Lexus News - Detroit 2009: Lexus HS250h live reveal

January 12, 2009 by tsikot

Detroit 2009: Lexus HS250h live reveal

Filed under: Hybrid, Lexus, Detroit Auto Show, Green Daily

Click above for a gallery of the Lexus HS250h

Enough with the renderings and spy photos, let’s move to the big stage. Lexus took the wraps off of the 2010 HS 250h, its first dedicated hybrid - indeed, “the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid,” as the press release says - this morning in Detroit, just in time for the brand’s 20th anniversary. This is the fourth Lexus hybrid model and is about as close as we’ll ever get to a “Lexus Prius.” The new HS 250h uses a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle 187 hp engine with variable valve timing and a exhaust heat recovery system for improved efficiency. All this makes the HS 250h the most fuel-efficient Lexus yet; even the LED headlights save a little bit of power.

Lexus officials talked up the sedan’s 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd), made possible with front and rear spoilers (and a rear under spoiler) and many other aerodynamic tweaks. The HS 250h also uses some bio-plastic throughout the interior, something that Lexus says will result in a 20 percent drop in lifecycle CO₂ emissions. Not a concept vehicle, the HS 250h will be in dealerships this summer. Pricing TBA. There’s a short video after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lexus HS 250h on the stand