Lexus officially unveiled its first dedicated hybrid, the 2010 HS 250h at the Detroit Auto Show this month.
The HS 250h is expected in U.S. showrooms this summer, but it looks like Europe is not going to be getting the new hybrid.
“The HS 250h is intended mainly for North America and Japan, sales are not currently planned for Europe,” said Serge Gachot, head of Toyota Motor Europe marketing communications.
Other sources are saying that one of the main reasons for not selling the car in Europe is because its CO2 emissions are very close to the IS 220d.
The 2010 Lexus HS 250h shares some of its mechanicals with the new Prius and is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, mated to a 187-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Overall the HS 250h is slightly longer than the IS and a little wider than the ES.
| « Previous | Next » |
Comments (10)
Once again Europe is lucky, they will not have to look at these on their streets.
Posted by Jeremy | January 13, 2009 10:42 AM
Posted on January 13, 2009 10:42
If you think this is ugly, then I guess you must a pontiac Aztec or a sunfire, right Jeremy?
Posted by Saheed | January 13, 2009 2:28 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 14:28
With how big diesel is in Europe, there isn't much need for hybrids anyway; as they are throwing down similar numbers. If US consumers weren't so skittish on diesel, hybrids probably wouldn't have such a strong push here either.
Side thought: Why the hell are diesel hybrids so seemingly impossible to make/market? Seems like a diesel generator running an electrical system would be a pretty good setup if one is inclined to battery powered cars. Would someone with more technical know-how than I have care to elaborate for me? Or even speculate? Is it really that farcical, or is it just "not how we do things"?
Posted by Jimb | January 13, 2009 2:35 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 14:35
This is because Europeans are too smart to buy into the hybrid craze. As mentioned by Jimb, diesels make more sense for efficiency than gas/hybrids. As for trying to make a diesel hybrid, I don't think there's any technical reason for this, I just think that the cost would be too great.
Posted by gm0n3y | January 13, 2009 2:50 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 14:50
This car looks damn good for a Jap car... unlike the new Prius....
Posted by Bradford | January 13, 2009 6:23 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 18:23
Hybrids are all about easing us into the concept of electric cars while power storage systems are perfected.
Diesels are cost prohibitive by themselves in the US. They're more efficient but not enough to make up the difference. Even if fuel cost were equal how much of change have you made in the big picture 20%. That still leaves you with a looming problem while buying very little time. Pure electric cars should be easily twice as efficient the best diesels.
Seems to me that it's a sound plan.
Posted by RX-7 Guy | January 13, 2009 6:59 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 18:59
lol poor Europeans and their diesel. Good look with that when Russia cuts you to a slow trickle at mind numbing prices.
The rest of the world will be moving along to all electric or hydrogen. Just stay put we'll sell it to you for cheap later.
Posted by Sandman | January 14, 2009 7:49 AM
Posted on January 14, 2009 07:49
@ Jimb
it's because diesels are pretty expensive already. adding a hybrid will only worsen the cost and no one will buy.
next question,
the problem with diesel generator plus batteries is,
it might not charge the batteries fast enough. to solve that, you'll need an engine size of more than 1 liter displacement,
but wait, that engine is enough to propel a car!
hence, the hybrid.
i'm sure toyota had all the possible ways to create an electric car. for now, hybrid is the best way to do it.
Posted by adrian | January 14, 2009 11:14 AM
Posted on January 14, 2009 11:14
give me an IS220d over this thing anyday...
Posted by messerchmidt | January 14, 2009 3:40 PM
Posted on January 14, 2009 15:40
OMG, it looks like an ugly Civic... Why do designers make the electric/hybrid's look ugly just to be different... Just put the mechanicals in an IS220 and be done with it! The prius and honda insight look like ugly 90's Saabs... And I love the way the Saab's used to look! There is a point when trying to push the envelope in style kills the proportionality of the car... The IS220 is pretty and this isn't and the European testers probably gave it a thumbs down... But we'll buy Pontiac Azteks and all the ugly Prius you'll throw at us... Ok, whining over :)
Posted by SFAR | January 22, 2009 8:41 AM
Posted on January 22, 2009 08:41