The 2010 Lexus HS 250h will go on sale later this year in the U.S. with prices starting at $34,200; however, Lexus has ruled out selling its dedicated hybrid model in Europe. Instead Europe will get a hybrid variant of the Avensis and the Lexus IS.

“Selling the HS 250h here would be an emphatic no because of Toyota’s plans to put a hybrid in every range by 2020,” Lexus told AutoCar. ”The car would be premium d-segment and a direct competitor to the Avensis and the IS, which already meet premium needs.”

Power for the 2010 Lexus HS 250h will come from the company’s first 4-cylinder 2.4L Atkinson engine mated to the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. That gives it the ability to make a total of 187-hp allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds while averaging a combined fuel-economy of 35 mpg.

2010 Lexus HS 250h:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar

Lexus announced today that it will further expand its F-Sport Performance Package line to include parts for the GS, IS C Convertible, and the IS AWD models.

All three models will include performance enhancing parts including and not limited to forged alloy wheels, brake upgrades, suspension systems, air intake, exhaust systems and more. Sales of the models will begin on June 1, 2009. All F-Performance Accessories are fully warranted for 12 months or for the balance of the new car warranty, whichever is greater.

If you’re interested you can visit the F-Sport Performance site for more info.

Follow the jump to see the list of parts in detail.

Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories:

Lexus F-Sport Performance Accessories List:

F-Sport 18 and 19-inch Forged Alloy Wheels

The F-Sport forged alloy wheels, exclusively designed in a dark graphite finish, not only add an aggressive look to the exterior, but help enhance performance through increased strength and decreased weight. The F-Sport wheels require the use of spline-drive lug nuts, which are included in the available Wheel Installation Kit.

F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade

The Front Brake Upgrade provides a firmer pedal feel and improved fade resistance in repeated severe-duty use. The Brake Upgrade features six-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors with a patented internal-fin design mounted on anodized aluminum hubs. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are included, and the upgrade can be used with stock or the F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Rear Brake Upgrade

Similar in construction to the F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade, the Rear Brake Upgrade uses four-piston fixed calipers and drilled cast-iron rotors. Braided stainless-steel brake lines and low-dust performance brake pads are also included. The Rear Brake Upgrade may only be used in conjunction with F-Sport Front Brake Upgrade.

F-Sport Shock Absorber Set

Developed in cooperation with Bilstein® and available exclusively through the F-Sport Performance Accessory program, this shock-absorber set offers sport-tuned suspension dampening without sacrificing ride quality.

F-Sport Lowering Spring Set

This feature lowers the vehicle approximately one inch in the front and rear for a more aggressive appearance and a lower center of gravity. The spring set is engineered to deliver lowered ride height without bottoming out or creating a harsh ride. The sets will be specifically configured for each model and can be used with either the stock or F-Sport Shock Absorber Set.

F-Sport Sway Bar Set

The sway bar set includes larger diameter replacement front-and-rear sway bars that reduce body sway and flatten cornering. Oil-impregnated rubber bushings are also included to replace the original rubber bushings. Each vehicle’s sway bar set is specifically configured to achieve the best performance.

F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace

To improve chassis stiffness under aggressive driving conditions and provide a more responsive feel during cornering, the F-Sport Rear Chassis Member Brace joins key rear-chassis and suspension mounting points through this tubular steel brace.

F-Sport Performance Exhaust System

This system features all stainless-steel construction with fully polished mufflers and double-wall exhaust tips. In addition to an outstanding appearance, it delivers a powerful, sport-tuned exhaust sound while complying with established sound-level standards and does not affect emissions compliance.

F-Sport Performance Air Intake

This low-restriction intake and filter assembly is fully compatible with stock engine controls and is emission legal in all 50 states.

F-Sport Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Constructed from real carbon fiber, this light-weight, durable engine cover provides a high-tech appearance under the hood. This is a direct replacement for the original cover.

F-Sport Performance ClutchSet

The F-Sport Performance Clutch Set, available for the IS 250 and IS 250C equipped with the manual transmission, increases clamping force approximately 16 percent to handle higher torque capacity and provide improved feel.

F-Sport Quick Shifter

Engineered and machined from billet aluminum, the F-Sport Quick Shifter for the manual-transmission equipped IS 250 and IS 250C decreases shift throw by approximately 35 percent for quicker and more positive shifting.

F-Sport Shift Knob

Constructed from premium leather and genuine carbon fiber, F-Sport shift knobs are sporty and offer a comfortable curved shape. The manual knob is weighted to provide a sporty and more controlled feel while shifting. Both knobs are detailed with signature blue stitching and a silver F-Sport logo.

F-Sport Floor Mats

Made from the same high-quality 18 ounce nylon carpet as the factory mats, the four-piece set is available in black with a silver embroidered “F-Sport” logo.

Lexus of Australia showed a sports-inspired IS 250 at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show this past week. Based on the IS 250, the Sports Concept gets a number of visual enhancements that give the IS 250 a more aggressive appeal along with features that enhance driving dynamics.

The list of enhancements include new high-performance breaks, Bilstein shock absorbers and springs, sway bars, chassis braces, air intakes, clutch, short shift kit, a new exhaust, 19-inch wheels and an engine cover and spoilers.

According to John Toca, CEO of Lexus Australia, the accessories are currently being considered for sale in Australia to attract “younger buyers to the Lexus brand – and give Lexus a vehicle that aspiring IS F customers could step into.”

Lexus IS 250 Sports Concept:

Summer is over – but that didn’t stop Lexus from debuting its convertible IS at the 2008 Paris Motor Show this week. Lexus has also released a short video showing the Lexus IS 250C dropping its top to very epic music that makes you feel like Maximus.

The hard-top 205-hp Lexus IS 250C will go on sale in Europe in Summer 2009. Pricing details and the possibility of the IS 250C coming to the U.S. have yet to be confirmed.

Follow the jump for the video along with high-res images of the Lexus IS 250C.

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Video: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Earlier this morning Lexus unveiled its new 2010 Lexus IS 250C. The hardtop convertible is powered by the same 2.5L V6 from the IS 250 producing 205-hp. European sales will begin in summer 2009 - other markets will follow.

Lexus has not confirmed whether it will make a IS 350C or a convertible IS-F but we wouldn’t doubt it since it’ll give them room to compete with the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible or the BMW M3 Convertible.

Click through for live images from the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

Live from Paris 2008: 2010 Lexus IS 250C:

2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Lexus has taken the top down on the IS with the new IS 250C. The 2010 Lexus IS 250C now joins the IS 250, IS 350 and the IS-F and also hints at a possible coupe model in the near future. The hard-top roof folds into the boot as a three-part roof mechanism.

Power comes from the same 205-hp 2.5 liter V6 and a 6-speed automatic from the IS 250 sedan. Lexus designers made some tweaks to keep performance up to par with the IS sedan.

The 2010 IS 250C will go on sale in Europe during the summer of 2009. No word yet on when it’ll make it to the U.S. or if Lexus plans on offering a IS 350C or a convertible version of the IS-F. Stay tuned.

Follow the jump for high-res photos of the IS 250C and the press release.

2010 Lexus IS 250C:

Press Release:

The new Lexus I S250C made its world debut at the 2008 Paris motor show, ahead of going on sale across Europe during the summer of 2009. The new model combines the award-winning design of the IS sports saloon with outstanding open-top engineering ingenuity.

The IS 250C displays Lexus quality and attention to detail in every aspect of its construction and is designed to exceed customer expectations with its fusion of top-down driving pleasure and uncompromised dynamic performance.

It also boasts the fastest opening time for a three-part roof design, with its lightweight aluminium structure folding away in just 20 seconds.

The Lexus IS 250C shares its smooth 205bhp (208 DIN hp) 2.5-litre petrol V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission with the Lexus IS 250 saloon. It has been styled to offer minimal wind turbulence when driving with the top down and extensive revisions to the body structure and suspension provide the right degree of torsional stiffness to ensure a level of ride comfort appropriate for a Lexus. In coupe trim, the car’s low NVH performance is on a par with that of the IS saloon.

Thanks to the remarkably compact packaging of the three-part roof mechanism, there is a large boot space, together with easy rear seat access and generous accommodation for rear passengers.

The new coupe/convertible is the third model in the IS range, joining the IS petrol and diesel-powered sports saloon and the ultra-high performance 5.0-litre V8-powered Lexus IS-F, which introduced the F Sports designation to the line-up earlier this year.

Exterior Design

The Lexus IS 250C builds on the elegant proportions, sweeping, sculptural lines and contrasting convex and concave surfacing of the IS saloon range to combine the muscular appeal of a sports coupe with the stylish lines of a convertible.

Only the bonnet, headlamps, door handles and mirrors are shared with the IS saloon, all other body panels have been redesigned to ensure they harmonise perfectly with the three-part folding roof.

A new fog lamp design is neatly integrated into the deep front air dam and, in side profile, the coupe/convertible’s powerful stance is characterised by muscular coachwork below a pronounced, rising belt line that kicks up towards the rear of the car.

The steeply raked windscreen flows seamlessly into the aerodynamic arc of the roof line. This meets the surface of the boot with a crisp C-pillar that is incorporated in the roof structure. In coupe form the cabin tapers to the rear to give a flowing line from the roof through the C pillar to the luggage compartment. At the rear there are new lamp clusters with LED illumination and a high-mounted LED stop light integrated in the boot lip spoiler.

With the hard top down, the Lexus IS 250C has a seamless and elegant profile that is punctuated only by an integral roll-over hoop behind the rear seat headrests. No roof mechanism elements remain in view or project above the car’s waistline, with the complete structure concealed beneath the boot surface and flush-fitting rear parcel shelf.

The roof is made entirely of lightweight aluminium and gives an unparalleled smooth, seamless and silent operation. It is raised and lowered by means of a dashboard button and features a unique “roof brake” mechanism, which slows the closing of the hard top as it approaches the top edge of the windscreen. Unlike other systems in which the weight of the roof causes the closing speed to increase just before the point of closure, it descends smoothly into place.

Interior Design and Comfort

The Lexus IS 250C offers the same high levels of luxury and practical innovation as the IS saloon, with a number of bespoke technical revisions designed to ensure the on-board comfort and entertainment systems operate effectively when the roof is down.

The instrument panel, surrounding elements and the steering wheel are the same as on the IS saloon, but the instrument binnacle in front of the driver has been extensively revised to ensure good visibility is maintained during top-down driving.

The climate control system has been configured for top-down motoring, with the addition of speed sensitive control, which automatically increases air flow when the roof is lowered and further increases it in line with vehicle speed.

The 12-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system features equaliser tuning to ensure consistent audio quality whether the roof is up or down, automatically adapting to the natural loss of bass when the roof is stowed. The two full-size rear seats are set 30mm further inboard to optimise headroom and are divided by a centre console with built-in cupholders. Slimmer profiles for the front seats help ensure good legroom for rear passengers.

Accessing the rear seats is made easier by wide-aperture doors that are 300mm longer than those on the IS saloon and a one-touch walk-in button control that quickly and neatly folds and slides the front seats forwards.

The rear overhang is greater by 50mm compared to the saloon. This, together with the exceptionally compact packaging of the folding roof, gives significantly more luggage space, with room for a nine-inch golf bag to be carried with the hard top stowed and the luggage cover in place.

Aerodynamics and Wind Stream Management

The Lexus IS 250C has been designed to combine the lowest possible drag coefficient with minimal wind turbulence affecting the cabin when the roof is down. Key features include a steeply raked windscreen, ultra-smooth cabin profile, aerodynamically efficient “duck tail” rear styling that gives an “airkick” effect, detail rear lamp cluster design and a an array of underbody covers. With the hard top in place the drag coefficient is 0.29, which compares very favourably with the 0.27 Cd of the saloon.

Lexus design engineers focused on reducing wind turbulence and generating the most comfortable airflow pattern for passengers when the roof is lowered. The angle of the windscreen and its top edge are major factors in achieving this performance.

Ride Comfort

The Lexus IS 250C uses the proven front double wishbone and multink rear suspension format from the IS saloon range to give sporting, agile performance. Significant chassis revisions promote greater ride comfort suitable for a convertible and ensure consistent dynamic performance in both coupe and convertible guise.

Extensive temperature, vibration and shaking tests were carried out to ensure the changes to the bodyshell and chassis maintain NVH characteristics almost identical to those of the IS saloon. Class-leading low wind noise levels are achieved with help from acoustic glass for the windscreen and painstaking design of the roof, door and window panel seals.

Safety

The Lexus IS 250C has been designed to achieve a five-star frontal impact rating in Euro NCAP crash testing, with world-class safety performance in both coupe and convertible configuration. Numerous changes in the body structure enhance collision strength, roll-over protection and torsional rigidity, minimising cowl shake and optimising chassis control.

Like the IS saloon, it benefits from the highest content of sophisticated active and passive safety technology in its segment, including Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Control (VDIM), incorporating Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that is tuned specifically for open-body driving and which gives shorter stopping distances on road surfaces with uneven levels of grip. A revised Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system is also available, supporting pre-crash seatbelt and braking functions, and the passenger front airbag has a twin-chamber design for safer and more effective operation.

For added protection when driving with the roof down, the Lexus IS 250C is equipped with new-design larger side airbags that provide head protection in the event of a side impact. The bodyshell also features additional energy-absorbing side impact pads for both front and rear seat occupants.

Lexus has announced the pricing for its 2009 model lineup for the U.S. market – including the pricing for the recently added LS 460 all-wheel-drive sedan and the slightly redesigned 2009 Lexus IS.

Both, the 2009 IS 250 and the 2009 IS 350 receive a new front and rear bumper, new 17 and 18-inch wheels, restyled grille, side-view mirrors with integrated turn signals, an upgraded interior with a new center cluster and foldable rear seats. Performance wise, the 2009 IS gets a revised suspension and steering tuning. Pricing starts at $31,155 for the IS 250 with a manual transmission while the automatic starts at $32,325. The all-wheel-drive IS 250 starts at $34,785 and the IS 350 will start at $36,605.

The recently announced all-wheel-drive versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L will carry an MSRP of $67,200 and $77,110.

Click through for more pictures and pricing details on other Lexus models.

2009 Lexus IS Facelift:

Lexus LS 460 AWD:

Press Release:

Lexus Announces Model Year Price Changes on Select Models

September. 5, 2008 – Torrance, CA. – Lexus announced Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) today for the 2009 IS 250 and IS 350 luxury sport sedans, IS F high-performance luxury sport sedan, ES 350 luxury sedan, GS 350 and GS 460 luxury sport sedans, GS 450h luxury hybrid sport sedan, LS 460 and LS 460 L premium luxury sedans, the recently added LS 460 and LS 460 L all-wheel drive versions, and the LS 600h L premium hybrid luxury sedan.

The 2009 IS 250 and IS 350 will receive significant enhancements to both its exterior and interior. Exterior changes include newly designed 17- and 18-inch wheel, front and rear bumpers, a revised front grille, and side rear-view mirrors with incorporated turn signals. The interior will receive a newly designed center cluster and foldable rear headrests.

Mechanically, both the IS 250 and IS 350 receive a revised suspension and steering tuning, further enhancing the cars’ handling. In addition, the IS 250 will come standard with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) with a cutoff switch, which had been available only on the IS 350. The 2009 IS 250 manual and automatic, IS 250 all-wheel drive, and IS 350 receive a 0.8-1.0 percent increase or $300. The IS 250 with a manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $31,155, the IS 250 with an automatic transmission will have a base MSRP of $32,325, the IS 250 all-wheel drive will carry a base MSRP of $34,785 and the IS 350 will have a base MSRP of $36,605.

Launched earlier this year, the Lexus IS F also will receive a few enhancements for the 2009 model year. New features include a revised instrument panel cluster design, illuminated mirror controls, a new open/close moonroof switch, and a piano-black center-cluster finish for navigation-equipped vehicles. A sporty new terra cotta and black two-tone interior will also be offered in 2009. The IS F will have a base MSRP of $56,610, an increase of 1.1 percent or $610.

The 2009 ES 350 will carry over unchanged with a base MSRP of $34,320, an increase of 0.6 percent or $200.

The 2009 GS 350, GS 350 all-wheel drive, and GS 460 luxury sport sedans carry over unchanged, with each receiving a 0.6-0.7 percent increase or $300. The GS 350 will have a base MSRP of $44,850, the GS 350 all-wheel drive will be $46,800, and the GS 460 will be $53,320. The 2009 GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan receives an increase in trunk capacity of more than 40 percent, yielding 10.6 cu. ft. of space. It will have a base MSRP of $56,400, an increase of 1.1 percent or $600.

The 2009 LS 460 and LS 460 L luxury sedans carry over with the addition of front-passenger-seat memory. The LS 460 will have a base MSRP of $63,675, an increase of 1.2 percent or $775; the LS 460 L will have a base MSRP of $73,585, an increase of 0.9 percent or $685.

The newest additions to the LS lineup are the all-wheel drive versions of the LS 460 and LS 460 L, and they will carry base MSRPs of $67,200 and $77,110, respectively. The AWD system features a highly compact center TORSEN® Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels. In addition to the luxury, convenience and safety features found on the current LS 460, both AWD versions will come standard with air suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS).

The 2009 LS 600h L flagship hybrid luxury sedan adds front-passenger-seat memory to a long list of luxury features and will have a base MSRP of $105,885, an increase of 0.9 percent or $985.

The MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $825.

Images of the 2009 Lexus IS have been leaked on the internet. With a minor facelift (that you probably won’t notice until you take a really close look), the 2009 Lexus IS will hit markets later this year.

At a closer look, you’ll notice an slight redesign to the front grille, restyled taillights, new exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals and new alloy wheels.

Powertrain lineup is expected to be the same for 2009 with two trims including the IS250 and the IS350.

Click through for more images (we also grabbed some new images from the Lexus website).

2009 Lexus IS Facelift:

Source: CarScoop