Upcoming Lexus IS hybrid to feature a 2.0L I-4 engine?
05-04-07, 05:41 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Upcoming Lexus IS hybrid to feature a 2.0L I-4 engine?
Very interesting that the 187hp Camry Hybrid has a 2.4L engine while the IS Hybrid may get only a 2.0L with most likely even less total output. But hey, if a smaller engine means the ability to cram the batteries in the engine bay and free up the trunk space, I'm all for it.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/225445/
Autocar - Hybrid Lexus supercar on the way
The world’s first hybrid supercar is a step closer to being revealed by Lexus at October’s Tokyo motor show.
Senior Lexus executives have revealed that “our plan is for every Lexus model to have a hybrid version” a statement that also opens the way for a hybrid IS model, a development that would add an edge to Lexus’s battle with established European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes.
The news leaked out at the European launch of the newest Lexus hybrid - the flagship LS600h saloon – at the end of April, confirming Autocar’s prediction in 2006 that the Lexus supercar would be hybrid powered.
Already previewed by two concepts, each badged LF-A, the Lexus supercar is expected to feature a variant of the LS600h’s V8-based hybrid.
Billed as offering “V12 performance with the economy of a V8”, the LS 600h features a 388bhp 5.0-litre V8 and 221bhp electric motor combining to make 439bhp.
In the LF-A, the technology may need to be upgraded to give a total output closer to 500bhp – when the hybrid would match the rumoured output of the V10 engine said to power a more conventional version of the LF-A.
To make the IS saloon fit Lexus’s strategic vision, a hybrid version of that car would likely have a four-cylinder petrol engine to give the performance of a V6 with the economy of a four-cylinder.
“But the question is how we develop a four-cylinder hybrid,” says Lexus.
The Toyota Prius uses a four-cylinder engine, but of only 1.5-litre capacity and transversely-mounted.
An IS hybrid would need an engine of around two litres capacity and the electrical hardware and batteries be packaged around an in-line engine and rear-drive gearbox and axle.
Hybrid sales are booming in Europe, with 30 per cent of Lexus sales this year expected to be petrol/electric powered.
The hybrid-powered RX 4x4 will overshadow conventional engine models in the UK this year, taking 80 per cent of sales.
Sales of the GS450h hybrid saloon in the UK are set to overtake last year’s 624 units. In the first three months of the year, 234 have been registered.
http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/225445/
Autocar - Hybrid Lexus supercar on the way
The world’s first hybrid supercar is a step closer to being revealed by Lexus at October’s Tokyo motor show.
Senior Lexus executives have revealed that “our plan is for every Lexus model to have a hybrid version” a statement that also opens the way for a hybrid IS model, a development that would add an edge to Lexus’s battle with established European luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes.
The news leaked out at the European launch of the newest Lexus hybrid - the flagship LS600h saloon – at the end of April, confirming Autocar’s prediction in 2006 that the Lexus supercar would be hybrid powered.
Already previewed by two concepts, each badged LF-A, the Lexus supercar is expected to feature a variant of the LS600h’s V8-based hybrid.
Billed as offering “V12 performance with the economy of a V8”, the LS 600h features a 388bhp 5.0-litre V8 and 221bhp electric motor combining to make 439bhp.
In the LF-A, the technology may need to be upgraded to give a total output closer to 500bhp – when the hybrid would match the rumoured output of the V10 engine said to power a more conventional version of the LF-A.
To make the IS saloon fit Lexus’s strategic vision, a hybrid version of that car would likely have a four-cylinder petrol engine to give the performance of a V6 with the economy of a four-cylinder.
“But the question is how we develop a four-cylinder hybrid,” says Lexus.
The Toyota Prius uses a four-cylinder engine, but of only 1.5-litre capacity and transversely-mounted.
An IS hybrid would need an engine of around two litres capacity and the electrical hardware and batteries be packaged around an in-line engine and rear-drive gearbox and axle.
Hybrid sales are booming in Europe, with 30 per cent of Lexus sales this year expected to be petrol/electric powered.
The hybrid-powered RX 4x4 will overshadow conventional engine models in the UK this year, taking 80 per cent of sales.
Sales of the GS450h hybrid saloon in the UK are set to overtake last year’s 624 units. In the first three months of the year, 234 have been registered.
05-12-07, 10:04 AM
#4
Save it for Toyota; don't even offer it for a Lexus...
Also, I would be disappointed to see a heavier and slower IS than the IS250.
The technology is great. However, placing it with the IS is not the best idea. Might as well save it for the Corolla/Matrix or a "sport" Prius or something...
The technology is great. However, placing it with the IS is not the best idea. Might as well save it for the Corolla/Matrix or a "sport" Prius or something...
05-12-07, 10:06 AM
#5
Super Moderator
We knew that since the GS450h was launched that you can't just add the 2 up to come up with the equivalent hp figure . . .
05-12-07, 10:08 AM
#6
Super Moderator
05-13-07, 06:35 PM
#7
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05-18-07, 11:32 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
07-15-07, 06:20 PM
#11
Hmmm. Wonder when they are planning to launch the new IS hybrid? I said awhile back that my goal was to reach 200k on my '94 SC400, which I now have surpassed. I'm lucky to get 20 mpg in the old SC these days with all the city driving I do. I've always liked the look and size of the new IS and the Lexus has been the best car I have ever owned, hands down. A hybrid IS would be PERFECT!!!!
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