Lexus’s range of hybrid models has been in something of an awkward position since its inception. Though touted as a green alternative to luxury cars, many environmentalists feel the vehicles simply aren’t green enough – and that they shouldn’t be exempt from congestion charges for example, based purely on the fact that they utilise hybrid technology.
So what then of Lexus’s latest edition to its fleet – the Lexus HS250h, which was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Well for starters this is Lexus’s most fuel efficient vehicle yet and it is the first to utilise carbon-neutral ecological plastic materials as part of its cockpit and interior design. So two thumbs up there!
Indeed the HS250h’s fuel efficiency is expected to be around 30 per cent better than the most fuel efficient car in the Lexus line-up. Though official figures have not yet been released, Mark Templin, the Lexus Group’s Vice President and General Manager, stated that it should be higher than the Smart Fortwo coupe, which has an EPA rating of 33mpg.
These impressive statistics have been achieved with a four-cylinder petroleum engine and the efficient Atkinson-cycle engine that works with the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence system to allow the power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke resulting in more effective use of combustion energy. The vehicle will also include an exhaust heat recovery system designed to improve efficiency – the technology can already be seen in the new RX450h, which made its debut in November.
The vehicle also boasts a smooth, aerodynamic design with under-floor covers positioned to reduce drag. Airflow restriction in the engine compartment has also been lowered by the air-duct profiles around the radiator.
Perhaps most notably however, the HS250h uses a plant-based carbon neutral ecological plastic in many parts of the interior. This ecological plastic emits less carbon dioxide over a product’s lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum and is used in areas such as the luggage trim upholstery, the floor-finish plate, the seat cushions and the package tray behind the rear seats. Around 30 per cent of the interior uses this plastic. It is expected that this reduces carbon dioxide emissions over the vehicle’s lifetime by around 20 per cent.
The Lexus HS250h will hit dealerships in the USA in late summer – no European release date has yet been revealed.
