Lexus HS250h: More info on dedicated Lexus hybrid model

Toyota will show a concept version of a dedicated Lexus hybrid model at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show in two months. According to Mag-X, a Japanese magazine, the hybrid vehicle will be dubbed HS250h and will go on sale in Japan in 2011. It will arrive in North American markets next year as a 2010 model.

The magazine is also running a artist rendering (seen above) that reminds us a lot of the Toyota Avensis recently revealed at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The dedicated hybrid model, which according to the rendering will be a sedan, is rumored to be built on the Prius platform. The interior carries the “L-finesse” design theme with a little bit of influence from BMW like the iDrive system.

Power is expected to come from a 2.4L engine mated to a hybrid system found in the Toyota Camry. That means we will see the use of nickel-hydride first. Previous reports suggest that the dedicated hybrid model will upgrade to lithium-ion batteries in 2010.

Lexus HS250h Rendering:

 

 

Source: vwvortex