LexFather

Here is information on the rumored Lexus dedicated hybrid model from Mag-X. Set to be shown at the 09' NAIS Autoshow in a couple months.

Its tentatively dubbed the HS250h (the two "h"s are a bit redundant ); internally known as 818L. It'll be a relative of the Toyota "SAI" hybrid (internally 500L), and come with a 2.4L hybrid engine that is also in the Camry hybrid. The car will have a BMW i-drive-esque, LED headlights, etc. Expected to be released sometime in 09.

On somewhat related note:

Toyota is planning big changes for the next Camry. The base 2AR-engine will grow to 2.5L and the THSIII will be reduced in size and weight for the Hybrid model, which should offer more power and have better fuel efficiency.

The growth of the Camry brand will begin to focus on developing markets like Russia, China, and Asia. The next-gen Camry is expected to sell half as much next-gen Camrys in Japan then the current model. But Toyota targets to sell around a third-more Camry's globally, with much of the growth expected outside the North America. Toyota aims to sell 1 million Camrys globally.

It is expected that design-cues from the Toyota iQ will be carried over to the next Camry. Artist rendition below. Expected to be released in 2011.

RXSF

lol thats a toyota yaris

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Are you joking? No center guarges for one thing.

But I expect that 'picture' is just a guess.

JessePS

front what i can see from the view they give of the HS, the front will be similar to a Prius but the rear will be from an ES.

Guess we have to wait a good 2 years to see what it be really like. Hmm... do I wait or do I get a Toyota/Scion iQ

farquad

k the lexus better not look anything like that.. looks like a bubble echo

the camry looks promising

IntegresS

iTrader: (2)

You'll have to wait a good 2 years for the iQ as well It's not even a 100% for sure deal that we will get the iQ for the US at this point!

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

And that Camry rendering is the current Honda Accord...

SLegacy99

That 2.4L in a Lexus is a mistake. I say either the 2.5L V6 or I4. But, I'm sure this car was in development before the new 2.5L was finished.

herbvdh

IMHO I doubt they will use a 2.4 Liter I4 and call it a 250h doing some calculations based on the 400h with a 3.3 Liter V6 and getting .7 more for adding electric I would tend to go along with a 1.6 to 1.8 Liter. Also doing quick comparisons to the 600h power system it comes out with about 4.7 I do not know what the gas engine is in the 600h. At one time I heard a rumor to a 1.6 Liter in the Prius time will tell.
I CONFESS I LIKE IT!!! one problem I need All Wheel Drive.

Threxx

I thought the little Lexus hybrid was going to have its roots in the Prius... so why would it be using a Camry 4-cyl? Seems like that wouldn't get as good of mileage. Then again maybe they're shooting for 200+ horsepower with mileage somewhere between Camry Hybrid and Prius range?

pandy_88

iTrader: (2)

thats a yaris model ? lol looks the same but LS exhaust

LexFather

Mag X actually has been pretty good at renderings.....the HS will be more of a sedan, if not a full sedan and not a hatch like the Prius. It will look more "traditional".

I do wonder why no ES hybrid, since it has a huge trunk (for a battery).

spwolf

it is not an "Camry" 2.4l, it is global large petrol engine used in many vehicles, and I am sure it will be 2.5 GR and not 2.4l which is being phased out...

SLegacy99

And much of the engineering has already been done on the RX that would be neccessary for an ES400h.

spwolf

i am pretty sure it would end up being version of Camry Hybrid and not RX.

And who said it is actually not in the works? In fact, I am sure it is...

I expect Toyota to be aggressive with adding hybrid powertrain option to most of their current models, or they would not double they production capacity in 2010...