Lem144

http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/17/news...yota/index.htm

Toyota is on a roll...the future holds so much possibility.

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

All dependent if the injunction comes down against Toyota on patent violations in the U.S. for technologies used in their hybrid models...

Cheers,
Kermee

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

BMW has the M Series, MB has AMG. Lexus has the "h".

I think Lexus will look into Hybrids for more power, but they'll offer gas efficiency as well. This is something that BMW nor MB can provide.

IS hybrid in the near future? I think it is very likely because the demand is there...

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

IS600h plz

TimboIS

I don't think demand is there to have a hybrid-only model (ie. there sill still be a conventional IS as well). Right now, people buy hybrids because they feel some environmental obligation, with negligible $ savings. Plus once the government stops these tax incentives associated with these vehicles, sales will need to be supported in other ways. Currently, it's not possible to recoup the additional expense of a hybrid in fuel cost savings, but that could change in the future.

swisslexusclub

I don't see a hybrid version of the IS on my marketing plan Nope. No Hybrid-IS at all....

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

I just ignore that a hybrid is suppose to "save" you money over time. I think its a good alternative to increase engine power/torque without increasing displacement, using less gas, reducing emissions, not because it saves you money. As of now they dont, but it shows promise

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

Yes there will most likely be hybrid Lexus' all across the board at some point in the future, much later in the future. Nothing coming as of yet in the next few years though. Toyota is already working on new fuel cell cars including hydrogen. It takes almost 5 years from concept to production for car companies. Good thing about Toyota is they have always been concious with enviroment. Remember they hit it big during the last gas crisis in the 70's, now they are doing it again with this one.

diablo1

A dealer in LA told me that all Lexus models will have a hybrid version within 5 years. I don't know how meaningful this info is, though, because we could have a completely different model (3IS) by then. For the current generation, I wouldn't hold my breath - I think they will concentrate on a coupe version first.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

This is what people have to realize. Lexus has hybrids not to save gas but to add power.

Compare a regular 3-Series to the M3: people pay extra for more power. BMW adds a turbo-charged engine. For Lexus, they would add a hybrid engine. People would pay for more power, not just because it's a hybrid.

Ask people why they bought the IS350 over the IS250 and they will say they bought it because it had more power. Would it make a difference if it was an IS350h? The same people would probably buy that car because it has more power than the IS250.

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

Hybrid= more power, better gas mileage, tax break, car pool lane(in some cases)

What's not to love?

Kermee

iTrader: (1)

Give me a diesel hybrid over a petrol hybrid, then we're talking. Fuel economy of the IS 220d is near 50 MPG (real world results, and the BMW 320d gets 56 MPG). Imagine what a diesel hybrid could do. Heck, the new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SUV gets 24-26 MPG highway.

Cheers,
Kermee

Bichon

The IS already weighs quite a bit for a sports sedan. I'd be concerned that adding even more avoirdupois in the form of a battery pack would degrade the handling. At this point, I don't think I'd get the hybrid, even if it were available.

xravexboix

A few months ago in a press release, Jim Press (or was it someone else? I'm bad w/ names) said that Toyota hybrids will be created for fuel efficiency while Lexus hybrids will be created for performance. Although, in the end. the Toyota will receive a slight (obvious) performance increase while the Lexus models receive better fuel economy.

Lem144

Diesels are dirtier than gas engines too, which is why they arent EPA certified. Theyre getting better, but EPA restrictions get tighter too.