Lexus HS250h at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Paradox, Jan 11, 2009.

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by Paradox, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:29 PM
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From Popular Mechanics : http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4298895.html

DETROIT— Lexus has a full lineup of hybrids—four at last count—including the RX450h we recently test drove. Yet none thus far has been built from the beginning, solely as a hybrid. Well this summer, that will change.

The Lexus HS250h rides on a front-drive platform not shared with any other Lexus or Toyota in the US. However Lexus insiders say that it does share many components with the European Toyota Avensis sedan. The bodywork has been optimized for aerodynamic performance to help boost highway fuel economy and it results in a .27 drag coefficient. In terms of size, the HS250h falls right in-between the Lexus IS and ES sedans and rides on 215/55R17 or optional 225/45R18 tires.

This new Lexus hybrid borrows its drivetrain largely from the current Camry Hybrid, and that includes the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four cylinder, electric motor and the battery pack too. In the Lexus, the system in totality produces 187 horsepower.

The HS250h, like the RX450h, has a new exhaust heat gas recovery system for improved efficiency. The system reduces engine warm-up times, allowing the engine stop/start system to kick-in sooner, more often and for longer periods of time. Fuel economy numbers have not been released but since the Camry Hybrid returns 34 mpg combined, we expect this Lexus will return numbers closer to the high thirties.

Inside, the HS250h looks like it was inspired a bit by the Toyota Prius. In other words, it will probably feel like you are driving a hybrid—not just a sedan converted to “hybrid”. Many of the interior parts will comprise of what the company is calling plant-based “ecological plastics”—whether that means it’s low-energy manufacturing, biodegradable materials, or something else is still in the air. The new Remote Touch haptic controller we like so much in the new RX, is available in the HS250h, too. And because it’s a Lexus, there’ll be a long list of luxury features including a new wide-view front monitor system—to produces a 190 degree front view on the nav screen at the push of the steering-wheel mounted button. —Ben Stewart

Paradox, Jan 11, 2009

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Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Paradox, Jan 11, 2009.

Rybold
Nice!!!!

A hybrid-only Lexus model that looks HOT! People will be scrambling for this thing!

Rybold, Jan 11, 2009

#2
Rybold
The only question now is ... how will BMW and Mercedes respond ? :welcome:

Rybold, Jan 11, 2009

#3
Husker4theSpurs
Official Lexus Site Info

Size Comparisons:

Wheelbase:
Prius -- 106.3
HS 250h -- 106.3
Lexus IS -- 107.5
Camry Hybrid -- 109.3

Height:
Prius -- 67.9
HS 250h -- 59.3
Lexus IS -- 70.9
Camry Hybrid -- 71.7

Length:
Prius -- 175.0
HS 250h -- 184.8
Lexus IS -- 180.3
Camry Hybrid -- 189.2

Width:
Prius -- 67.9
HS 250h -- 70.3
Lexus IS -- 70.9
Camry Hybrid -- 71.7

--------------------------------------------

This might just be "right-sized" for me personally ... a little wider and a bit longer than the Prius while riding on the same wheelbase. I would imagine EPA estimates a bit above the Camry Hybrid, but not near the Prius ... size increases and tech increases will add to the weight, plus it uses the 2.4L engine ... however it will "heat up" quicker similar to the new RX 450h which helped increase the RX hybrid's fuel economy 8% over the old RX while increasing the engine size.

I will be interested to check one out personally ... sounds like late summer 2009. One issue is it's not a hatchback ... I would imagine the trunk will be a decent size as they've probably figured out a better place to store the batteries with the new design (stand-alone) over something like the Camry Hybrid.

I do see it has an ECO/POWER mode ... and EV. Check pics on the Lexus site I linked to confirm.

I am curious ..... !

Husker4theSpurs, Jan 11, 2009

#4
usbseawolf2000
I don't understand the 250h naming. It has 2.4-liter gas engine but only perform like a 2.5-liter???

It should be HS330h!

usbseawolf2000, Jan 12, 2009

#5
ken1784
Toyota Japan's site says the HS stands for "Harmonious Sedan".
Toyota press release - HS250h

Ken@Japan

ken1784, Jan 12, 2009

#6
flareak
Looks too much like a corolla and not a Lexus

flareak, Jan 12, 2009

#7
Rybold

flareak said: ↑

Looks too much like a corolla and not a Lexus

Looking at the vehicle from the rear, I was thinking the same thing.

I can still see plenty of differences though.

Rybold, Jan 13, 2009

#8
David Beale
Typical Lexus. Luxury at any cost. MPG, interior room, etc.

Ok if that's what you want I guess.

David Beale, Jan 13, 2009

#9