Frankfurt 2009: Lexus Teases LF-Ch Hybrid Concept

As a part of Toyota's plan to control the world, they've decided their Lexus luxury division needs a small luxo hatch to be competitive on the European market.  While here in the US expensive hatchbacks sell about as well as ice cream to Eskimos, in Europe they make a lot more sense.

So far this is all we've seen of the LF-Ch concept, but from here it looks like a mix of over-the-top show car bling hiding what looks like a basically attractive small hatchback.  All we really know is that it'll have a version of Toyota's "Hybrid Synergy Drive" gas-electric system.  My guess?  It will probably sit on a version of the Toyota Auris chassis, which is what they renamed the Corolla in Europe.  If that's the case, expect to see a range of small gas and gas/electric hybrids, and perhaps Toyota's powerful 2.2L turbodiesel - which cranks out an impressive 177bhp - under the hood.

We'll have more details on the LF-Ch hybrid as the Frankfurt show approaches in the next few weeks, so stay tuned.  In addition to the Lexus concept, Toyota will be showing a few (less exciting) vehicles at Frankfurt, including the debut of the Auris Hybrid series production vehicle, a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius (oh my gosh!), and two new variants of the Smart-knockoff iQ, including a sports version with some absurdly large fender flares.

Really absurdly large fender flares, that is.  Wow.  There will also be another version of the iQ there called the Collection, which has some upscale luxury trimmings.  Makes a lot of sense.  Sadly, Toyota probably won't be displaying the long-awaited "AE86" coupe collaboration with Subaru, which might've... you know... been interesting?