Lexus Launches Two New Vehicles for 2010

The HS250h Luxury Hybrid Sedan
and the Sporty IS Hardtop Convertible

by Jo Ann Holt

While our friends at General Motors and Chrysler are busy fighting dragons in the form of financial obstacles, forced bankruptcies and dealer closings, it seems to be business as usual for others.  We recently spent a couple of days in Arkansas with a couple of very classy automobiles, the new Lexus 2010 HS 250h which is billed as the “world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle,” and as Lexus’ fourth hybrid, the “most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup.”

After staying at the beautiful old Capital Hotel in Little Rock, we got up early to take the scenic route to Hot Springs in this amazingly innovative sedan that is positioned to fit snugly between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan.    Here are just a few of the fun facts gleaned from press materials and talks with company engineers.

The 2.4L Atkinson-cycle power plant generates 187 total system HP, and provides more efficient production of engine power; fuel efficiency will be more than 30% better than anything currently in the Lexus lineup with a better emissions rating.  Cooling piston oil jets, optimized balance shaft rate for improved noise, vibration and harshness, and a hot air venting system all help make the engine run smoother and quieter.

Every possible improvement or innovation seems to have been put to practical use in this dream sedan.  There’s even a Lane Keep Assist system to help your vehicle stay in the center of its lane.  The exhaust heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time so it can stop for longer periods.  The windshield’s infrared-ray reduction properties keep the interior cooler, and available power-saving LED headlamps contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions.  The HS 250h boasts aerodynamic design features that decrease wind noise, including the unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design to reduce drag and the front, rear and under spoilers and diffuser fins that reduce turbulence.

Another innovation is the adoption of plant-based bio plastics used in 30% of the interior trim because it emits less carbon dioxide than plastic made from petroleum.  The steering system uses a brushless Electric Power Steering motor to improve the feel of the wheel, while the chassis design provides a comfortable ride.  The MacPherson strut front suspension also assists along with a double-wishbone rear suspension.  The HS 250h has specially designed 17” or optional 18” wheels.

While we had a great time driving the HS 250h to Hot Springs, it was impossible to try out all the bells and whistles in the cockpit that resembled a space ship.  The navigation system included Enform’s eDestination service that would have allowed us to pull up 200 points of interest to send to our vehicle had we only thought of it!  This car’s manual must be thicker than the Manhattan phone book, and frankly, there wasn’t time to read it first.  But with amenities like leather-trim seats, a moon roof, a great audio system (and great scenery out the window) we were quite happy by the time we hit Hot Springs. 

Estimated mileage was 35 in town and 34 on the highway.  Pricing for this entry level luxury sedan won’t be available until mid-August when the car goes to dealerships.

We decided to put the top back up before getting on the highway, since it looked like it might rain plus we were going to have to drive the speed limit to make it make in time for our trip home.  It always seems a shame to me to drive a convertible with the top up.  Even with the top down we only experienced minimal wind turbulence, thanks to that famous Lexus engineering. 

This IS convertible is a good-looking, fun and sporty car to drive, and some of its colors (especially the new Cerulean blue) are gorgeous.  I heard from some of the other car drivers that the 350C was even more fun, thanks to its 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 306 HP at 6,400 rpm along with 277 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm. The IS 250C's 2.5-liter V6 engine offers greater fuel efficiency, of course.  With a six-speed manual transmission, the 250C has a base price of $38,490 or $39,660 with six-speed automatic transmission.  The 350C only comes with six-speed automatic transmission and it sells for $43,940. 

Jo Ann Holt is a journalist and car columnist based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA).