Lexus HS250h

11th January 2009

Lexus has unveiled its smallest ever petrol electic powered hybrid car. Lining up alongside the powerful GS450h, and luxury LS600h comes the new HS250h.

This HS250h also features the firm's first four-cylinder engine – a 187hp 2.4-litre unit using the Atkinson cycle, coupled to a CVT gearbox.

This innovative unit not only sports an electric motor, but also uses variable valve timing to allow the power stroke of the engine’s cycle to be longer than the compression stroke. That means you get the maximum go for the minimum effort from the engine while using less fuel.

There are also clever things like exhaust heat recovery, to allow the engine to be switched off more often, special glass that repells the sun and LED lights, which use less power than ordinary bulbs.

Prices are still to be confirmed. However, despite the models appeal, the HS is not destined for Europe. Instead, the HS wil be offered exclusively to American drivers.

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