Lexus HS250h dedicated hybrid sedan in January?
Lexus will be displaying a dedicated hybrid vehicle at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month. A dedicated hybrid vehicle is essentially a model that can only be had with a hybrid powertrain, unlike cars like existing Lexus hybrids which are hybrid versions of models that are also available with regular combustion engines (current Lexus hybrids are the RX450h, GS450h and LS600h).
The new Lexus dedicated hybrid is rumoured to be called the Lexus HS250h and will be exhibited in concept form, with a production version only due in North American showrooms in late 2009 as a 2010 model. The HS250h indicates a relatively small engine compared to the lumps in the 450h and 600h models.
The word is that the Toyota Camry hybrid’s 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle engine coupled with an electric motor will be used. That means front wheel drive, 147hp and 187Nm of torque from the combustion engine, and 40hp with 270Nm from the electric motor, or at least that’s what the motor makes in the Camry. It could be upgraded for Lexus use. If this is true, the new HS250h would probably be based on the Camry platform as well, turning it into a new hybrid-only “Lexus ES”.
December 24, 2008 @ 1:19 pm
Wow…looks decent..the side panel seems like the current honda civic and the back look like the new kia forte (spectra)
December 24, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
for me..
A BIG and HEAVY car was never ever been a good hybrid car.
because big car use big power to move.. such a energy waste.
hybrid car like this such a nonesense.
make hybrid car for small sized one lorrr.
December 24, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Toyota Prius come to papa….i am waiting for you
December 24, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
lexus really wants to see the read by releasing so much cars, haha. well if toyota doesnt do well, so does UMW, they are real bloodsuckers
December 25, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
I WILL PUT THIS CLEAR AND SIMPLE. HYBRIDS ARE CRAP.
December 28, 2008 @ 11:42 am
yup… Hybrids are CRAP for now… Its better to find other alternative….