus hybrid can be driven on electric-only mode.

My buddies at Autocar, the British car magazine, predict this small Lexus hybrid will be front-wheel drive, instead of rear-wheel, like the eagerly-awaited 2010 Lexus HS 250h hybrid sedan just beginning to arrive in showrooms now.

Full Hybrid Auris Concept Ready for Market

Since introducing the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system on the Prius, Toyota has been promising to expand the technology to other platforms. The first vehicle in the sights for the next generation HSD powerplant is the upcoming Auris.

The idea behind including the HDS system on the Auris is to offer a full hybrid system on a high production mainstream model. According to Toyota, a full hybrid system is one that can run on either the gasoline engine alone, the battery/electric system alone, or run parallel to each other.

The company is planning on using the Auris as a test bed

for the next generation HSD system before expanding it to the rest of their line-up. While the specific range ratings and fuel economy have yet to be revealed, many are estimating Prius-like returns.

Toyota has also not said if the hybrid Auris will be borrowing the plug-in setup planned for the 2010 Prius.

More information, including pricing, is expected to be released during the Frankfurt Motor show set to start in 2 weeks.

Full Hybrid Auris Concept Ready for Market

Since introducing the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) system on the Prius, Toyota has been promising to expand the technology to other platforms. The first vehicle in the sights for the next generation HSD powerplant is the upcoming Auris.

The idea behind including the HDS system on the Auris is to offer a full hybrid system on a high production mainstream model. According to Toyota, a full hybrid system is one that can run on either the gasoline engine alone, the battery/electric system alone, or run parallel to each other.

The company is planning on using the Auris as a test bed

for the next generation HSD system before expanding it to the rest of their line-up. While the specific range ratings and fuel economy have yet to be revealed, many are estimating Prius-like returns.

Toyota has also not said if the hybrid Auris will be borrowing the plug-in setup planned for the 2010 Prius.

More information, including pricing, is expected to be released during the Frankfurt Motor show set to start in 2 weeks.