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Lexus HS

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Lexus HS
2010 Lexus HS 250h
Overview
ManufacturerLexus
Also calledToyota SAI
Production2009–present
Model years2010–present
AssemblyMiyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan
Body and chassis
ClassEntry-level luxury hybrid
Body style4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
RelatedToyota Avensis
Toyota Corolla (E140)
Powertrain
Engine2.4L 2AZ-FXE I4
TransmissionContinuously variable transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.3 in (2,700 mm)
Length184.8 in (4,690 mm)
Width70.3 in (1,790 mm)
Height59.3 in (1,510 mm)

The Lexus HS is a dedicated hybrid vehicle introduced by Lexus as a new entry-level luxury sedan in 2009.[1] Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in January 2009, the HS 250h went on sale in July 2009 as a 2010 model in Japan, followed by its debut in the United States in August 2009. The HS 250h represents the first dedicated hybrid vehicle in the Lexus lineup, as well as the first offered with an inline four gasoline engine.[2] Bioplastic materials are used for the vehicle interior.[3] The HS 250h's platform is based on the third generation Toyota Avensis, itself related to the traditional gasoline engine Toyota Allion sold from 2001 to 2007. With a total length of 184.8 inches, the Lexus HS is slightly larger than the Lexus IS in terms of size,[4] but still smaller than the mid-size Lexus ES.[5] Like the larger Lexus ES and Lexus RX FWD (which is also shared on same production line), but unlike other Lexus vehicles, the HS is a front-wheel drive car in the Lexus lineup. According to Lexus, the HS designation stands for Harmonious Sedan.[6] The HS is offered as IS's front-wheel drive counterpart.

Development

Lexus displayed the HS 250h for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in 2008, with plans to launch the vehicle in major world markets including the U.S. and Japan. According to division officials, the HS was produced in response to consumer interest in dedicated hybrid models, with many stating that they would purchase such a vehicle if a luxury make offered one.[3] The success of the Toyota Prius with upper-income buyers was also a consideration.[4] The resulting HS 250h would become the most fuel-efficient in the Lexus lineup to date.[2] At its launch, the HS 250h was also claimed to be the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S.[3]

2009 Toyota SAI

To cater to environmentally-conscious buyers, the HS 250h design included carbon footprint-reducing considerations, including the adoption of plant-derived "eco-plastic" (bioplastic) materials for the interior, cargo space, and foam injected areas.[3] Bioplastic plant sources include kenaf fibers and castor seeds.[7] Kenaf-based material was previously used in the Lexus ES rear interior.[8] According to the manufacturer, 85 percent of the vehicle is fully recyclable.[3] For the Japanese domestic market, the Lexus HS250h features a Harmonious Driving Navigator system which monitored efficient driving characteristics and compared them with others to determine the 'greenest' overall driver, for which charitable donations could be made.[3]

In July 2009, the HS 250h made its sales launch in Japan, with 1,500 pre-orders logged at its introduction.[9] This figure was reportedly three times greater than originally forecast.[9] The Toyota SAI, a non-luxury model based on the HS 250h, was launched in Japan in October 2009.[10] The U.S. sales introduction for the HS 250h was expected to occur in late summer of 2009.[9] However, the vehicle was not slated for the European market, where the similarly-sized IS 220d is sold.[11]

Powertrain

The gasoline-powered portion of the HS 250h powertrain is the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE inline-four engine. The 2AZ-FXE produces 147 hp (110 kW) and 105 ft⋅lbf (142 N⋅m) of torque at 4000 revolutions per minute.[12] This is assisted by a 40 hp (30 kW) electric motor for a total combined output of 187 hp (139 kW).[12] The HS 250h uses a similar hybrid drivetrain as the Toyota Camry Hybrid.[13]

HS 250h inline-four engine with electric motors

The HS 250h's EPA fuel economy is estimated at 35 miles per US gallon (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg‑imp)* in the city and 34 miles per US gallon (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg‑imp)* on the highway.[14] The HS 250h engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, and the powertrain uses a continuously variable transmission.[12] A 90 pounds (41 kg) nickel metal hydride battery situated beneath the rear seats serves to power the electric motor.[6] An additional system included on the HS 250h's Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain is an exhaust-heat recovery system to reduce engine warm-up periods (optimizing engine start-stop times).[6] The Atkinson cycle configuration and exhaust-heat recovery system is also used on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.

The HS 250h can be operated in either driver-selectable EV, Eco, or Power modes. The EV mode is suited for short-distance pure electric driving at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h),[14] the Eco mode can be selected for the greatest fuel efficiency in mixed gas-electric driving,[6] and the Power mode offers more performance in contrast to the Eco mode.[14] The 0-60 time is listed at 8.4 seconds and the top speed is 112 miles per hour (180 km/h).[6]

Equipment

Lexus HS 250h interior with pop-up display screen

Technological features offered on the HS 250h include a pop-up navigation and infotainment system with Remote Touch controller,[6] a Mark Levinson premium sound system, and safety systems. The Remote Touch system is used with the GPS navigation system and operates using haptic feedback. The Lexus Enform telematics service is introduced on the HS 250h.[15]

Safety systems include an Intelligent Highbeam (IHB) system, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system, and onboard cameras. The IHB senses oncoming vehicles and adjusts lighting to prevent glare. The LKA system, operating in conjunction with the radar adaptive cruise control, helps keep the vehicle in its lane. Up to five onboard cameras include Wide-View Front and Rear-View backup cameras.[14] These cameras allow the driver to see around corners.[14] The LED detector Driver Monitoring System warns if the driver is not paying attention and obstacles are detected in the vehicle's path,[15] preventing accidents due to drowsiness or distraction. A Pre-Collision System is designed to minimize damage from accidents.

Sales

The HS 250h at the 2009 TED conference

The Lexus HS has had success in the Japanese market, where in its the first month, the vehicle recorded 3,000 pre-orders, 10,000 sales, and a waiting list that was six months long.[16] Because of the higher than expected demand in Japan, Lexus lowered its allocation and sales plans for the United States in October 2009.[17]

In early 2010, based on units sold, the HS was considered one of the less popular Lexus sedans in the US, being outsold by the ES, IS, and LS.[18] A recall of models for reprogramming the brake software in February 2010 also led some buyers to question the model; with word of the issue possibly scaring away potential buyers.[3] Earlier in its release however, the HS 250h as the top selling Lexus hybrid, with monthly sales comparable to the economy Honda Insight hybrid.[19]

Generation Model Calendar year Total sales (U.S.)
ANF10 HS 250h 2009 6,699[20]

References

  1. ^ Lexus HS 250h: A Prius For The Country Club
  2. ^ a b "Detroit 2009: Lexus HS250h, world's first dedicated luxury hybrid". Autoblog. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Lexus launches first "dedicated luxury hybrid"". BusinessGreen.com. Retrieved 2009-07-20. Cite error: The named reference "bg" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  4. ^ a b "Lexus Unveils 2010 HS 250h Hybrid; Second Hybrid-only Vehicle in Toyota Line-up". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  5. ^ Ruhi Jr., Joaquin (2009-01-17). "Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz, your next ride is ready..." my.IS. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
  6. ^ a b c d e f "Driving Impression: 2010 Lexus HS 250h (5/2009)". Road & Track. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  7. ^ McWilliams, Megan (2009-07-22). "Riding in Eco-Style". Gas2.org. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  8. ^ "The New Bioplastics, More Than Just Forks". The New York Times. Retrieved 2009-07-31.
  9. ^ a b c "Report: Lexus HS Hybrid Pulls in 1,500 Preorders in Japan". Green Car Congress. Retrieved 2009-07-21.
  10. ^ Toyota is adding another hybrid sedan--the Sai--for the Japanese market.
  11. ^ "Lexus rules out HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Europe". Motor Authority. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  12. ^ a b c "2010 Lexus HS 250h Full Test: Hybrid Luxury That's Right for the Times". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  13. ^ "2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Review". Automoblog.net. Retrieved 2009-11-19.
  14. ^ a b c d e "Lexus HS 250h luxury hybrid (first drive)". CNET. Retrieved 2009-07-20.
  15. ^ a b "2010 Lexus HS 250h First Drive". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2009-07-23. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  16. ^ "Sales of first dedicated Lexus hybrid hit 10,000 in first month". Mainichi Daily News. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
  17. ^ Lexus Readjusts Hybrid Sales Goal Downward; New Convertible Meeting Target
  18. ^ Toyota and Lexus Reports February Sales
  19. ^ Reported US Sales of Hybrids Up 21% in November; New Vehicle Market Share of 2.7%
  20. ^ >Toyota Reports 2008 and December Sales
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