Toyota to Launch Lexus Luxury Sports Car in 2009

Washington DC July 6, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper reported, without citing sources, that Toyota is planning to launch a two-seat luxury sports coupe under its Lexus badge for the U.S., Japanese, and European markets in 2009.

Further information from the Shimbun indicates that the new two-seater will be based on the LF-A concept car, which was on exhibit at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show and equipped with a 5-liter V-10 engine and technologies developed through Formula One racing.

When the sports car hits the market, the Shimbun said it will eclipse the Lexus LS as the most expensive vehicle in Toyota's lineup.