Lexus-branded Prius C in the pipeline for Toyota?

By Amir Iliaifar July 31, 2012

lexus prius hybrid car — Image used with permission by copyright holder

We’re all aware of Toyota’s unwavering position at the vanguard of hybrid vehicles. The Japanese automaker has enjoyed unparalleled success with its plucky Prius, which — if you’ve been living under a internal combustion engine — has gone on to spawn several variations ever since its introduction back in 1997. The company even attempted to transfer its momentum with the Prius into the luxury segment with the HS 250h (although with little traction), followed by the CT 200h which proved that a Lexus-badged hybrid could indeed create a compelling compact luxury hybrid.

Now, according to Malaysian automotive site Paultan, it appears Toyota could be working on another luxury hybrid model based on the existing Prius C platform, which the website has dubbed the AS150. Of course we’re going to file these reports under “read with plenty pinches of salt at hand” because as it stands nothing has been confirmed by Toyota. And given the automaker’s penchant for labeling their hybrid vehicles with an “H” we’re even more skeptical.

Nevertheless, speculation can be fun, and though we’re rightfully unconvinced by the name, what does seem more conceivable is the purported powertrain the Malaysian outlet suggests could be employed. According to the report, a Lexus-badged Prius C may utilize a variation of the 1.5-liter Hybrid Synergy Drive model currently used in the entry level hybrid. Though, Paultan also suggests that an even smaller 1.2-liter turbocharged variant could also be featured.

Traditionally, luxury vehicles have been the playthings of the wealthy and the indulgent, leaving such trepidations like the fate of our planet to the environmentally concerned. But while such practices have long been assaults on the collective bank accounts of the affluent, they no longer have to be assaults on the environment. After all, who doesn’t like to save money?

Still, if any manufacturer were to try and pioneer a sub-compact luxury hybrid segment it most certainly would be Toyota. However, we’re not entirely sure that such a vehicle would gain foothold in the market, assuming there is a market at all. Then again, we could be wrong. And such a luxury-focused sub-compact hybrid could indeed prove to be a breakaway success.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Associate Automotive Section Editor for Digital Trends, Amir Iliaifar covers the ever increasing cross-section between tech…

Cars

Next Mercedes-AMG C63 could ditch the V8 for four-cylinder hybrid power

next mercedes amg c63 could ditch v8 for four cylinder hybrid power report says 2020 s coupe

The Mercedes-AMG C63 is defined by its V8 engine. That 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged motor sets this Merc apart from other fast German luxury cars. But Mercedes' AMG performance division could replace the sonorous, tire-smoking V8 with a four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, reports Autocar. Despite decreasing the cylinder count by half, Autocar claims performance won't suffer.

The next-generation C63 will go on sale in early 2022 with a version of Mercedes-AMG's M139 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under its hood, according to Autocar. This is the same engine used in the Mercedes-AMG A45 hatchback, and it makes 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque in that car. The A45 isn't sold in the United States, but we will get the same engine in the AMG CLA45 "four-door coupe," albeit tuned to 382 hp and 354 lb.-ft.

Cars

Toyota is extending warranties on EV batteries because they’re lasting so long

toyota now has 20 years experience in the hybrid industry and sold over three million alternative fuel vehicles united states

Toyota has announced that, starting with its 2020 lineup of seven hybrid vehicles (and one fuel cell model), it is extending warranties on the hybrid battery. Previously covered for eight years and 100,000 miles, the new warranty is extended to 10 years and 150,000 miles. This extension is valid for all new model year 2020 Toyota hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

The reason for this new warranty extension? Simply put, the batteries are lasting longer. However the warranty does not extend to the Hybrid Battery Control Module, Power Management Control Module or the Inverter. Those parts are still covered by the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty. The new 2020 Toyota hybrid battery warranty is the longest offered warranty in the industry that covers first ownership and all subsequent owners.

Cars

Subaru and Toyota will keep working together to create sports cars and hybrids

next generation subaru brz and toyota 86 confirmed as part of expanded partnership 2019 trd special edition

Subaru and Toyota first announced a partnership in 2005, and that joint effort went on to produce the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 sports cars. After a period of uncertainty, the two automakers confirmed that their sports cars will live on for another generation as part of an expanded partnership, which will also include additional jointly developed hybrids.

The fate of the BRZ and 86 has been unclear for some time, as both Subaru and Toyota have been mum on plans for replacements. Both cars launched for the 2012 model year (the 86 was originally sold in the United States as the Scion FR-S, as part of Toyota's now defunct "youth" brand), so they are beginning to age. But a next-generation BRZ/86 will be a priority for both automakers, according to a Toyota press release.