13 Jan 09 10:20
Here's another hybrid from Toyota-Lexus, ready to go on sale this summer.
The HS 250h is a mid-size saloon to sit in the Lexus range between the IS-Series and US-market ES (or, in Europe, the GS-Series). It's a reasonably conventional mid-market executive car in its design, though neat touches include a cabin made with carbon-neutral, plant-based bioplastics.
To be the most fuel-efficient model in the Lexus line-up, it has the hybrid-drive system as used in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor delivering a total of 187bhp.
This engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, with its variable valve timing working to allow a longer expansion/power stroke within the cylinders than a compression stroke, increasing efficiency.
Systems including electric power steering, exhaust heat recovery for quicker warm-up, infra-red reducing windscreen glass, LED headlamps (optional) all combine to further save energy, and Lexus says that the smoothed-off HS 250h is one of the most aerodynamic saloons of its type.
Equipment on offer will include lane-departure warning, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a moon-roof, a range of premium audio systems, hard-disc sat nav with remote controller and speech recognition, Lexus's pre-crash system with dynamic cruise control, a front-view camera with monitor and a head-up display. All models will have ten airbags, stability control and leather upholstery.
The HS 250h will go on sale first in North America. Lexus has not yet announced whether it will bring it to Europe and the UK. However, it is to have a Toyota sister model, and this may be available this side of the Atlantic if the HS doesn't make it over.
Check out the rest of our Detroit Motor Show coverage.
