MotorAuthority

Lexus confirms new HS250h dedicated hybrid sedan for Detroit Auto Show

Posted Tue Dec 23 2008 4:06 PM by Jeremy Weber

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

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.

Story Tags:

• 2010 Lexus HS250h
• HS250h
• Hybrid-Electric
• Lexus
• Lexus dedicated hybrid
• Lexus HS250h

Reader Comments

• Thu Jun 28 2007 3:37 PM

  sean says

  "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.

• Fri Jun 29 2007 9:18 AM

  Stewie says

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

• Tue Nov 11 2008 7:21 AM

  mtema99 says

  did any one see a Toyota avensis version on that photo

• Tue Nov 11 2008 5:10 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Lexus cars are boring, hybrid or not

• Mon Nov 24 2008 3:45 AM

  azlan says

  lexus cars are boring! man they annoy me.

• Tue Dec 23 2008 4:32 PM

  Baggy Spandex says

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

• Tue Dec 23 2008 7:28 PM

  james says

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

• Tue Dec 23 2008 7:39 PM

  NoNameDenton says

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

• Wed Dec 24 2008 2:03 AM

  Scottson says

  IS Coupe should be a cracker as well