Photo: Lexus
Although Lexus said it’s committed to hybrid powertrains a while ago and ditched all the diesels, they mentioned something about fitting an existent oil burner in one of their vehicles; an SUV most probably. And it looks like that’s exactly what’s about to happen in Australia.
Lexus’ affair with diesel engines ended with the second generation IS model, thinking it’s better to fit its vehicles with hybrid powertrains instead of oil burners, making for a more classier and greener choice for its customers.
Last year, the company was saying there is no point investing money to make a new diesel unit, as hybrid technology will dominate in the near future. Decision to which we bowed, because there are a lot of German diesel alternatives for “rat-at-at” lovers and Lexus posed as the one thinking outside the box, along with its new nonconformist design and all.
But then comes this trade mark application from Australia. You’ll be a bit surprised to find out that the “LX 450d” word construction has been recently applied for by Toyota Motor Corporation under the “Automobiles and structural parts thereof”.
The possibility of a diesel SUV has been previously hinted at by Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin, who was saying there might be some smaller markets where such a vehicle might fit in.
Well, there you go - it’s Australia! And by looking at the badge, we think Lexus will most probably borrow the 1VD-FTV unit that powers the big Toyota Land Cruiser, which is basically the vehicle that spawned the LX.
The unit is a 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged diesel V8, boasting 261 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The LX 570 model currently on sale in Australia is powered by a bigger 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine making 362 hp and 390 lb-ft (530 Nm).
Last year, the company was saying there is no point investing money to make a new diesel unit, as hybrid technology will dominate in the near future. Decision to which we bowed, because there are a lot of German diesel alternatives for “rat-at-at” lovers and Lexus posed as the one thinking outside the box, along with its new nonconformist design and all.
But then comes this trade mark application from Australia. You’ll be a bit surprised to find out that the “LX 450d” word construction has been recently applied for by Toyota Motor Corporation under the “Automobiles and structural parts thereof”.
The possibility of a diesel SUV has been previously hinted at by Lexus International executive vice president Mark Templin, who was saying there might be some smaller markets where such a vehicle might fit in.
Well, there you go - it’s Australia! And by looking at the badge, we think Lexus will most probably borrow the 1VD-FTV unit that powers the big Toyota Land Cruiser, which is basically the vehicle that spawned the LX.
The unit is a 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged diesel V8, boasting 261 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. The LX 570 model currently on sale in Australia is powered by a bigger 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine making 362 hp and 390 lb-ft (530 Nm).
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