Last year Toyota confirmed that a Lexus branded dedicated hybrid model would make its debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show. Lexus has now confirmed that the new dedicated hybrid will be dubbed the HS250h.
The details are scarce about the new model although it is expected that the new Lexus hybrid will share some of, if not all of its mechanicals with the also new 2010 Toyota Prius. If the HS 250h in fact does use the same hybrid powertrain as the new Prius it will be the next-generation Hybrid Synergy with nickel-metal hydride battery packs. Unfortunately lithium-ion packs are still in development and will be added at a later date.
Stay tuned for all the details from the show next month.
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More Info on the New Lexus Hybrid...Dubbed the HS250h?
Comments (3)
I actually didn't see this one coming. And what's with the name? It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.
Posted by gm0n3y | December 29, 2008 1:08 PM
Posted on December 29, 2008 13:08
I don't blame Toyota for starting to mop up it's Lexus hybrids. Almost sure they we're the only hybrids out there that over a 5 year period would not pay for themselves in fuel savings. That was before gas plonked down to $1.90 for premium of course.
I agree gm, lousy name. Sneak out to one at night with a heat gun and re-arrange the letters and numbers to something zippier. 250 HhS sounds better. ;)
Posted by Trooper Bri | December 29, 2008 3:52 PM
Posted on December 29, 2008 15:52
Lexus hybrids have always been performance hybrids that served to improve power while marginally improving gas mileage, letting you point out to the rest of the country club you "care about the environment".
The average joe hybrids like the Prius, Camry Hybrid and Escape Hybrid are really the only hybrids that have any claim to being environmental.
This thing will probably just be a sedan built on possibly the Camry/ES platform. Going by Lexus' naming scheme 250 probably represents the engine volume so will feature a 2.5L engine. I'm guessing it will be a 2.5L V6 from the current IS250 or a 2.5L 4cylinder from the Camry.
Also I'm glad Toyota is sticking to NiMH batts. Lithium ions just aren't there yet. They're fine for laptops and ipods that will last 1-3 years but not for a car built for 10+ years.
Posted by Bob the Builder | January 2, 2009 12:08 AM
Posted on January 2, 2009 00:08