Toyota Motor Corporation has made a decision to increase their hybrid technology across many of their models. They view hybrids as the best method to increase fuel economy! Today's car is a new model designed specifically to be a hybrid....the 2010 Lexus HS250h (HS).
The HS is powered by a 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder, which is rated at 147 hp. There are two electric motors that add an additional 40 hp. The continuously variable transmission varies the ratios depending on speed, rpm and load. The HS is also equipped with regenerative braking system.....which helps to recharge the batteries when braking.
The HS will run on electric only mode just like the Toyota Prius for short distances at low speeds.....but at 20 mph. the gasoline motor turns on to assist driving.
If your interested in technology, the HS comes equipped with LED lighting, front and rear parking cameras, a heads-up instrument display, Mark Levinson entertainment package.
Pricing for the HS has not been announced....but should be approximately $40,000 USD plus options. Fuel economy is 34/35 mpg city/highway.
The debate continues as to whether hybrids are a long term solution or a temporary solution to the energy crisis. My thought is that they are expensive versus the cost of the gasoline saved...also those calculations are dependant on the price of gas.
If a hybrid takes ten years to cover the additional cost of the vehicle versus a standard gasoline engine....someone would have to keep the vehicle for that time period to break even or be an environmentalist.
SUMMARY:
As I have outlined in a number of my other posts....driving most hybrids you will have to sacrifice driving dynamics. The HS is nowhere near as much fun as the leaders in this class.... the Cadillac CTS and the BMW 328i.
The HS is powered by a 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder, which is rated at 147 hp. There are two electric motors that add an additional 40 hp. The continuously variable transmission varies the ratios depending on speed, rpm and load. The HS is also equipped with regenerative braking system.....which helps to recharge the batteries when braking.
The HS will run on electric only mode just like the Toyota Prius for short distances at low speeds.....but at 20 mph. the gasoline motor turns on to assist driving.
If your interested in technology, the HS comes equipped with LED lighting, front and rear parking cameras, a heads-up instrument display, Mark Levinson entertainment package.
Pricing for the HS has not been announced....but should be approximately $40,000 USD plus options. Fuel economy is 34/35 mpg city/highway.
The debate continues as to whether hybrids are a long term solution or a temporary solution to the energy crisis. My thought is that they are expensive versus the cost of the gasoline saved...also those calculations are dependant on the price of gas.
If a hybrid takes ten years to cover the additional cost of the vehicle versus a standard gasoline engine....someone would have to keep the vehicle for that time period to break even or be an environmentalist.
The size of the HS250h is very similar in size to the Lexus IS250.... so why did Lexus develop a totally new car. Perhaps it was a packaging issue....they must not have been able to get all of the hybrid drive train in the IS250.
SUMMARY:
As I have outlined in a number of my other posts....driving most hybrids you will have to sacrifice driving dynamics. The HS is nowhere near as much fun as the leaders in this class.... the Cadillac CTS and the BMW 328i.
