Lexus HS

Lexus displayed the HS 250h for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in 2009, with plans to launch the vehicle in major world markets including the U.S. and Japan. According to division officials, the HS was produced in response to consumer interest in dedicated hybrid models, with many stating that they would purchase such a vehicle if a luxury make offered one. The success of the Toyota Prius with upper-income buyers was also a consideration. The resulting HS 250h would become the most fuel-efficient in the Lexus lineup at its debut. At its launch, the HS 250h was also claimed to be the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle in the U.S. The CT 200h, launched in 2011, later surpassed the HS 250h's fuel economy ratings.[http://rumors.automobilemag.com/lexus-ct200h-137047.html Automobile Magazine – 2011 Lexus CT200h]

File:Lexus HS250h 2013 front japan.JPG

To cater to environmentally conscious buyers, the HS 250h design included carbon footprint-reducing considerations, including the adoption of plant-derived "eco-plastic" (bioplastic) materials for the interior, cargo space, and foam injected areas. Bioplastic plant sources included kenaf fibers and castor seeds.{{cite web |url=http://gas2.org/2009/07/22/riding-in-eco-style-continued-%e2%80%93-lexuslog-day-3/ |title=Riding in Eco-Style |publisher=Gas2.org |accessdate=2009-07-27 |last=McWilliams |first=Megan |date=2009-07-22}} Kenaf-based material was previously used in the Lexus ES rear interior.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/business/businessspecial2/07plastic.html |title=The New Bioplastics, More Than Just Forks |work=The New York Times |accessdate=2009-07-31 |first=Susan |last=Moran |date=2007-03-07}} According to the manufacturer, 85 percent of the vehicle was fully recyclable. For the Japanese domestic market, the HS 250h featured a Harmonious Driving Navigator system which monitored efficient driving characteristics and compared them with others to determine the 'greenest' overall driver, for which charitable donations could be made.

The HS 250h's platform was based on the third-generation Toyota Avensis, itself related to the traditional gasoline engine Toyota Allion sold from 2001 to 2007, and was based on 2.4-litre-engined Corolla with electric motors. Other related models included the Toyota Premio, Toyota Vista (5th gen), Toyota Opa, Toyota Wish, and Toyota Caldina (3rd gen). In July 2009, the HS 250h made its sales launch in Japan, with 1,500 pre-orders logged at its introduction.{{cite web |url=http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/07/250hs-20090712.html |title=Report: Lexus HS Hybrid Pulls in 1,500 Preorders in Japan |work=Green Car Congress |accessdate=2009-07-21}} This figure was reportedly three times greater than originally forecasted.

The Toyota Sai, a sister model sharing the same platform and hybrid drivetrain, was launched in Japan in October 2009.[http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090930/CARNEWS/909309991 Toyota is adding another hybrid sedan—the Sai—for the Japanese market]. However, HS 250h was not slated for the European market, where the similarly sized IS 220d and Toyota Avensis were sold.{{cite web |url=http://www.motorauthority.com/lexus-rules-out-hs-250h-dedicated-hybrid-for-europe.html |title=Lexus rules out HS 250h dedicated hybrid for Europe |work=Motor Authority |accessdate=2009-07-20}}

The HS has a {{Cd|link=car|long=yes|0.27}}.{{cite news |url=http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/843DFF0B8949247CCA25753C001F376D |title=Lexus 2011 CT – Detroit show: Lexus HS steps aside for 'baby' |first=Byron |last=Mathioudakis |work=GoAuto |date=2013-01-13 |accessdate=2013-11-08}}

File:Tw-fourL 2AZ-FXE Hybrid engine.jpg

The gasoline-powered portion of the HS 250h powertrain is the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE inline-four engine. The 2AZ-FXE produces {{Convert|147|hp|kW|0|abbr=out}} and {{convert|105|ftlbf|Nm|abbr=out}} of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute.{{cite web |url=http://www.insideline.com/lexus/hs-250h/2010/2010-lexus-hs-250h-full-test-and-video.html |title=2010 Lexus HS 250h Full Test: Hybrid Luxury That's Right for the Times |author=Barry Winfield |work=Inside Line |publisher=Edmunds.com |date=2009-07-07 |accessdate=2011-04-06}} This is assisted by an electric motor for a combined output of {{Convert|187|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|138|ftlbf|Nm|abbr=on}}. The HS 250h uses a similar hybrid drivetrain as the Toyota Camry Hybrid.{{cite web |url=http://www.automoblog.net/2009/11/19/2010-lexus-hs-250h-hybrid-review/ |title=2010 Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Review |publisher=Automoblog.net |accessdate=2009-11-19}}

The HS 250h's EPA fuel economy is estimated at {{convert|35|mpgus|lk=off }} in the city and {{convert|34|mpgus|lk=off|abbr=on}} on the highway. The HS 250h engine runs on the Atkinson cycle, and the powertrain uses a continuously variable transmission. A {{convert|90|lb|adj=on|order=flip}} nickel metal hydride battery situated between the trunk and rear seats serves to power the electric motor. An additional system included on the HS 250h's Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain is an exhaust heat recovery system to reduce engine warm-up periods (optimizing engine start-stop times). The Atkinson cycle configuration and exhaust-heat recovery system is also used on the 2010 Lexus RX 450h.

The HS 250h can be operated in either driver-selectable EV, Eco, Normal, or Power modes. The EV mode is suited for short-distance pure electric driving at speeds of up to {{convert|20|mph|order=flip}},{{cite web |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10249567-48.html |title=Lexus HS 250h luxury hybrid (first drive) |publisher=CNET |accessdate=2009-07-20}} the Eco mode can be selected for the greatest fuel efficiency in mixed gas-electric driving, and the Power mode offers more performance in contrast to the Eco mode. The 0–60 mph time is listed at 8.4 seconds and the top speed is {{convert|112|mph|abbr=on|order=flip}}.

File:LEXUS HS250h 2013 interior japan.JPG

Technological features offered on the HS 250h include a pop-up navigation and infotainment system with Remote Touch controller, a Mark Levinson premium sound system, and safety systems. The Remote Touch system is used with the GPS navigation system and operates using haptic feedback. The Lexus Enform telematics service is introduced on the HS 250h.{{cite web |url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=148786 |title=2010 Lexus HS 250h First Drive |publisher=Edmunds.com |accessdate=2009-07-23}}

Safety systems include an Intelligent Highbeam (IHB) system, Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system, and onboard cameras. The IHB senses oncoming vehicles and adjusts lighting to prevent glare. The LKA system, operating in conjunction with the radar adaptive cruise control, helps keep the vehicle in its lane. Up to five onboard cameras include Wide-View Front and Rear-View backup cameras. These cameras allow the driver to see around corners. The LED detector Driver Monitoring System warns if the driver is not paying attention and obstacles are detected in the vehicle's path, preventing accidents due to drowsiness or distraction. A Pre-Collision System is designed to minimize damage from accidents.

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File:LEXUS HS250h 2013 rear japan.JPG

The Lexus HS had early success in the Japanese market, where in its first month, the vehicle recorded 3,000 pre-orders, 10,000 sales, and a waiting list that was six months long."Sales of first dedicated Lexus hybrid hit 10,000 in first month". Mainichi Daily News. Retrieved 2009-08-19[http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/08/toyota-reportedly-to-buy-lithium-ion-batteries-for-hybrid-vehicles-from-sanyo.html Toyota Reportedly to Buy Lithium-Ion Batteries for Hybrid Vehicles From Sanyo] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120707091638/http://blogs.edmunds.com/greencaradvisor/2009/08/toyota-reportedly-to-buy-lithium-ion-batteries-for-hybrid-vehicles-from-sanyo.html |date=2012-07-07}} Because of the higher than expected demand in Japan, Lexus lowered its allocation and sales plans for the United States in October 2009.[http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/lexus_hs_downward_091120/wall.html?return=http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/lexus_hs_downward_091120/index.html Lexus Readjusts Hybrid Sales Goal Downward; New Convertible Meeting Target]

In early 2010, based on units sold, the HS was considered one of the less popular Lexus sedans in the US, being outsold by the ES, IS, and LS, despite the HS being successful in its home market of Japan.[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/toyota-reports-february-sales-85979762.html Toyota and Lexus Reports February Sales] A recall of models for reprogramming the brake software in February 2010 also led some buyers to question the model; with word of the issue possibly scaring away potential buyers.{{cite news |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/02/toyota-starts-recall-of-another-lexus-model-dragged-into-safety-scandal/1accessdate=2009-07-20 |title=Toyota starts recall of another Lexus model dragged into safety scandal |work=USA Today |location=US |accessdate=2010-05-07 |date=2010-02-18}} Earlier in its release, however, the HS 250h was the top-selling Lexus hybrid, with monthly sales comparable to the economy Honda Insight hybrid.[http://www.greencarcongress.com/2009/12/nov-sales-20091208.html Reported US Sales of Hybrids Up 21% in November; New Vehicle Market Share of 2.7%]

On 25 June 2010, Lexus recalled 17,801 MY 2010 HS 250h models for failing to comply with FMVSS 301, "Fuel System Integrity", due to excessive fuel leakage in the event of a rear-end collision.{{cite web |title=Lexus HS 250h Recalls |url=https://www.cars.com/research/lexus-hs_250h/recalls/ |website=Cars.com |accessdate=12 August 2020}}

In January 2013, the Lexus HS received a facelift. The front receives the Lexus signature Spindle Grille first seen on the Lexus GS. Other changes include lowering the height by {{convert|10|mm|in|abbr=on}}, refined interior, and the addition of SPORT MODE on the Drive Mode Select. While it still retains the 2.4 L gasoline engine, the fuel economy is now {{convert|20.6|km/L|abbr=on}}, based on JC08 Mode cycle.{{cite press release |url=http://www2.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/feature/20130124.html |title=LEXUS、HS250hをマイナーチェンジ |trans-title=Lexus HS250h Minor News |publisher=Toyota Japan |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2013-01-26}}

In late 2011, Ward's AutoWorld reported that Lexus was discontinuing sales of the HS 250h in the U.S.[http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/lexus_luxury_battle_111108/wall.html?return=http://subscribers.wardsauto.com/ar/lexus_luxury_battle_111108/ Ward's AutoWorld – Lexus Dropping HS Hybrid, Bringing Revamped Arsenal to Luxury-Brand Battle] A Lexus representative confirmed this in May 2012, "Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

In 2017, the HS 250h, along with the Toyota Sai, were discontinued in the Japanese domestic market and replaced by a larger, TNGA-based ES 300h, making the debut of ES nameplate there as well as serving the front-wheel-drive counterpart of GS until the latter's departure in 2020.

{{Reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20171123155159/http://lexus.jp/international/models/hs/ Lexus HS international site]

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{{Lexus cars}}

HS

Category:Cars introduced in 2009

Category:Cars discontinued in 2018

Category:2010s cars

Category:Compact executive cars

Category:Sedans

Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles

Category:Hybrid electric cars

Category:Partial zero-emissions vehicles

Category:Vehicles with CVT transmission