Revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new HS 250h is Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model as well as the first to future a four-cylinder gas engine. Seeing the first photos of the HS 250h we couldn't avoid making a comparison - in terms of design- with the European market 2009 Toyota Avensis. The two front-wheel drive saloons share many design cues like the small, triangular shaped extension of the front window as well as the overall shape of the car.Furthermore, they share the same wheelbase length (106.3-in.) and have similar exterior dimensions. And oh, they also get the same steering wheel. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... Overall, the HS 250h isn't going to win any beauty pageants, which is a pity as Lexus had the chance to create a unique hybrid vehicle that would stand out from the crowd.
Slightly longer than the IS and taller than both the IS and ES, the Audi-A4 sized HS 250h fits between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Power comes from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle unit, for a total output of 187 HP. As you may have already guessed, power is driven to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continiouslt variable transmission (CVT).
The Japanese automaker said that the HS 250h sedan's expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup.
Sales of the all-new 2010 HS 250h will begin in the States in late summer.
2010 HS 250h PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
2010 HS 250h | |
Total Hybrid System Horsepower | 187 hp |
Engine | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
Transmission | Transmission Electronically |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Width (inches) | 70.3 |
Height (inches) | 59.3 |
Overall Length (inches) | 184.8 |
Wheelbase (inches) | 106.3 |
Driven Wheels | FWD |
Wheels | 17x7.0 |
Emissions Rating | SULEV |
