A few months back at the LA Auto Show, where Lexus introduced the world to its latest RX450h hybrid crossover, the automaker was not yet ready to reveal its price or fuel mileage ratings. Things are still a bit hazy on the pricing front, but we do have some preliminary mileage data to share, along with an entire novel's worth of incremental detail changes that all add up to create a better hybrid. First, the mileage: an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 27 mph highway (26 mpg for the AWD), which is an 8-12 percent improvement of the old RX400h. We couldn't possibly cover the minutiae nearly as well as Lexus has already done, so check past the break for the entire press release.

The other salient details include a new exhaust heat-recovery system that helps the hybrid perform better in cold temperatures, a new ECO driving mode and a new EV drive mode that allows the RX to run on electricity alone with zero emissions under certain circumstances. All this and a 20 percent boost in power... sounds like a winner so far. Expect to see the new RX450h on dealer lots in a few months time, and look for pricing information closer to the launch date.


[Source: Lexus]

We're anxiously awaiting the debut of the Lexus HS250h dedicated hybrid model at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, but we can at least tide ourselves over with a few spy shots of the sedan being tested in all of its camo'd glory. As we can clearly see, this is not a hatchback like the Prius - which Lexus is also expected to get a version of - but a sedan, complete with the trunk out back that most Americans seem to prefer. We're still unclear on exactly what will power the new sedan, though a version of the Camry Hybrid's 2.4L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and hybrid system seems a distinct possibility. Alternatively, an enlarged version of the new Prius' powerplant could be used.

A Toyota version of the HS250h is also expected that will likely use the same powerplant but get fewer luxury goods to go along with its lower price. Expect a nickel metal hydride battery pack and fuel mileage in the 40s.

[Source: Left Lane News]

The relationship between Lexus and its hybrid-only line has been speculated about for some time. The high-end Toyota brand has now confirmed that the HS250h, the first dedicated hybrid Lexus model, will be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in concept form. We've seen a rendering (above) of what this vehicle might look like, but we'll most likely have to wait until the Lexus press conference to see the real deal. The Lexus website is nothing but a tease at this point.

As for when the HS250h might hit sales floors, Paul Tan says it'll be in North American showrooms in about a year. The car should have a 2.4 liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine and probably the same hybrid setup as the Toyota Camry hybrid. Car and Driver estimates the HS250h will get somewhere around 40 mpg.

[Source: Car and Driver, Paul Tan]

Ten years after introducing the "car-based luxury utility vehicle segment," Lexus unveiled its latest hybrid, the 2010 RX 450h, today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The second-gen RX 450h uses a 3.5 liter V6 gas engine (Atkinson cycle) and an upgraded inverter for a total of 295 hp in a luxury SULEV package. It's so luxury you can read the blindingly bright heads-up display even in direct sunlight, Lexus claims. Available with FWD or part-time all-wheel drive, the RX 450h gets XX mpg. No, that's not a typo. Lexus isn't saying that the mileage or the price is for this new model, but we'll find out by spring 2009 at the latest. That's when this new hybrid goes on sale. Press release after the jump.



Live photos copyright ©2008 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Lexus]

For 2009, Lexus thought that lower is better. The new IS models coming to the UK will cost less than their current counterparts and, more importantly, will have lowered CO₂ emissions in the new IS 220d. This model, with a 2.2-liter diesel engine, goes from 168 g/km to 163. Not a whole heaping lot, to be sure, but at least it's something. And, in the UK, that little something is worth £25 a year because the 220d will drop into a less costly tax band. The IS 250 will still weigh in at a hefty 231g/km with a manual transmission and 214g/km with an automatic. Overall, Lexus is dropping prices by up to £1,000 on certain IS models; you can find the full list after the jump.


[Source: Lexus]

We've known since last January that Toyota will debut a pair of hybrid cars at the next Detroit Auto show. One is the replacement for the current Prius, while the other is a Lexus-badged car sharing the same architecture. Japanese magazine Mag-X has renderings of what they expect the Lexus HS250h to look like. If they are correct it will be a sort of mini version of the current IS with the short deck and sloping nose of the Prius. The magazine is claiming the Lexus will use a 2.4L four cylinder with the hybrid drive system rather than the 1.8L in the Prius. While the Lexus would likely get a larger engine. it's not known if the company will go that large. Meanwhile Toyota is apparently not ignoring the challenge posed by the new Ford Fusion hybrid which the Dearborn automaker is claiming will beat the current Camry's fuel economy by 5 mpg. A redesigned Camry is due for 2011 which will inherit the updated hybrid hardware from the new Prius, reducing the cost and improving mileage. If the image is accurate it too will also get a bolder looking front end than the current Camry.


[Source: VW Vortex]

We know Lexus is planning on introducing the RX-series at the LA Auto Show in a few weeks. Over at Autospies, they got their hands on some scans of what appears to be a Japanese brochure of the new 2010 RX450h and RX350. Reaction is mixed, but these modern station wagons for the suburb set don't look all that bad to me. There are some similarities to the LF-Xh concept, but mostly the unique qualities of that vehicle have been tuned down. The asymmetrical dash (see it after the jump) is particularly interesting. We'll know more when we get to LA and get a peek of exactly what Lexus has in store for us. Until then, see more grainy scanned images of the likely hybrid RX450h and the RX350 over at Autospies.

[Source: Autospies]

Lexus is set to bring its 2010 RX-series of crossover utility vehicles to the LA Auto Show, including an updated hybrid model. Details are scarce, but there may be a clue or two we can glean from the LF-Xh concept that was shown back in late 2007 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Recent spy shots indicate that the new 'ute won't differ all that much styling-wise from the current model, so don't expect anything as radical as the LF-Xh concept, but we'd expect to see the lines smoothed out even more than they currently are. The hybrid system is likely to be at least mildly revamped and could possibly get an EV mode akin to the one that its Highlander hybrid sibling got when it was redesigned and introduced at the Chicago Auto Show. We'll be in LA to bring you the goods live.


[Source: The Car Connection]

Just the other day, Lexus' European head Andy Pfeiffenberger said that Lexus is in the hybrid market for the long term. The Japanese automaker is following Toyota, its owner, into the gas/electric waters head first with no plans to back out any time soon. In fact, a report in Japan's Nikkei newspaper suggests that Lexus would consider a line of vehicles solely powered by hybrid drivetrains. It's true that Lexus sales have slowed down rather dramatically in the last few months, a fact that Toyota blames on the global economic slowdown. Apparently, the Japanese giant believes that offering more hybrid models could be just what the doctor ordered to boost its lagging sales. Still, it would take years to make this transition happen. In the mean time, Lexus is planning on launching a few more models with hybrid power, most notably (as far as we know) a Lexus-ized version of Toyota's hugely successful Prius, a third generation of which is set to debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

Lexus big boss in Europe Andy Pfeiffenberger was interviewed by news agency Europa Press and discussed the future of the brand and his perspectives on the auto industry. First and foremost, Pfeiffenberger stated that hybrids are here to stay: they aren't just going to be mated to gasoline engines, they can be used for virtually all powertrains, including hydrogen, and he stated that that's where the future is. Speaking about the future of the auto market, he said that Lexus was ready for a more difficult market. CO₂ regulations in Europe have placed the marque ahead of the competition, although sales have dropped by 11 percent. Last, but not least, he announced a new subcompact model to compete against the BMW 1-Series or the Audi A3, a segment where Lexus doesn't have a presence, currently. Just for fun, we checked out how the Lexus badge looks on an Auris, Toyota's subcompact hatchback on sale in Europe. Like it? Edited: Thanks to Joaquin for noticing the wrong link.

[Source: Europa Press]

It's been rumored and alluded to so many times that we just began accepting it as fact, and now it is: Toyota has confirmed that Lexus will indeed get a version of the Toyota Prius. Based on the third-generation of the Prius hatchback that is set to debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show, the Lexus is expected to be a bit less fuel efficient, a bit more sporty and a lot more opulent. We have no idea what Toyota's luxury division will charge for its new hybrid, but it'll definitely be sold for a premium over its Toyota sibling.

A second dedicated hybrid model will join the new Lexus Prius. Lexus officials in Paris for the Motor Show have confirmed that it will not be sold in Europe alongside its upmarket Prius, which will show up in Europe in 2010. The reason? Its carbon emissions will be too high, which doesn't exactly bode well for fuel efficiency. One more salient detail was slipped, the third-gen Prius will emit 92 g/km of CO₂, and a new low-emissions version will have CO₂ emissions of 89g/km, which does indeed bode well for its mileage. We'll see how all of this translates early next year.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Lexus doesn't have a good history with the ads for its hybrid SUVs in Europe. Not too long ago, Toyota got into trouble for running the slogan "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT" in reference to its Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV. The marque is back in the Advertising Standards Authority's doghouse for another ad for the same vehicle. Here's the wording that got banned: "THE LEXUS RX 400h. PERFECT FOR TODAY'S CLIMATE, (AND TOMORROW'S)" Under that text, it says, "Driving the world's first luxury hybrid SUV makes environmental, and economic, sense."

Four complaints brought the ad to the ASA's attention, and the body deemed that Lexus was misleading customers into thinking that the vehicle has low emissions in comparison to all other vehicles. Toyota claims, though, that it was only comparing the SUV with other vehicles in its class. No dice. Because the RX 400h sports 192g/km of carbon emissions, it ain't helping the climate any. The ad was banned and subsequently revised, as you can see in the picture above.

[Source: The Guardian]

How can you win a free Lexus hybrid? Easy. Well, it's easy to enter the contest, anyway.

If you're in the UK, just visit a Lexus dealer next weekend (September 6 and 7) and ask for a test drive. Lexus' dealers will be glad to show you the GS 450h, the LS 600h and, of course, the RX 400h. After the ride you can put your name into the running for a prize drawing for a gratis "365-day test drive" in a Lexus RX 400h (terms and conditions apply). What does that mean in simple English? You can win a RX 400h free for one year. I doubt you'll be to put some police decals on it, but that would add some fun.

[Source: Lexus UK]

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Lexus is hedging its bets with the British cops. At the annual National Police Fleet Managers conference that will take place in early September in the UK, the luxury automaker wants police fleets to seriously consider its hybrid vehicles - the RX 400h and the GS 450h, both of which will be presented in police livery - but is also bringing along the standard (i.e., non-hybrid) line-up. The company is trying to sell this as a way to demonstrate "the strength in depth of the Lexus brand," but I can't help but think that this is really just and admission that Lexus' hybrid prices are a bit too high. Lexus' PR release is after the jump, but the only worthwhile line is this one:

For police and other public and emergency service users, Lexus hybrid power delivers premium quality and proven reliability with more attractive running costs and better environmental performance than many of its premium segment rivals.

It's not that law enforcement and alternative fuels can't go together (see the E85 Interceptors), but do police really need a premium, luxury vehicle to do their duty?

[Source: Lexus]

Click above for complete high-res gallery

Pebble Beach is known for its uber-luxury resorts as well as holding one of the finest car events, the Concours d'Elegance. In order to celebrate its partnership, Lexus is going to launch fifty LS 600h flagship luxury sedans, as well as 300 SC 430 hardtop convertibles. The special edition LS 600h includes special exterior paint, pampering alabaster and black leather trim interior with Dark Grey Bird's-eye maple wood trim (not that this sounds all that green). The LS includes also a new security device, the Advanced Pre-Collision System (APCS), which detects pedestrians in the vehicle's path, as well as a driver Monitor System that helps warn drivers if it senses an obstacle ahead of the car and that the driver's head is not facing forward. The LS 600h L is the fourth vehicle model to receive a Pebble Beach Edition package and it'll be on sale in October.


[Source: Lexus]