Lexus's First Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, the HS, Debuts
Car
August 28, 2015

Lexus's First Dedicated Hybrid Vehicle, the HS, Debuts


LEXUS HS250h | Lexus HS250h


Lexus's First Dedicated Hybrid Model, the HS, Debuts


At the North American International Auto Show held in Detroit,Lexusunveiled the HS250h, its first dedicated hybrid model, to the world.


By Giraffe




Theme: Harmonious Sedan



The powertrain features a state-of-the-art hybrid system combining a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. The engine alone produces a maximum output of 147 ps at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 187 Nm at 4400 rpm. The combined maximum output of the engine and motor is reported to be 187 ps.







By adopting systems such as the "exhaust heat recirculation system," warm-up time is reduced, achieving exhaust emissions that meet SULEV standards.
As evidenced by the world-first adoption of plant-derived eco-plastic for the interior trim, this new model was developed with the theme of "Harmonious Sedan," as signified by the model name HS, aiming to be "a car that offers harmony between the earth and people, and provides moments filled with excitement and tranquility befitting the LEXUS brand."


The body dimensions are 4695mm in length, 1785mm in width, and 1505mm in height. Compared to the Lexus IS, it is 110mm longer, 10mm narrower, and 75mm taller. The wheelbase is 2700mm, 30mm shorter than the IS. It features front-wheel drive, with a planned release in Japan around the summer of this year.

BRAND HISTORY
Toyota launched its luxury car brand LEXUS in the American market in 1989. The aim was to offer a new value proposition distinct from American and German luxury cars, leveraging Toyota's renowned technological prowess, superior quality, and exceptional customer service.

In September of the same year, the "LS400" (known as Celsior in Japan) and "ES250" (known as Camry in Japan) were introduced to the American market. By February of the following year, 1990, the LS400 had already won Best Import Car. Subsequently, Lexus's reputation continued to grow, and with an expanding lineup, it solidified its position as a luxury car brand.

Following its success in America, Lexus expanded into Europe in 2004. In May of that year, the company announced its business development in Japan, and by August 2005, it had launched its luxury car business in its home market. Initially, the lineup lacked a flagship LS, featuring the "GS" (successor to the Toyota Aristo), "SC" (Toyota Soarer), and "IS" (successor to the Toyota Altezza). However, with the introduction of the new LS in September 2006 and its hybrid variant, the "LS600h/LS600hL," in May 2007, Lexus met the expectations of the luxury sedan market.


Meanwhile, Lexus has focused on cultivating a sporty image, announcing the sports model "IS F" in October 2007 and entering the developing sports coupe "LF-A" in the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in May 2008. Further expansion of its popularity is anticipated.