(Cj)

http://www.insideline.com/toyota/sai...ai-hybrid.html












TOKYO — Toyota has launched its SAI, a sister car to the Lexus HS 250h in Japan today, on the eve of the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show. The SAI is a more affordable version of the Lexus hybrid sedan.

The four-door looks are much the same and the 2.4-liter hybrid system is identical, yet the SAI has a simpler interior and hits the streets for thousands less.

The SAI also turns out to be nearly 4 inches shorter than the HS. There are extensive sheet metal changes, too, including new lights front and rear, although these are so subtle that few will notice at first glance.

The 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain with nickel-metal hydride battery pack mounted beneath the trunk floor is a straight carryover from the Lexus, making 187 horsepower.

Hybrids, of course, are meant to be green and the SAI turns in a useful 47-54 mpg in Japan's economy cycle, exactly the same as the HS 250h, even though it's smaller and up to 154 pounds lighter.

Japan gets the SAI because there is no Camry hybrid in the domestic market and its smaller body is better suited to Japanese driving conditions. For that reason, the SAI will not be crossing the Pacific to the U.S.

On price, the base SAI is a reasonable value at the equivalent of $37,600, but the top-spec model is a considerably pricier $47,370.

Moog-Type-S

Looks like a Hybrid Corolla

CocheseUGA

With a little Sentra.

JediMindTricks

to the 2 posts above.

charliemike

I like it. I like the Camry hybrid too. It's got a lot of plastic but it's a very quiet car.

CG2PROJECT

mt3c

looks alright, just a more corolla version of the HS250. I guess if it came to the US, it would compete with the Civic Hybrid.

Belzebutt

I sat in a Lexus HS 250 the other day and I can see why they would want to have that and a Prius, but having a Prius, the Lexus, AND this Toyota? It seems pointless, this is nearly identical.

aznboi2424

iTrader: (10)

Yea, this should be a overseas only car