Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Lexus is going where no other car manufacturer has gone before. The 2010 Lexus HS250 Hybrid will be the industry’s first dedicated luxury hybrid. Powered by the Camry hybrid’s Atkinson-cycle, 2.4-liter unit producing 147 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, along with a nickel-metal hybrid battery pack and electric motor that add another 40 horsepower, the 3740-pound HS250 accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds.

Photo Credit: CarandDriver.com

Although 0-60 acceleration is 1.4 seconds quicker than the Toyota Prius, the HS does not come close in terms of fuel economy with EPA city/highway ratings of 35/34 mpg, compared to the 51/48 figures of the Prius. In addition, it lacks the quietness that Lexus owners are accustomed to. Still, the long list of standard features which include a “lane-keep assist” feature, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, and swiveling headlamps, as well as a stylish interior with slick color combinations, will surely appeal to those seeking a car with Lexus quality and more efficiency.

2010 Lexus HS 250h

The brand new Lexus HS 250h is the first car to employ Toyota’s latest combined telematics support system – Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Lexus Enform adds a new dimension to driving, featuring a range of services from a nearest destination locator to streaming weather updates.

Lexus HS Cockpit

The Destination Assist system requires only a press of a button to connect the HS 250h driver to Toyota’s dedicated call center. The call center executive provides necessary information on the nearest points of interest and sends the entire route map wirelessly to the car’s navigation system.

The eDestination is another aspect of Lexus Enform driver’s assistance service. It allows Lexus-Enform subscribers access the internet while onboard; find and upload their preferred destination detail along with the route map in the hard drive of the vehicle’s electronics navigation system.

The Cockpit of the Future in the HS features Flexible Voice Interface – a voice recognition system that combines VoiceBox Technology and Conversational Voice Search to allow the HS 250h driver easier access and control through voice command.

Finally, to keep you up-to-date on the latest automobile technology and exclusive promotional events, Lexus Enform offers an optional Mobile Audio Cast feature with Lexus Insider.
Happy driving Lexus lovers!