won't touch the A3 in sales, and the hybrid drivetrain means Lexus are likely to price it's "youthful" target audience out of being able to actually afford it.
toyota seem to know what they're doing but sometimes i don't think they think their model lines all the way through... Seems to excite only if you're a Lexus fan. If taken objectively, it will have to be pretty damn good to beat the 1-series coupe, particularly in 135i guise. So far, from what I read it seems like a long shot. Front wheel drive with heavy hybrid powertrain, is not a good start for one, considering that even Lexus' conventional rear wheel drive cars don't match their BMW contemporaries dynamics-wise. I have my doubts. I think Lexus is just trying to make money on this one (that is why they are in business), even though hybrids aren't particularly popular in Europe, but I will reserve judgement until the actual car surfaces.
First-mate, I think you are missing my point. Yes, the desire to make money is obvious as even I want to make as much money as possible. However, making a half-baked product just to fill a gap in the market or milking a platform to the max reeks of bean-counter decision making rather than attempting to making a compelling car. BMW could just as well use a FWD Mini platform to mine the production synergies with MINI/PSA, but they haven't and doesn't look like they will. However, I will be the first to point at BMW examples of stretching the use of a platform (sometimes beyond good taste). I just don't see the BS competing head-to-head with the 1-series. A3 and others, definitely.
The concept car will be shown to the public at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). It promises to showcase the brand's innovation in design and its technological advances. Lexus is quite confident that the vehicle will raise the bar in the premium compact segment which is currently dominated by cars like the Audi A3, the BMW 1 Series and the Mercedes-Benz A/ B-Class.
Powertrains to be used in the final production models are still up in the air. But hints have been made as to engine direction after it emerged that Lexus had patented the names CT 200h, CT 300h and CT 400h in North America. Only the company's hybrid models are designated with the letter "h" on their badges. This action has led to speculation that the compact car will only employ hybrid technology for its entire range.
