A NEW hybrid drive that will deliver substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions has been developed by Lexus for its new RX 450h crossover model which goes on sale in the summer.
The company says that the C02 figure will be well below that achieved by the current best-performing diesels and will be more fuel-efficient and powerful than the model it replaces, the RX 400h that first introduced hybrid electric-petrol power to the 4x4 sector.
Lexus intends its newcomer will combat the main reasons why motorists are shunning large SUVs - the cost-of-ownership and environmental concerns.
``It does so without compromising the renowned Lexus standards of luxury, quality and refinement,'' says a spokesman.
Marking the third generation of the RX, the 450h adopts exterior and interior styling that is said to portray the latest expression of the brand's L-finesse design philosophy.
The new RX will be displayed at next month's Geneva Motor Show alongside the new convertible Lexus IS 250C.
The IS coupe cabriolet has an aluminium folding roof that lowers and rises in 20 seconds, just like the rival BMW 3 Series.
It shares the same 205bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission as the IS 250 saloon but will not be offered with a diesel or hybrid option initially.
Prices for both models have yet to be announced.