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Lexus confirms new HS250h dedicated hybrid sedan for Detroit Auto Show

Lexus confirms new HS250h dedicated hybrid sedan for Detroit Auto Show

Jeremy Weber December 23rd, 2008 Jeremy Weber By Jeremy Weber Author December 23rd, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Toyota confirmed today it is planning to unveil a concept version of a new dedicated hybrid vehicle for its Lexus brand at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. So far no official information on the car has been released, but several preview sketches of the final production version as well as some details, including its new name, have turned up on a number of internet forums. These magazine scans from Japan’s Mag-X, sourced from the VWvortex Forums, reveal the new Lexus dedicated hybrid will be called the HS250h and won’t go on sale until sometime in 2011. However, this is likely to be the Japanese release date as the new model is expected to go on sale in North America late next year as a 2010 model. The magazine also claims the car will feature the same 2.4L petrol-electric powertrain as the current Toyota Camry Hybrid. This fits in with previous reports that suggested the new model would be Lexus’ most affordable hybrid and be positioned above the current IS sedan. The car would be aimed at well-to-do individuals who are after a roomy sedan but not prepared to step up to a car the size of the GS. Mid-sized ‘D-segment’ models are ideal for families and when combined with Lexus’ luxury and quality standards, could be a real winner for fans of hybrids and non-hybrids alike. Toyota will also use the upcoming Detroit event to unveil its third-generation Prius hybrid, which was revealed last month when a number of official images were leaked. Also on display at the Lexus booth will be the recently unveiled IS250C and IS350C and the RX series of SUVs.Lexus RX spy shotsLexus IS250C convertible
Lexus’s dedicated hybrid will be positioned above the IS and come with a 2.4L petrol-electric hybrid powertrain

Lexus’s dedicated hybrid will be positioned above the IS and come with a 2.4L petrol-electric hybrid powertrain

Enlarge Photo

Toyota confirmed today it is planning to unveil a concept version of a new dedicated hybrid vehicle for its Lexus brand at next month’s Detroit Auto Show. So far no official information on the car has been released, but several preview sketches of the final production version as well as some details, including its new name, have turned up on a number of internet forums.

These magazine scans from Japan’s Mag-X, sourced from the VWvortex Forums, reveal the new Lexus dedicated hybrid will be called the HS250h and won’t go on sale until sometime in 2011. However, this is likely to be the Japanese release date as the new model is expected to go on sale in North America late next year as a 2010 model. The magazine also claims the car will feature the same 2.4L petrol-electric powertrain as the current Toyota Camry Hybrid.

This fits in with previous reports that suggested the new model would be Lexus’ most affordable hybrid and be positioned above the current IS sedan. The car would be aimed at well-to-do individuals who are after a roomy sedan but not prepared to step up to a car the size of the GS. Mid-sized ‘D-segment’ models are ideal for families and when combined with Lexus’ luxury and quality standards, could be a real winner for fans of hybrids and non-hybrids alike.

Toyota will also use the upcoming Detroit event to unveil its third-generation Prius hybrid, which was revealed last month when a number of official images were leaked. Also on display at the Lexus booth will be the recently unveiled IS250C and IS350C and the RX series of SUVs.
Lexus RX spy shots
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Lexus IS250C convertible
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Tags: HS250h

Posted in: Lexus, News, Hybrid


Comments (9 total)

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  1. By sean #1, Posted: 6/28/2007

    "The eco-friendly cars account for 70% of Lexus sales in the UK."
    Perhaps you including diesels in there as well, otherwise this is way of the mark. Much fewer hybrids are sold here proprtinally than in USA.

  2. By Stewie #2, Posted: 6/29/2007

    I am guessing this is going to be a low production car not unlike the hybrid GS.

  3. ma_mtema99 avatar by mtema99 #3, Posted: 11/11/2008

    did any one see a Toyota avensis version on that photo

  4. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #4, Posted: 11/11/2008

    Lexus cars are boring, hybrid or not

  5. ma_azlan avatar by azlan #5, Posted: 11/24/2008

    lexus cars are boring! man they annoy me.

  6. ma_Baggy Spandex avatar by Baggy Spandex #6, Posted: 12/23/2008

    I think the current-gen IS is far from boring. It's got beautiful styling. The other models...well...yeah, quite boring.

  7. ma_james avatar by James Martinez #7, Posted: 12/23/2008

    lexuses are, once again, for people who want luxury but don't like to drive

  8. ma_NoNameDenton avatar by NoNameDenton #8, Posted: 12/23/2008

    Baggy Spandex, the IS only looks good, the drive is boring unless you get the IS-F

  9. ma_Scottson avatar by Scottson #9, Posted: 12/23/2008

    IS Coupe should be a cracker as well

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