Canadians offered a new, powerful and efficient luxury motoring choice as Lexus debuts the 2010 Lexus HS250h the world's first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle


(DETROIT, Mi.) – Canadians seeking maximum moments of perfection from a luxury motoring experience appreciate the advanced technology and remarkable, no-compromise value that only a Lexus can provide – and nowhere is that more apparent than in the world’s only line-up of powerful and efficient luxury hybrid vehicles.

Now, Canadians have a new reason to become honoured guests of the legendary Lexus hospitality experience, as the luxury automaker unveiled the 2010 Lexus HS250h luxury hybrid sedan – the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, and fourth hybrid in the Lexus fleet – at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Slated for delivery to Lexus Dealers in Canada this coming summer, the HS250h fits comfortably between the ISseries luxury sport sedans and ES350 luxury sedan in the Lexus entry-luxury line-up. What’s more, the HS250h sports characteristics sure to earn a loyal following among discriminating Canadians who want an unparalleled motoring experience that also minimizes their environmental footprint, such as:
  • The best fuel efficiency in the Lexus lineup, with an anticipated fuel efficiency rating akin to that of a subcompact car;
  • An all-new exhaust heat recovery system that accelerates engine warm-up time, making for rapid cabin heating in winter and reducing the amount of time the gasoline engine must be used;
  • An all-new, highly efficient Lexus Hybrid Drive built around the first four-cylinder engine deemed worthy of a Lexus;
  • An expected Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating;
  • A class-leading coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.27 which improves fuel efficiency and reduces wind noise;
  • The adoption of new carbon-neutral, plant-based plastics in its construction;
  • A highly efficient air conditioning system, assisted by a windshield featuring infrared ray-reducing properties which helps keep the interior cool;
  • Easier to use interfaces for the driver, including: a multi-function display controlled via steering wheel-mounted controls; a new navigation system with retractable screen and casual-speech voice recognition; and the all-new Lexus Remote Touch controller;
  • Class-leading safety systems, including 10 airbags and the Lexus Active Front Headrest system.
“Canadian drivers are placing even greater demands upon automakers … and that’s especially true in the luxury segment, where our guests are seeking models that demonstrate real vision and forward thinking. With the all-new HS250h, we offering Canadians a fourth, hybrid-driven approach to luxury that delivers significant environmental benefits with no power, performance, comfort or styling sacrifices,” explained Larry Hutchinson, Director for Lexus in Canada. “The vehicles in the Lexus hybrid fleet are unmatched in their ability to reduce fuel consumption and overall carbon footprints, emitting nearly half the smog-forming emissions of other models in their segments. Now, with the addition of the new HS250h, we are pleased to offer Canadian drivers a fresh opportunity to enjoy the cleanest luxury motoring experience on the market, and join those many Canadian guests who have already turned to Lexus for a hybrid that heralds the future of sustainable transportation.”

Pricing for the 2010 Lexus HS250h will be announced shortly before it goes on sale late this summer.

2010 Lexus HS250h – Detail

The Lexus Hybrid family – already the world’s only fleet of powerful-yet-efficient luxury hybrid vehicles – welcomes a new member, the HS250h luxury hybrid sedan. And already, it’s noteworthy:
  • The world’s first DEDICATED hybrid model;
  • The most fuel-efficient vehicle in the Lexus line-up;
  • The first Lexus to use carbon-neutral, plant-based Ecological Plastic materials.
The HS250h fits nicely between the ISseries luxury sport sedans and ES350 luxury sedan, and meets Canadian market demand for a viable hybrid option in the all-important entry-luxury segment.

Powerful …

Equipped with the first four-cylinder gas engine in a Lexus, the 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle power plant forms the heart of the newest iteration of the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. The highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke so that combustion energy can be more effectively used for production of engine power. Combined with a high-torque electric motor, a high capacity storage battery and sophisticated power management system, the Lexus Hybrid Drive in the HS 250h generates an impressive 187 total system horsepower and – like all Lexus Hybrid Drive systems – generous torque delivered through a large power band.

… yet remarkably efficient

The HS 250h sedan’s expected fuel efficiency will be better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup, and similar to that of a subcompact, while earning an expected Tier 2 Bin 3 emissions rating. This is achieved through the adoption of advanced technology throughout the Lexus Hybrid Drive system, including: cooling piston oil jets; an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics; and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the radiator.

Like the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle that made its debut in November, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h incorporates a new exhaust heat recovery system designed to improve efficiency. This system reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing the gas engine to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods during normal driving.

Advanced technology for advanced comfort

The Lexus HS 250h features a windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, which helps keep the interior cooler. This decreases the amount of air conditioning needed to keep the cabin temperature comfortable on hot summer days. The IR windshield contributes to improved fuel efficiency and emissions. Meantime, the exhaust heat recovery system helps the cabin heater deliver plenty of warmth - and sooner – when starting up on cold winter nights.

All about airflow

Lexus engineers scrutinized, then optimized, airflow management over the exterior, below the under floor, and through the vehicle’s air passages. As a result, the all-new HS250h sedan features a segment-leading coefficient of drag (Cd) of just 0.27, which not only improves fuel efficiency but also reduces wind noise at highway speeds.

A unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and overall vehicle height, thus reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler, and diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. The smooth A-pillar shape and the optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce wake turbulence, as does the increased taper of the fender side panels. The under-floor covers have been optimally positioned for reduced drag, while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator.

The aerodynamic design has also contributed to decreased wind noise. A smoother transition between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence.

Carbon-neutral materials

The HS 250h not only features futuristic instrumentation and interior design, it is also the first Lexus luxury vehicle to benefit from the adoption of plant-based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics in specific interior areas. Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product’s lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum. Among the areas of utilization will be an industry-first use in luggage-trim upholstery. Other areas are the cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area, floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear seats. Overall, approximately 30 per cent of the interior and luggage area is covered with Ecological Plastic. Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20 per cent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces.

Quiet…. please!

Like all Lexus hybrids, significant time was spent in optimizing the NVH characteristics of the HS 250h. Dynamic dampers at each engine-mounting point reduce noise and vibration, resonators improve intake air noise, and optimized exhaust flow reduces exhaust sound. Special coatings dampen both engine and road noise, while improved seals around doors, hood and fenders reduce wind-noise penetration into the cabin. Improving the shape and thickness of the suspension-mounting points reduces vibration. In addition, power-window speed controllers have been adopted from the LS luxury sedan, which insure a slower, soft closing rate.

Next generation handling and control

The HS 250h chassis design provides an outstanding ride and comfort with the decreased NVH Lexus hybrid buyers demand. The MacPherson strut front suspension is designed to achieve both straight-line and braking control, and a positive steering feel. A double-wishbone rear suspension provides excellent maneuverability, control and comfort with a low spring mount that contributes to better packaging and superior cargo space. Coil springs, anti-roll bars and shock-absorber rebound springs are utilized front and rear. The HS 250h will have uniquely designed standard 17- and optional 18-inch wheels.

The rack-and-pinion steering system utilizes a brushless Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor on the steering column, which provides improved steering feel, a reduction in harsh feedback, and better emissions by not draining engine power like conventional hydraulic systems.

The cabin of the future - now

The HS is slightly longer than the IS and is taller than both the IS and ES. It also has a greater couple distance (distance hip to hip between front and rear passengers) than any other vehicle in its class other than the ES. The contoured front-seat backs also add to increased rear-seat legroom for additional comfort.

The HS features a unique advanced cockpit and an interior design that emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship. The uniquely stylish cabin has standard leather-trim seats, a moon roof, a Lexus premium audio system, and a new standard multi-media package with features that include Bluetooth technology, integrated satellite radio (subscription required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity controlled via steering-wheel controls or a display screen. A high-contrast multi-information display, located in the instrument panel’s hybrid system indicator gauge, is controlled via steering-wheel-mounted controls, allowing the driver to easily control various functions and information while remaining focussed on the road.

Advanced technology at one’s command


Another key element of the modern interior is Lexus’ newly available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System, which features a retractable navigation screen that is positioned well back and up front in the dash. The positioning helps improve visibility and reduce driver eye movement. Similar to the new RX, the HS system features the all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic and allows for easy use of the Navigation System. The controller is positioned on the centre console and is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback.
What’s more, the Navigation System also includes a new casual-speech voice recognition feature. This allows drivers to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier access and control of the audio, climate and navigation functions.

Safety all around

The HS250h sets new standards for safety, featuring a class-leading 10 airbags to cocoon occupants in the event of an accident, and the Lexus’ Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system as standard equipment. Lexus Active Front Headrests help reduce whiplash in case of certain types of rear-end accidents.

An available wide-view front monitor helps the driver to check hard-to-see areas. Using a camera mounted in the front grille, the monitor provides a 190-degree front view on the Navigation screen with the push of a button on the steering wheel.


2010 LEXUS HS250h PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Powertrain

Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine
Hybrid system output: 187 hp
Emission rating: Tier 2 Bin 3
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drive System: Front-wheel-drive

Dimensions (mm/ inches)

Overall Length: 4,693 / 184.8
Overall Width: 1,685 / 70.3
Overall Height: 1,501 / 59.1
Wheelbase: 2,700 / 106.3
Coefficient of Drag: 0.27
Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels
18-inch alloy wheels (optional)
Tire Size: 17-inch: P215/55R17
18-inch: P225/45R18 (optional)
Seating Capacity: 5

Every effort has been made to ensure the product specifications, equipment, and content on this site are accurate based on information available at time of publishing. In some cases, certain changes in standard equipment or options may occur, which may not be reflected online. Toyota Canada reserves the rights to make these changes without notice or obligation.