Rendered Speculation: Lexus HS250h Dedicated Hybrid Model

Lexus HS250h artist illustration

Based off the Toyota Prius

By Michael Gauthier
November 12, 2008 5:41 PM
Filed Under: Artist Renderings, Hybrid, Japanese, Lexus, Rumours

According to recent reports Lexus will use the North American International Auto Show in Detroit to debut a new hybrid dubbed the HS250h which will reach the US market in 2010.

Only available in hybrid form, the new model is expected to be based off the recently redesigned Toyota Prius. Power will most likely come from a 2.4L engine connected to the same hybrid system found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid. The model will come with Lexus' L-finesse design language and is rumored to adopt a system similar to BMW's iDrive.

While the information is sketchy to say the least, it has long been expected that Lexus would receive a version of the Prius in the near future. The new model should also offer the latest advances in hybrid technology which means a significantly lighter hybrid powertrain and more power than the current system.

 

Source: vwvortex.com via egmcartech.com

Comments

Motor_Yakuza
November 12, 2008 5:56 PM
Hmmm, a prius from lexus, let's see how good it will be.

machida
November 12, 2008 6:22 PM
Did a 5-year-old with Adobe Illustrator create this rendering for the Japanese magazine?

Rendering accuracy aside, a Prius-derived Lexus makes perfect sense for the US. it's already one of Toyota's most advanced and premium products within the Toyota brand. And if people will buy a tarted-up Camry as a Lexus ES, you only have to wonder why they've waited so long to do this. (I'm sure production capacity had some role in that.)

Nurchus
November 12, 2008 6:30 PM
Looks like a Chevy Volt, but more attractive rear end.

Did anyone see that episode of Top Gear when Jeremy Clarkson gave his reasons on why Hybrid cars a bunch of crock? I thought it was absolutely wonderful!

jalmonte91
November 12, 2008 6:56 PM
That's smart thinking by toyota

alexyn
November 12, 2008 9:15 PM
Based off the Toyota Prius (hybrid) and the Toyota Avensis (design)

BabyMilo
November 12, 2008 10:17 PM
now that is almost or maybe just as ugly as the prius

9TNine
November 12, 2008 10:43 PM
Ah, a Prius with a $10,000 badge!

wills2007
November 12, 2008 11:02 PM
Clever branding. Whether we like it or hate it, it's going to sell really well. Los Angeles will be frothing to the brim with them, just look at the number of RX400h and Priuses in Lala Land already...lol.

wjaprep
November 12, 2008 11:13 PM
Hum... Ive seen it somwhere before... YARIS SEDAN!!!

ha, I remembered.

BabyMilo
November 13, 2008 3:35 AM
omg! u r right, i just noticed that

benz_man
November 13, 2008 12:02 AM
After hearing that Toyota was waiting to install Li-ion batteries on the next prius until its mid-cycle facelift, I questioned their business acumen (Toyotas had me doing that a lot recently). However, after reading this, it all makes sense. Sell the Lexus version with Li-ion batteries, (and a bigger profit margin) to pay off the tech for the Prius. Quite clever indeed! And yeah, Americans love them some ES's they should love this too!

darzav
November 13, 2008 7:26 AM
Rendering looks shocking. If car turns out like that. It will be another failure to add to Lexus list alongside the upcoming RX which is a disaster. Shame, good thing they are a reliable brand however.

GanSan
November 13, 2008 11:03 PM
Looks like a bad version of the Honda Civic Hybrid. But then again, they did rip the Prius design and use it on their Insight (or whatever it was).

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