Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Hitting the SEMA Show floors next week will be an array of customized Lexus hybrid models. The Japanese firm's lineup in Las Vegas will include the RX 450h SUV tuned by Paul Tolson, a race-spec GS 450h sedan, the VIP Auto Salon-prepped HS 250h sedan and two modified LS 600h L limos.

Lexus will also show off the CT 200h F-Sport concept fitted with 18-inch wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero Nero 225/40 tires, a big brake kit with cross drilled rotors and an adjustable sport suspension. Full details and pictures after the break.

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READ MORE - Lexus bringing Five Customized Hybrids Plus CT 200h F-Sport to SEMA Show

Lexus Stops Deliveries and May Recall HS 250h after NHTSA Tests Find that Rear-End Crash Leads to Excessive Fuel Spill

[Updated] Toyota has just issued an official release stating its intention to stop deliveries and conduct a voluntary safety recall of around 17,000 examples of the 2010MY Lexus HS 250h hybrids to address the NHTSA's concerns over the excessive amounts of gasoline that were leaked during a standard rear-end crash test performed by the safety agency.

The Japanese automaker said that during the Lexus HS 250h's development phase it had tested the hybrid car using the same protocol and found the vehicles to comply fully with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301.

"Even though our own testing of the Lexus HS 250h shows full compliance with federal fuel system integrity standards, we are working intensely to duplicate the noncompliance issue that the NHTSA identified and to determine the reason behind the different test results," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. Full press statement after the jump.

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READ MORE - Lexus Stops Deliveries and May Recall HS 250h after NHTSA Tests Find that Rear-End Crash Leads to Excessive Fuel Spill

Lexus Stops Deliveries and May Recall HS 250h after NHTSA Tests Find that Rear-End Crash Leads to Excessive Fuel Spill

[Updated] Toyota has just issued an official release stating its intention to stop deliveries and conduct a voluntary safety recall of around 17,000 examples of the 2010MY Lexus HS 250h hybrids to address the NHTSA's concerns over the excessive amounts of gasoline that were leaked during a standard rear-end crash test performed by the safety agency.

The Japanese automaker said that during the Lexus HS 250h's development phase it had tested the hybrid car using the same protocol and found the vehicles to comply fully with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301.

"Even though our own testing of the Lexus HS 250h shows full compliance with federal fuel system integrity standards, we are working intensely to duplicate the noncompliance issue that the NHTSA identified and to determine the reason behind the different test results," said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. Full press statement after the jump.

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READ MORE - Lexus Stops Deliveries and May Recall HS 250h after NHTSA Tests Find that Rear-End Crash Leads to Excessive Fuel Spill

TRD Releases First Upgrades for Toyota Sai Hybrid

Toyota's budget version of the Lexus HS 250h, the new Sai Hybrid, just went on sale in Japan in the beginning of the month, but the automaker's TRD division has already lined up some subtle visual and performance upgrades for the sedan. In addition to the selection of aero bits, TRD has also released a new grille insert, a sport suspension kit, specific oil and fuel caps as well as a choice of 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels available in various designs.

The Japan-only Sai sedan, which made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this past October, features the same gasoline-electric hybrid system as the Lexus HS 250h.

The 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder is linked to an electric motor and a battery pack achieving a total system output of 190HP. A continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive round out the drivetrain.

READ MORE - TRD Releases First Upgrades for Toyota Sai Hybrid

Lexus Prices 2010 HS 250h Hybrid from $34,200

The first dedicated hybrid model from Lexus, the 2010 HS 250h will arrive at U.S. dealerships in late August with prices set at $34,200 for the base model and $36,970 for the better equipped Premium version. In both cases buyers will have to pay an additional delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. Standard features include leather-trimmed seats, a 10-speaker, 137-watt audio system with a CD changer, 17-inch alloys and 10 airbags.

The HS 250h Premium model adds heated/ventilated front seats trimmed in semi-aniline leather, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield and genuine wood interior trim plus a new memory system that allows individual driver settings for seat, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, outside mirrors and air conditioning settings to be recalled automatically by individual key fobs.

The HS 250h features a 147HP 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine and a 40HP electric motor which generate a combined output for 187HP. Power is channeled to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). According to Lexus, the hybrid sedan received EPA-estimated ratings of 35 mpg city and 34 mpg on the highway for a combined 35 mpg utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.

READ MORE - Lexus Prices 2010 HS 250h Hybrid from $34,200

Video: Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Presentation from NAIAS

The Prius' success as a standalone hybrid model prompted Lexus to introduce its own dedicated hybrid, the all-new HS 250h luxury sedan. At 184.8-in / 4.693 long, its longer than the IS but shorter than the ES 350. Power comes from the same Atkinson-cycle, 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine used in the Toyota Camry Hybrid for a combined output (gasoline engine and electric motor) of 187HP. Lexus has not released EPA ratings, but it supports that the HS 250h will deliver more than 30-percent better fuel economy than the most efficient model in its current lineup. Hit the jump to watch the live presentation from the Detroit Show.

READ MORE - Video: Lexus HS 250h Hybrid Presentation from NAIAS

2010 Lexus HS 250h: Dedicated Hybrid Sedan with 187HP 4-Cylinder Engine

Revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new HS 250h is Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model as well as the first to future a four-cylinder gas engine. Seeing the first photos of the HS 250h we couldn't avoid making a comparison - in terms of design- with the European market 2009 Toyota Avensis. The two front-wheel drive saloons share many design cues like the small, triangular shaped extension of the front window as well as the overall shape of the car.

Furthermore, they share the same wheelbase length (106.3-in.) and have similar exterior dimensions. And oh, they also get the same steering wheel. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not... Overall, the HS 250h isn't going to win any beauty pageants, which is a pity as Lexus had the chance to create a unique hybrid vehicle that would stand out from the crowd.

Slightly longer than the IS and taller than both the IS and ES, the Audi-A4 sized HS 250h fits between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan. Power comes from Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system mated to Lexus' first four-cylinder gas engine, a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle unit, for a total output of 187 HP. As you may have already guessed, power is driven to the front wheels through an electronically controlled continiouslt variable transmission (CVT).

The Japanese automaker said that the HS 250h sedan's expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup.

Sales of the all-new 2010 HS 250h will begin in the States in late summer.

2010 HS 250h PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

2010 HS 250h
Total Hybrid System Horsepower	187 hp
Engine	2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission	Transmission Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Seating Capacity	5
Width (inches)	70.3
Height (inches)	59.3
Overall Length (inches)	184.8
Wheelbase (inches)	106.3
Driven Wheels	FWD
Wheels	17x7.0 w/ P215/55R17 or 18x7.5 w/ P225/45R18 (Optional)
Emissions Rating	SULEV

READ MORE - 2010 Lexus HS 250h: Dedicated Hybrid Sedan with 187HP 4-Cylinder Engine

2010 Lexus HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Confirmed for Detroit Show

We've been hearing rumors about Lexus' first dedicated hybrid model for quite a while now, but today, the Japanese automaker officially confirmed that the all-new HS 250h will make its worldwide debut at next month's 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Lexus has not disclosed any official information whatsoever on the HS 250h, but according to the grapevine, the dedicated hybrid sedan will be similar in size to the company's IS Sedan.

Sources also suggest that the HS 250h will be initially launched in 2009 with conventional nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, but will switch to lithium-ion cells by the end of 2010. Stay tuned on Carscoop for more details on the highly anticipated Lexus hybrid model.

Pics: Mag-X

READ MORE - 2010 Lexus HS 250h Dedicated Hybrid Sedan Confirmed for Detroit Show