Lexus Prototype Spotted New Lexus RX Hybrid and Other Vehicle

[Tideland Prius]

Living in Southern California has its benefits, the weather, the women and the cars. Cost of living isn’t so hot, but you gotta pay to play. One of the other cool elements of living and working so closely to some of the major automakers is the chance to see prototype vehicles roaming public roads.

We’ve seen these rare vehicles before, often snapping a few photos. Usually the drivers will perform casual evasive maneuvers such as getting off the freeway, slowing down a bit or, if it’s a fast vehicle, speeding up. The driver’s behavior is based on how sensitive the vehicle they’re driving is to the company. It’d bad news for these guys to get spotted and photographed.

Today, we can say we had the most extreme case of bad test driver syndrome, to the point of fearing for our own lives.

While driving back from the Torrance DMV, ironically enough, we spotted a small test caravan. Michigans plates, vehicles all in black—these could only be manufacturer test vehicles. Camera phone in hand, we creep up on the three vehicles (two draped in the black stuff) and a Lexus IS 350. Take note, there’s usually one street vehicle to run interference, no kidding.

Full Article with Pictures



What do you guys think the other vehicle is. They say it's a Prius but why would it be with Lexus vehicles? Is Lexus planning an IS wagon hybrid or something? It certainly seems smaller than the typical Lexus car (hence my IS suggestion)

[KMO]

My first thought was that it was a Toyota Auris, but the rear doesn't quite match the existing European hatchbacks. The US version may well be different - could it be a saloon?

[SomervillePrius]

Yes... please a prius sized station wagon hybrid form Lexus WOULD ROCK!

I believe it when I see it.

[toyotablackbox]

The first car they show in that article looks like a dead ringer for the 2008 Scion xD(from the headlights) , but all the padding makes it look almost like a Toyota Blade from Japan which could be the new corolla/matrix... That Lexus Proto disuguised as a current RX looks like they have made quite a few changes if it isn't all new. The bulbous body looks almost like the 2008 Toyota Highlander, and the front underbody looks more aerodynamic for the hybrid version... cool pix

[Tideland Prius]

well a hybrid Matrix (Auris) would be sweet.

[Commissioner of Fun]

At one time I used to work with prototype Fords and we would do the same things. I winder where the other cars were that normally would follow them around. We used to have about 12 other cars of all sorts of current models to keep people from taking these photos.

Good work, and good photos...

BTW.. the bump in the back of the car is to hide the rear window and tail design... so it must be some big change...

COF

[hill]

If the prius/whatever driver was so anxious to do the "brake slam" game on the wrong person? ... Man ... doing danger/slam games to the wrong person may get Prius/bad driver test/person into a confrontation with the wrong person ... and maybe more than (s)he bargained for (I'll leave that to your imagination) ... as some folks are WAY too intolerant to nutjobs that risk your life/property.

[Frank Hudon]

I thought most Cal's were armed? A brake smoke like this would normally get a bit of wheel weigh material in the door or at least the engine compartment. If you don't want them photographed get them off the public roads.

[Danny]

Anyone notice the large opening in the black cover on the opposite side from the gas tank?



<cough> plug-in... </cough>

[Tideland Prius]

Danny, good eye! Didn't notice that.