Lexus teases Frankfurt SUV concept (2013)

Lexus has released the first picture of what’s expected to be its new SUV concept car, bound for the Frankfurt motor show in September 2013. Clearly set to employ the sharp-creased design and huge ‘spindle grille’ cues from the current Lexus range – not to mention the LF-LC coupe concept – Lexus is nevertheless staying tight-lipped on details of its new model. We’ll see the car revealed completely in early September.

From CAR Online’s recent spy shots, it’s clear a new entry-level SUV is on the way from Toyota’s luxury offshoot, packing hybrid power and with sights trained on the Range Rover Evoque.

The new car is expected to be positioned below the current RX SUV, and rival premium crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA, plus the baby Range Rover. It’s likely to share four-cylinder/electric driveline with the brand’s existing CT200h hatchback, and architectural underpinnings with the existing Toyota RAV4 SUV. However, an electric motor driving the rear axle rather than assisting the front would endow the new Lexus crossover with some degree of all-weather ability.

Upcoming Lexus models have a performance-orientated bias to them: insiders suggest a GS-F to rival the BMW M5 is on the way, and a V8 LS-F limo: look out, Mercedes S63 AMG. Recent spy shots appear to confirm that the ‘F’ cars will indeed carry over the controversial ‘stacked’ tailpipe design of the now-defunct (in the UK) IS-F sports saloon

A production version of the LF-CC concept car (think BMW 4-series-sized IS coupe) is also confirmed, as is a flagship sports coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept car and styled like a mini-LFA supercar.

Meanwhile, Lexus’ mothership brand Toyota has revealed it’ll bring a 400bhp hybrid Yaris to the Frankfurt motor show this year.

By Ollie Kew