Found this at www.marketingweek.co.uk

Lexus is planning to launch a hybrid version of every model in its range within two years in a move that experts say could revolutionise the car industry.

The Toyota-owned marque sells two hybrid models at present - the RX and the GS. It is launching a hybrid version of the LS later this year, and the two remaining models in its range - the SC and 3-series rival the IS - will be available as hybrids by 2009.

Lexus GB director Steve Settle says: "Our brand’s association with hybrids is very strong now and gives us a point of differentiation. We want to establish Lexus as the default brand for hybrids. Other manufacturers are saying that by 2009 they’ll have hybrid versions of certain models but by 2009 we’ll have a hybrid for every car in our range."

Toyota has led the way in hybrid technology with its Prius model and even the likes of Ford and General Motors announced plans for environmentally friendly cars at the Detroit Motor Show in January. Volkswagen claims its Blue Motion technology is an alternative way to cut CO2 emissions, while BMW is pioneering hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Professor Garel Rhys, director of the Institute of Automotive Industry Research, says Lexus’ plan, "is very much a sign of things to come. Hybrid vehicles will become commonplace but Toyota is in the vanguard. It is using Lexus as a test-bed for the rest of its empire to see whether hybrid technology will spread across all sectors."

Interesting!

 

4cyl hybrid with output of 200hp and some really good mpg numbers would be nice

 

Same here! Ill probably trade up!

 

hmm lets hypothetically say there is an IS300h (IS250+hybrid) and then t here is the IS350. Same amount of HP but the 300h will cost more, with the way the IS is tailored towards the younger audience I think it would be a hard sell for the 300h because i think there would be more sales for the 300. That's why I think the IS is perfect as is with a coupe only missing from the lineup.

 

The IS may get a "refurbishment" in '09, which means same chassis and body, but perhaps different lights, wheels, and body kit. The IS won't be completely redesigned until '11 or '12 (making it a 5-6 year run).

Other than that, the only "redesign" of the IS will come in coupe/convertible form. That's what I'm waiting for...

 

I'm definitely interested in a good hybrid IS.

 

Consider me interested!

 

i dont even have my is250 rwd yet, but if they were to come out with an Is250h i would definitely trade up, as long as power and drivability arent affected.

 

It'll probably be an IS250 Hybrid.

 

So long as the budget is right, i wouldnt mind getting a an IS coupe or hardtop vert too.

Light changes will no doubt involved tailight LEDs no doubt.

 

The current 2IS DOES have LED taillights...

 

Until Lexus get the lithium-ion batteries ready & safe to use in their cars, I don't want any Lexus hybrids.

 

I want it looking like the Accord, yah digg!

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed Lexus comes out with some sort of mid-priced hybrid. Toyota has stated that all their vehicles will by hybrid by some future date, so don't know what that means for Lexus.

I used to drive an SUV and the #1 reason for me getting rid of it was the social statement i felt it made. I've recently started to do many other things to be environmentally conscious and so thought driving an SUV was hypocritical.

I drove the Prius, finguring that would be a more apt social statement to make, but I just couldn't bring myself to shelling out $28k (for a totally loaded one) when I really didn't like the lack of luxury. The LS is a bit much, the RX is too mommy for me, and the GS, well, is a gorgeous car - but it's not exactly a hybrid for the eco-concious. (My husband is getting one, BTW. )

I think the market is missing a small sized luxury hybrid sedan. If they'd made the IS in a hybrid I would have been all over it. I'd trade mine in tomorrow for one.

 

I'd hope they would use Lithium Polymer or one of the newest alternatives.