Hybrid Car Review

Lexus officially unveiled their 2010 HS 250h at the Detroit Auto Show, their dedicated hybrid based off the Prius model. The HS 250h with seating for five will be the most fuel efficient car in the Lexus line-up will be available sometime in late summer.

Toyota claims that 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers would have considered a hybrid if available, and the HS will provide these consumers with a viable purchase option.

The hybrid system provides 187 hp using a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle powerplant with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with FWD. The fuel efficient hybrid has an emissions rating of SULEV. The exterior was designed with efficiency in mind, and the HS 250h ended with a 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd).

Lexus expects the EPA rating to be 30 percent better than any other model in its line-up.

Lexus points out the technologies adopted in the engine include 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.

The exhaust heat recovery system will reduce engine warm-up time and allows the gas engine to stop earlier, more often and for longer periods. The windshield comes with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties, keeping the interior cooler, while the LED headlamps also help improve the overall efficiency of the car.

The interior will come with plant-based, carbon neutral Ecological Plastics or bioploastics which will be used in approximately 30 percent of the interior areas. The specific areas include the luggage trim, cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area, floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear seats.

The new Lexus comes with a brushless Electric Power Steering which is an integral part of an available lane keep assist system. This is a new driver assist that adds smooth steering torque to help the vehicle stay in the center of the lane. The amount of torque is dependent on a lane-marker detection camera, which also gives an audible warning to the driver when there is a possible lane departure.

The HS 250h is slightly longer than the IS at 184.8 inches and is taller than the IS and ES at 59.3 inches.

This is a luxury vehicle, and so you should expect the standards to be high. These include leather-trim seats, a moonroof, Lexus premium audio systems, and a new standard multi-media package. The media features 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 hybrid system indicator gauge, is controlled via steering-wheel-mounted controls, allowing the driver to easily control various functions and information.

Also available is a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System, which includes a retractable navigation screen with a Remote Touch controller. It also has a new 'casual-speech' voice recognition features, allowing the driver to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier access and control of the audio, climate and navigation functions.

Also available is a front mounted camera giving 190 degree view on the Navigation screen, standard 10 airbags and active front head rests. Included in the standard safety features are vehicle stability control system and an optional pre-collission system with dynamic radar cruise control. The next generation of telematics, enform and safety connect is also available. The systems provide automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, and 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance.