Lexus Stages World Debut of the 2010 HS 250h

the World’s First Dedicated Luxury Hybrid – at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit

DETROIT (Jan. 11, 2009) – Lexus today revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the
world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American
International Auto Show. The HS 250h will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and
the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the
first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a
new futuristic cockpit and interior design.

A welcomed addition to Lexus’ entry-luxury sedan lineup, the HS
250h fits nicely between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury
sedan. Research has shown that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car
buyers would have considered a hybrid if available, and the HS will
provide these consumers with a viable purchase option.

Equipped
with Lexus’ first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter
Atkinson-cycle powerplant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive
System, which generates 187 total system horsepower. The highly
efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve
Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power
stroke to be longer than the compression stroke so that combustion
energy can be more effectively used for production of engine power. The
HS 250h sedan’s expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent
better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus
lineup, while earning a SULEV emissions rating utilizing regular
87-octane gasoline. Among the technologies adopted in the 2.4-liter
four-cylinder engine are cooling piston oil jets; an optimized balance
shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
characteristics; and a hot-air venting system mounted behind the
radiator.

Like the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle
that made its debut in November, the HS 250h will include a new system
designed to improve efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system
reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more
often, and for longer periods. A windshield with infrared-ray (IR)
reduction properties, which helps keep the interior more cool, has been
adopted in order to decrease the amount of air conditioning needed to
lower the cabin temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery
system and the IR windshield, available power-saving LED headlamps also
contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions.

The
all-new HS 250h sedan’s 0.27 drag coefficient (Cd) makes it among the
most aerodynamic in its class. Airflow management over the exterior,
below the under floor and through the air passages was extensively
examined. A unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and
overall vehicle height, thus reducing drag and improving fuel
efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler, and
diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. Smooth A-pillar shape and the
optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce
wake turbulence, as does the increased taper of the fender side panels.
The under-floor covers have been optimally positioned for reduced drag,
while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by
optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator.

Aerodynamic
design has also contributed to decreased wind noise. A smoother
transition between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner
layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence.

As
is appropriate for the first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, the HS
250h includes proactive adoption of plant-based, carbon-neutral
“Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics in specific interior areas.
Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product’s
lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum. Among the areas of
utilization will be an industry-first use in luggage-trim upholstery.
Other areas are the cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area,
floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear
seats. Overall, approximately 30-percent of the interior and luggage
area is covered with Ecological Plastic. Over the estimated lifecycle
of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer
carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological
Plastic trim pieces.

Like all Lexus hybrid models, significant
time was spent in developing the HS 250h with optimized NVH
characteristics. Dynamic dampers at each engine-mounting point reduce
noise and vibration, resonators improve intake air noise, and optimized
exhaust flow reduces exhaust sound. Special coatings dampen both engine
and road noise, while improved seals around doors, hood and fenders
reduce wind-noise penetration into the cabin. Vibration has been
reduced by improving the shape and thickness of the suspension-mounting
points. In addition, power-window speed controllers have been adopted
from the LS luxury sedan, which insure a slower, soft closing rate.

The
HS 250h chassis design provides an outstanding ride and comfort with
the decreased NVH required by a Lexus hybrid. The MacPherson strut
front suspension is designed to achieve both straight-line and braking
control, and a positive steering feel. A double-wishbone rear
suspension provides excellent maneuverability, control and comfort with
a low spring mount that contributes to better packaging and superior
cargo space. Coil springs, anti-roll bars and shock-absorber rebound
springs are utilized front and rear. The HS 250h will have uniquely
designed standard 17- and optional 18-inch wheels.

The
rack-and-pinion steering system utilizes a brushless Electric Power
Steering (EPS) motor on the steering column, which provides improved
steering feel, a reduction in harsh feedback, and better emissions by
not draining engine power like conventional hydraulic systems.

The
EPS is an integral part of an available lane keep assist system, a new
driver assist that adds smooth steering torque to help the vehicle stay
in the center of the lane. The amount of assisted torque is dependant
on a lane-marker detection camera. It includes a lane departure warning
feature that is designed to detect possible lane departure; it then
gives the driver an audible warning and provides feedback via the
steering wheel to encourage corrective action.
The HS is slightly
longer than the IS and is taller than both the IS and ES. It also has a
greater couple distance (distance hip to hip between front and rear
passengers) than any other vehicle in its class other than the ES. The
contoured front-seat backs also add to increased rear-seat legroom.

The
HS features a unique advanced cockpit and an interior design that
emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship. The uniquely stylish cabin has
standard leather-trim seats, a moonroof, Lexus premium audio systems,
and a new standard multi-media package. The media features include
Bluetooth® technology, integrated satellite radio (subscription
required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity controlled via
steering-wheel controls or a display screen. A high-contrast
multi-information display, located in the instrument panel’s hybrid
system indicator gauge, is controlled via steering-wheel-mounted
controls, allowing the driver to easily control various functions and
information.

Another key element of the modern interior is
Lexus’ new available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System, which
features a retractable navigation screen that is positioned well back
and up front in the dash. The positioning helps improve visibility and
reduce driver eye movement. Similar to the new RX, the HS system
features the all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is both intuitive
and ergonomic and allows for easy use of the Navigation System. The
controller is positioned on the center console and is as natural to the
driver’s hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the
desired level of haptic feedback.

The Navigation System also
includes a new casual-speech voice recognition feature. This allows
drivers to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier
access and control of the audio, climate and navigation functions. Also
included are XM® NavTraffic® and NavWeatherTM, along with XM Sports and
Stock information.

Also helping to reduce driver eye movement is
an optional Heads-up Display (HUD). The HUD uses high-intensity LEDs to
make the display bright enough to be read even in direct sunlight.

A
class-leading 10 airbags will be standard on the all-new HS 250h as
well as active front head rests, which help passengers in case of
certain types of rear-end accidents. The HS also will feature Lexus’
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and optional Pre-Collision
System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

An available
wide-view front monitor helps the driver to check hard-to-see areas.
Using a camera mounted in the front grille, the monitor provides a
190-degree front view on the Navigation screen with the push of a
button on the steering wheel.

The HS 250h will also offer
Lexus’ next generation telematics systems, Lexus Enform and Safety
Connect. Safety Connect will provide automatic collision notification,
stolen vehicle location, 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance.

Lexus
Enform’s Destination Assist features operators who will help drivers
look up points of interest such as shopping centers or other business
locations like Zagat-rated restaurants, and then wirelessly send
directions directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.

Lexus
Enform’s eDestination service will allow customers to pull up multiple
points of interest on any computer and send them directly to the car’s
navigation system. This innovative new feature will allow drivers to
send a total of 200 destinations at a time to their vehicles.

The all-new 2010 HS 250h will reach dealerships nationwide in late summer.

Credit: Lexus USA
Copy by: Flipside909