Lexus LS TMG Edition 650HP Spied on Video: Are Those the Sounds of a V8 or a V10?

Our trusty spies have scored another touchdown with the high-performance, wide-body Lexus LS saloon that has piqued our interest over the past few days.

We already know it is called the Lexus LS TMG Edition and that it is being developed by the Japanese group's Toyota Motorsports GmbH division, formerly known as Toyota Team Europe, based in Cologne, Germany.

Toyota's subsidiary was responsible for firm's World Rally Championship cars starting from the 1970s right up to the 1990s, but now works on various special projects.

Read more »

Categories: Concepts, Lexus, Lexus Concept, Lexus LS, Lexus Scoops, Lexus Videos, Nurburgring, Scoops, video

Lexus LF-Ch: Production Version of Five-Door Hatchback Rival to BMW 1-Series Scooped!

An anonymous Carscoop reader dropped these scoop photos of what appears to be the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch hatch into our mailbox this morning. The LF-Ch concept model made its world debut at last year's Frankfurt motor show with Lexus making it more than clear that it would build the five-door hatchback.

"Let me stress that you are not looking at a market study … or hearing about vague intentions" Andy Pfeiffenberger, vice president of Lexus Europe, told journalists during the presentation of the car in Frankfurt.

"This LF-Ch concept is a clear indication of our entry plans for the compact premium segment in the near future, with the world's first ever premium compact, full hybrid."

The overall shape of the plastic wrapped model depicted in these spy photos is almost identical to the LF-Ch concept right down to the rear window, though the design does appear to have been toned down a notch.

For example, gone are the 'hidden' read door handles that have been replaced by conventional handles while the tail lights and rear bumper design are new.

If the car pictured here is indeed the LF-Ch, then there's a strong possibility that we may see the hatchback model in the flesh at the Geneva Salon next March.

Lexus plans to offer the premium hatch that will rival cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 with both conventional and hybrid powertrains.

Hat tip to our anonymous reader for the shots!

Categories: BMW 1-Series, Lexus, Lexus Concept, Lexus Scoops, Scoops

Lexus Rumored to Debut Compact Hatchback Concept in Frankfurt, Targets BMW 1 Series

Toyota's premium brand Lexus is planning to unveil a five-door compact hatchback concept at this September's Frankfurt Motors Show that will be followed by a production model at next year's Geneva Salon, according to Edmunds. The report goes on to claim that the hatch will use a front-wheel drive Corolla chassis - not the best base for a direct competitor to the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 models...

Not surprisingly, it is also noted that there will be a hybrid model in the mix that will most likely get the same the same drivetrain as the Lexus HS 250h sedan that utilizes a 147 HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and a 40 HP electric motor for a combined output for 187-horsepower.

However, there is a chance that the hybrid version of Lexus' premium hatch may get the same drivetrain as the forthcoming Auris Hybrid model that is scheduled to be launched in Europe in the second half of 2010.

It is reported that the new Lexus hatch will go on sale in Europe in late 2010 while there are no plans to bring it to North American.

Via: Insideline , Photo Illustration: Best Car

Categories: Concepts, Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus, Lexus Concept, Reports, Scoops