Lexus to build heavy duty hybrid commercial?
Call it a 'Hy-Lex' if you will; the Japanese prestige marque is rumoured to be planning a power-splitting dual-cab pick-upThe first product of Toyota's ambitious new profit plans will be -- wait for it -- a pick-up!
And not just any old pick-up either. The new design will be sold under the Lexus banner to expand the customer base of Toyota's luxury/prestige offshoot.
A Japanese enthusiast magazine went to press earlier this week reporting that development of the new vehicle is already well down the track. According to the mag, Lexus will base the upcoming model (expected to be named the PU600h) on the meta-HiLux American model, the Toyota Tundra.
Mechanicals will combine the hybrid-drive system of the LS600h with the four-wheel drive components of the Tundra and its SUV sibling, the Sequoia. It's understood that while the PU600h will be its own design, it will also embrace some of the construction methods and engineering of the LX 570, which is a cousin to the Tundra/Sequoia.
Inspiration for the 'bling-worthy' new dual-cab came from the Cadillac Escalade EXT (pictured), which sells in solid numbers in the US -- and at the sort of prices to make readers choke on their coffee.
Speculation suggests the new vehicle will be developed for right-hand drive markets also and Australia is one of the markets to be offered the opportunity to sell the vehicle here.
The Carsales Network was unable to gain a response from Lexus Australia prior to publication of this article.
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