egmCarTech

As reported last month, Toyota has released the details on its new dedicated hybrid for the Toyota brand, the Sai sedan. Based on the Lexus HS 250h, which went on sale in the U.S. in mid-September, the Toyota Sai is virtually the same thing with some Toyota design touches.

Power for the new Toyota Sai comes from a 2.4L engine making 150-hp  and 138 lb-ft of torque. The engine is then mated to an electric motor (powered by a nickel-metal hydride battery) that makes an additional 140-hp and a peak torque of 199 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Sai uses both in the most efficient manner allowing for a total of 187-hp available to the driver. So yes, it should return a fuel-economy of 35 mpg just like the Lexus HS 250h.

Toyota plans on selling 36,000 units of the Toyota Sai annually with sales starting in Japan later this year. Prices are expected to start at 3,380,000 yen ($37,270 USD) for the entry level S version. The new 2010 Toyota Sai will be on display at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this week.

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Toyota Sai:

- By: Omar Rana

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