According BestCarWeb, Lexus plans to launch a new small SUV next fall while putting its plans for a large SUV with a four-liter turbocharged V8 on hold. An alleged insider told the publication that the new subcompact SUV would be under 4 meters long and likely powered by a hybrid system based on a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine. It could be based on the Toyota Aygo X model pictured here, which transformed from hatchback into crossover as it went into its new generation.
Compared to the Aygo X, the Lexus mini-SUV
is expected to be slightly larger with different looks and interior. The
powertrain could be borrowed from the company’s other compact SUV, the Yaris
Cross.
As for the rumored full-size SUV, we have
been hearing rumors about one being developed with the LS sedan as the starting
point. The model was expected to debut with a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under
the hood that Lexus would later be able to use for other top-end cars. The
reasons why the company stopped developing the engine are unknown, the source
told BestCarWeb.
