Hybrid words and petrol action
Lexus showed off its hybrids at Sydney but it was its new petrol-engined IS250 that the crowd was talking about...Two hybrid luxury cars could join the Lexus ranks Down Under next year, however, it was not this annoucement but rather the unveiling of the maker's new 3 Series-challenging IS250 that grabbed the crowds' attention in Sydney.
The luxury GS450h hybrid saloon was confirmed for the Australian market by Toyota Australia chief, John Conomos. He appauled other makers' interest in developing hybrids but then pointedly told the industry-heavy crowd that Lexus already had such cars ready to roll.
The GS450h will arrive in the first half of 2006. The RX330-based SUV RX400h is, however, still under consideration.
According to Lexus, the GS450h will log a 0-100km/h time of less than six seconds thanks to its combination of a 225kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and high-tech electric motor. Lexus claims more power and torque than the equivalent V8-engined GS430 for the 450h, along with the fuel efficiency of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder sedan.
Much of the interest at the Lexus stand was focussed on the latest compact luxury market entrant. The all-new Lexus IS250 sports sedan was revealed at Sydney a month ahead of its Australian retail launch. The undeniably handsome four-door has the likes of BMW's 3 Series and Benz C-Class in its sights and features a direct-injection 2.5-litre V6.
According to Lexus, the IS250's chassis has been honed at the Nürburgring.
New technology in the three-car IS250 line includes: a world-first twin-chamber airbag, satellite navigation with 'breadcrumbing' function, new-generation Lexus rear vision camera with Rear Guide Assist, DVD player, portable audio device auxiliary port and customisable moonroof. Also featured are handsfree Bluetooth phone accessories, parking sonar, Adaptive front headlamps, Active Cruise Control and the Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS)
The LF-C concept vehicle was also shown. The concept vehicle, which according to Lexus was an inspiration for the new IS250, is built on a large rear-wheel-drive platform and is powered by a front-mounted V8 engine mated to a six-speed sequential automatic transmission.
CarPoint will publish it's launch impressions of the IS250 next month.
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