Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept
Toyota is planning to unveil three new hybrid concepts at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show including an intriguing 5-door hatch for their upscale Lexus brand. The LF-Ch (pictured above) is aimed squarely at the premium compact segment whose other notable players include the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3. What sets the LF-Ch apart from its German competitors is Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Aside from that, precious few details have been released, but more information is expected in the days leading up to the Frankfurt show.
The Toyota Auris Hybrid will also be on display as it prepares for launch in mid-2010. The C-segment hybrid will be the first of its kind built at Toyota's Burnaston, Derbyshire plant in the United Kingdom. Since its launch in 2007, the gas powered Auris has sold nearly 400,000 copies in Europe.
Not to be left out, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid Concept will make an appearance in Frankfurt in advance of fleet testing of the vehicle scheduled for early 2010. The Prius is already the world's iconic hybrid. Adding a plug-in option to an extraordinarily successful eco-focused car should give the Japanese automaker even more green cred.
Stay tuned. The Frankfurt show is less than two weeks away.
Sources: Green Car Congress, AutoblogGreen
