What would happen if Toyota donated the innards of the Camry Hybrid saloon to its luxury arm, Lexus? Well, this would: the HS 250h.
Rather than simply 'hybridising' the existing IS saloon, Lexus has seen fit to create a unique model in order to set apart the HS as the discerning choice for middle managers with a conscience. Due to go on sale in America at the end of this year - before reaching Europe in 2010 - the HS 250h sits between the IS and the GS model ranges, for those who either don't want or can't afford the new RX hybrid SUV.
Powered by a 2.4-litre VVT-i - Lexus's first ever four-cylinder engine - mated to the Lexus hybrid drive system found in the RX, the HS 250h generates 187bhp and debuts some impressive efficiency-improving measures.
For a start, over 30 percent of the interior is made of plant-based 'ecological plastic' - a low carbon, organic material, which Lexus claims reduces the HS 250h's total CO2 output by 20 percent from birth to scrap. It also has a system that reclaims heat from the exhaust as energy to reduce engine warm-up time and improve fuel economy.
A myriad of other efficiency tweaks - like engine start/stop, aerodynamic improvements, an infrared-ray reducing windshield (which stops the air-conditioning from working as hard to cool the cabin, reducing fuel consumption) and lights that use less energy - all combine to make this 30 percent more efficient than any other Lexus - according to the maker. It's not short on kit either, but you probably guessed that. Here's some video:
