Rendered Speculation: Lexus HS250h Dedicated Hybrid Model

 Rendered Speculation: Lexus HS250h Dedicated Hybrid Model
Lexus HS250h artist illustration

Based off the Toyota Prius

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

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 Motor_Yakuza Motor_Yakuza
Hmmm, a prius from lexus, let's see how good it will be.
November 12, 2008 1:56 pm
 machida machida
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.)
November 12, 2008 2:22 pm
 Nurchus Nurchus
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!
November 12, 2008 2:30 pm
 9TNine 9TNine
...so did I!
November 12, 2008 6:44 pm
 jalmonte91 jalmonte91
That's smart thinking by toyota
November 12, 2008 2:56 pm
 alexyn alexyn
Based off the Toyota Prius (hybrid) and the Toyota Avensis (design)
November 12, 2008 5:15 pm
 BabyMilo BabyMilo
now that is almost or maybe just as ugly as the prius
November 12, 2008 6:17 pm
 9TNine 9TNine
Ah, a Prius with a $10,000 badge!
November 12, 2008 6:43 pm
 wills2007 wills2007
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.
November 12, 2008 7:02 pm
 wjaprep wjaprep
Hum... Ive seen it somwhere before... YARIS SEDAN!!! ha, I remembered.
November 12, 2008 7:13 pm
 BabyMilo BabyMilo
omg! u r right, i just noticed that
November 12, 2008 11:35 pm
 benz_man benz_man
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!
November 12, 2008 8:02 pm
 darzav darzav
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.
November 13, 2008 3:26 am
 GanSan GanSan
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).
November 13, 2008 7:03 pm