Just because The Cold War is over doesn't mean that all cold wars have come to an end. Two protagonists in the auto industry – once again, East vs. West – are currently embroiled in an in-car safety and technology arms race that is beginning to look more like NASA vs. Roskosmos than a battle between luxury sedans. The latest master weapon comes from Lexus in the form of its HS 250h hybrid, claimed to be not only the world's first hybrid-only luxury sedan, but also the most fuel-friendly luxury vehicle extant. If Lexus has it, they put it on this car.
Frugal hybrids are here, sports car hybrids are here, and luxury hybrids are dipping wheels in the waters. This car marks the first luxury-only hybrid to make its acquaintance with the public. During the launch, Lexus was at pains to make sure we did not confuse this car with the Prius, informing us that the HS' closest sibling is the Euro-market Toyota Avensis. Fitting in between the IS and ES and GS in brand placement, the HS 250h "was developed as an answer to customers looking for an environmentally conscious premium vehicle."
What about the GS 450h and LS 600h? In addition to the HS 250h being hybrid-only, it's the first Lexus hybrid tuned with the primary goal of delivering superior economy. While Lexus' GS and LS hybrids are meant to provide power above their weight class with the same fuel efficiency, the HS is meant to provide economy with a decent dollop of power.
It does so via a DOHC 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The engine alone puts out 147 horsepower, but add some juice from the 245-volt battery behind the rear seats and the system is good for 187 hp. Torque comes to 138 lb-ft, and you can have it all on regular 87-octane gas. The car isn't just frugal on gas, it's equally parsimonious with emissions: 70% fewer smog-forming emissions find their way out of the tailpipe compared to conventional vehicles, and evaporative emissions are close to zero.
The mpg tally? According to Lexus, you'll be the proud owner of 35 city, 33 highway, 34 combined. That easily beats other car in the entry luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. It even beats the 1 Series. Heck, it even beats a Mini Cooper (except for the diesel, which you can't get here yet). Mind you, the HS isn't really competition for those cars, which all emphasize sporting splendor as opposed to frugal hybrid luxury.
A shift-by-wire system operating through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) gets the grunt seamlessly to the ground. The console-mounted shifter engages Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and a "B" setting that actuates an engine braking feature when going downhill, which helps use gravity to refill the battery and keep your feet off the brakes. Oddly, Park is a button next to the shifter – if you don't use the button, the car will remain in neutral when you get out. As the gentleman from Lexus University explained, "If you don't press the button, the car's going to leave."
autoblog.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment