Lexus Listens – The New HS250h Hybrid
January 11, 2009 by Spotlight-On WM
Filed under ENVIRO, Hybrid Cars
Lexus did some research and found that about 60% of entry-level luxury car buyers would consider purchasing a hybrid vehicle. With that in mind, they’ve designed what they call " the world’s first and only dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle – an unprecedented blend of advanced technology and sustainable materials unrivaled in any other production vehicle": the HS250h.
Using the latest-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive tech, the HS250h will be a 4-cylinder gas/electric hybrid that will be the most fuel efficient car in the Lexus line-up. They say it will have an almost unnoticeable switch off between the gas engine and electric motor, giving it a smooth, yet powerful ride. The actual gas mileage ratings haven’t been announced yet, however the current Lexus Hybrids are rated in the 25MPG range. [Not that great, but quite a bit better than other vehicles in the "luxury" class, so it's at least a step in the right direction...]
In addition to being more fuel efficient than other cars in the Lexus line, the new Lexus is supposed to be built from more recycled elements than any other production vehicle at the time along with leading-edge ecological plastic.
The new model is due out in US dealerships in Fall 2009 and expected to list in the low $40,000s.
