Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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Tokyo '09: Toyota Sai Hybrid is a Budget Lexus HS 250h

We think that the title and the pictures say it all about Toyota's second dedicated hybrid model after the Prius and first in sedan form that made its world premiere at the Tokyo motorshow. Nevertheless, if you insist on learning more about the all-new Sai hybrid sedan, it is a more affordable and cosmetically reworked version of the recently launched Lexus HS 250h with most styling changes concerning the front and rear ends of the car as well as the revised dashboard.

The Japan-only Sai keeps the HS 250h's hybrid system that combines a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack for a combined output of 190HP. Toyota says that its new hybrid model achieves a combined fuel economy in the Japanese cycle of 23km/lt which comes to around 4.3lt/100km or 54.1 mpg US.

The Sai goes on sale in Japan in early December with prices starting at 3.38 million yen ($37,200), compared with the Lexus HS250h's starting price of 3.96 million yen ($43,500).

All Photos Shot by our Tokyo Motor Show man, Phil Alex

Toyota Sai: New Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Based on the Lexus HS 250h Officially Launched in Japan

Only a few hours after we posted the first brochure shots of the all-new Sai and Toyota officially took the veils off its new hybrid sedan that will make its public outing at this week's Tokyo International Motor Show. Larger and more luxurious than the Prius, the Japanese automaker's second dedicated hybrid car is a sister model to the Lexus HS 250h that recently went on sale in the U.S.

In fact, the two vehicles differ only slightly in appearance with the Sai featuring a new front end design with a unique treatment for the head lamps, bonnet, grille and bumper and different tail lights (even the rear bumper remains the same) and alloy wheel designs.

The reshaped rear side windows and the absence of protective / decorative door trims sum up the exterior revisions over the Lexus HS 250h.

Toyota's designers spent a few more hours -metaphorically speaking- on the Sai's interior as the hybrid model features a new instrument panel and center console design as well as a different steering wheel and less fancy trim than its Lexus counterpart.

There are no hidden surprises under the hood as the Sai features the same gasoline-electric hybrid system as the HS 250h. In other words it's powered by a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder teamed up with an electric motor and a battery pack to achieve a total system output of 190 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive round out the drivetrain.

The new Toyota Sai hybrid sedan is planned to go on sale in Japan on December 7, 2009 with a monthly sales target of 3,000 units.

It will be offered in four trim levels with prices ranging from 3,380,000 yen to 4,260,000 yen ($37,200 to $46,800 US at today's exchange rates). In comparison, the HS 250h is priced in Japan between 3,950,000 and 5,350,000 yen ($43,500 to $58,800). Toyota said it that

Toyota did not say whether the Sai will be available in other markets outside Japan.