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xcel
01-16-2009, 06:54 PM
Lexus’ internal studies have shown that more than 60-percent of entry-luxury car buyers would consider a hybrid and the all-new 250h provides this option in full. (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=180652)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/HS_250h_Passenger_Side_Front_Headline.jpgWayne Gerdes – CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Jan. 16, 2009

2010 Lexus 250h – Expected to achieve 36 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA possibly?

DETROIT – Late last weekend, Lexus revealed the 2010 HS 250h at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The HS 250h is built off the same all-new 2010 Prius-III platform with additional luxury, drivetrain and platform underpinnings while still retaining a reasonably fuel efficient entry-level luxury automobile.

Mechanical’s

The Lexus HS 250h is equipped with the Toyota Camry Hybrids power plant almost to the bolt. Meaning an atkinsonized 2.4L in combination with the latest HSD-II variant allows 187 HP combined. The 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. In fact, the only ancillary belt driven device on the vehicle is the oil pump. Everything from the water pump to the A/C unit is entirely electrically driven.

Although the 250h’s fuel economy has yet to be certified, with the addition of an ECO Button reducing power output vs. throttle position input, the 09 TCH’s current 33 mpgUS combined on the 08 EPA should easily be toppled under the sleeker (Cd –of 0.27) and smaller frontal area HS 250h. Its certified fuel economy rating should be similar to the Smart Fortwo’s 36 mpgUS on the 08 EPA combined and/or double that of a BMW/MB 2.5L equipped with AT’s in Japan. On the road, the 250h’s ECO mode can achieve upwards of 10-percent better fuel economy then the same vehicle with ECO mode disengaged. Like all recent ECO button implementations, the system is overridden whenever maximum acceleration is requested with no user input needed other than pressing into the accelerator pedal.

Just like the 2010 Prius-III, the HS 250h will include an exhaust heat recovery system designed to improve warm up efficiency by up to 7-percent. In addition, a windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties helps keep the interior more cool by decreasing the amount of A/C needed to lower the cabin temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery system and the IR windshield, power-saving LED headlamps are also available to improved fuel efficiency.

The all-new sedan with its highly efficient aerodynamic design contributes 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 resulting in one of the quietest compact’s on the road today.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/HS_250h_Interior.jpgEnvironmentally friendly interior

To continue with the HS 250h’s technology, the 250h includes Toyota’s new plant-based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18189) 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-percent 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-percent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions vs. a similar sized and displacement equipped vehicle as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces.

Lexus’ Luxury Hybrid features

The HS features a unique advanced interior includes standard leather-trim seats, a moon roof, Lexus premium audio system, and a new standard multi-media package. The media features include Bluetooth® technology, integrated satellite radio, 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.

Another key element of the modern interior is Lexus’ new 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.

The 250h’s 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 center console and is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse.

Safety

The 250h includes an unprecedented and class-leading 10 airbags will be standard on the all-new HS 250h as well as active front head rests. The 250h includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

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.

The 250h will also offer Lexus’ next generation telematics systems, Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Safety Connect will provide automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance.

Lexus Enform’s Destination Assist features operators who will help drivers look up points of interest such as shopping centers or other business locations like Zagat-rated restaurants, and then wirelessly send directions directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.

The all-new 2010 HS 250h will reach dealerships nationwide in late summer at a price expected to start in the $35,000 range.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/HS_250h_Passenger_Side_Front.jpghttp://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/HS_250h_Drivers_Side_Profile.jpg
2010 HS Lexus 250h

mdensch@charter.net
01-16-2009, 09:32 PM
The buzz at the press preview in Detroit was thumbs down on this one. Way too much money for what looks like a Corolla from ten years ago. Heck, you could just about buy two Insights for the price of this thing.

moneysaver
01-16-2009, 09:45 PM
I am not sure as to why Toyota bother with this. I suppose its a better idea than Lexus GS450h which was/is a performance hybrid. But if I am looking for a luxury car which is also economical, looking no further than BMW 330d or Audi A4 diesel. :) Those would be my choice and not a car that looks like a Corolla and has a rip off grill design from Ford. :confused:

I am not saying that Lexus would have problem selling these cars but not something I would buy if I can afford such a price tag on a vehicle.

donee
01-17-2009, 11:24 AM
Hi All,

It almost seems to me that the Lexus HS and Prius III people within Toyota competed with each other. Resuting in a Prius III interior that is far too complicated, and status symbol oriented, and much less functional than the Prius II.

The lack of a digital speedometer will make precise pulse and glide more difficult. Also, the lower position required for the dial speedometer will make driving this car to a specific speed much more driver involved than it should be. It seems the interior designer here has not operated a HSD vehcle as their every day driver.

Toyota is making a mistake of trying to appeal to people who like cars the way they used to be designed, rather than configuring the car in ways made possible by the new paradigm of the HSD, and in a manner that is functional for the new paradigm. This is making the designs scizophrenic. The speedometer above is one example.

Another example, the change to a live axle rear suspension on the Prius III from the torsion beam rear axle in the Prius II. Yes, the Prius II rear suspension needs some refinement. But rather than build on experience and improve, they dump the thing. Similar to what they did with the MFD too. The new axle is basically, a low cost, low performance, high load/cost Mini-Van axle (high sprung mass torsion element), yet they spoofed up the interior to a 1990's sports car Euro glitz. So, while people have compared the Prius II looks to that of the Pontiac Mini van, the Prius III while not looking like such , is now similar mechanically to it!

xcel
01-17-2009, 11:49 AM
Hi Mdensch:

___It was too bad we did not get together! On Day 2, Right Lane Cruiser, Msantos, Kacey Green, Msirach and I were there mostly in the Toyota and Honda areas.

___Regarding the HS 250h, I was looking for a pattern ion its size and it is both longer and wider than the Corolla and Matrix so it is not sharing that platform exactly. It is shorter and thinner than the TCH/Camry so it is not that either. The only sharing I discovered was the Prius-III’s wheelbase and it were exact.

___Lexus’ statements about 60% wanting a hybrid does not match up with the sales reality. The GSh and LSh do not sell period. The RXh stumbles around at approximately 20% of the total RX sales. The IS does not sell well and I suspect the hybrid/hybrid is going to have trouble gaining traction with the bland Corolla/Camry looking exterior on the slightly larger vehicle.

___Donee, good points but the 10th gen Corolla XRS we reviewed last year had a similar rear suspension layout and it was a leap ahead of the Prius-II when it comes to handling. Until we drive a 250h, let us wait and see but it did receive an independent rear end unlike the Prius-III which should easily improve ride. Handling? Depends on what Lexus was looking for?

___Good Luck

___Wayne

seftonm
01-18-2009, 02:17 AM
I heard the HS250h may share some parts or platform bits with the new Avensis? They do look similar to me.

http://www.carwebmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/2009-toyota-avensis-leak.jpg

xcel
01-19-2009, 06:22 PM
Hi Sefton:

___It was close indeed. The Avensis has the same wheelbase as the HS 250h and Prius-III but has a 1” wider width. I bet the 250h is based off the Avensis as it is closest to it in wheelbase and width dimensions vs. any US or European vehicle I have done the comparison to so far...

___Good Luck

___Wayne

jkp1187
01-19-2009, 07:54 PM
Interesting. We had an Avensis as a rental car when we were in Curaçao a year and a half ago. My wife and I both thought it was nicely-sized and comfortable.

Kacey Green
01-20-2009, 11:27 PM
Rumor was the old Prius was based off the old Avensis, so it'd make sense that the HS 250h and PIII would share a platform with the new one.



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