The 2010 HS 250h's Efficiency

In keeping with Lexus' commitment to minimizing its impact on the environment, the HS 250h was designed to lead its segment in overall efficiency. As a result, the HS 250h not only delivers outstanding fuel efficiency, it also showcases groundbreaking eco-friendly technology.

• With fuel economy ratings of 35/34/35 (City/Highway/Combined), the HS 250h is 50% more fuel efficient than its near luxury competitors. An example of the impact of these savings is shown below:

• The HS has earned a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) rating, meaning it emits 70% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car. It is also 8 times cleaner than any clean diesel
• Efficiency is further enhanced by the Electronically-Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). Unlike typical automatic transmissions that have a fixed number of gear combinations, the hybrid's ECVT allows for virtually unlimited combinations, maximizing the powertrain's efficiency and allowing the driver to enjoy smoother acceleration than is possible with conventional transmissions
• The 2010 HS 250h features an Exhaust Heat-Recovery System which reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. This feature alone accounts for as much as a 7% increase in fuel efficiency at low temperatures. An additional benefit is that the cabin will heat up more quickly during cold starts
• The HS features a regenerative braking system that captures excess energy when the vehicle is decelerating or braking; this energy is converted to electric energy for recharging the battery which is used to power the vehicle. An added benefit of this technology is decreased brake wear, allowing customers to save on maintenance throughout the life of the vehicle compared to its competitors

Normal mode - Provides linear throttle action that delivers naturally progressive power

Eco mode – Increases fuel mileage by seamlessly reducing accelerator inputs and reducing air conditioning load. Under full throttle conditions, power is not reduced

Power mode - Emphasizes responsive acceleration performance

EV mode - Allows the vehicle to be driven up to 23 MPH using only the electric motors, with an emphasis on quietness while reducing emissions. Under ideal conditions, this system will allow the vehicle to travel over one mile under electric power. Once the battery is drained, the vehicle will automatically return to normal mode

• To make efficient driving easier, a hybrid power meter shows instantaneous eco-driving status, while a green ECO indicator light rewards you when you are driving efficiently

Amazingly, the car is incredibly efficient while utilizing “Regular” 87 octane gasoline

Our Commitment to the Future Extends Beyond Our Vehicles…

The HS 250h has signalled to the world that Lexus is serious about combining technologically advanced vehicles while incorporating environmentally friendly design and operation. This philosphy extends beyond the vehicles we produce, and is reflected in nearly all areas of our day-to-day operations. A few examples of our efforts to control our impact on the environment are listed below.

Marketing Materials: Lexus uses 30% post-consumer waste for all of our brochures. This is a significant amount considering most of our competitors use 10% post-consumer waste paper products.

Philanthropy: Lexus sponsors the $1 Million Lexus Eco Challenge to inspire the next generation to take action toward improving the environment. In its first year, more than 3,500 middle- and high-school students tackled issues ranging from recycling solutions and water pollution, to alternative energy and emissions reduction. $1 million in prizes were awarded to student teams, including two $50,000 grand prizes.

Electronic Waste: Lexus launched the “Keep IT Green” program in 1999 to recycle all sales and logistics IT electronic equipment throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. This program has diverted over 2.6 million pounds of equipment from landfills. In addition, many Lexus locations have made arrangements for employees to bring electronics from home to be recycled, resulting in more than 40,000 pounds of equipment being processed.

Promoting Advanced Dealership Design: When new dealership facilities are built, our Retail Market Development teams consult with the dealership throughout the process. As a part of their efforts, dealerships are provided with best practices and resources used by other dealerships that have incorporated green building design. One of the most common applications used in new facilities is advanced roofing construction These materials can significantly reduce solar heat gain and lessen the load on air conditioning systems. As a result, indoor air quality at the dealership is improved while operating and maintenance costs are reduced.

Toyota and Lexus Claim Top Honors for 2010 Models

Resale value is a common concern of car buyers, especially with the economy in it's current state. Accordingly, car buyers might be interested to know that Kelley Blue Book's 2010 Residual Value Study has given the Lexus brand its Best Resale Value Award for luxury brands.

Read the full press release below for more information.

KELLEY BLUE BOOK RELEASES 2010 RESIDUAL VALUE ANALYSIS

Toyota and Lexus Claim Top Honors for 2010 Models, U.S. Brands Improve Resale Values

IRVINE, Calif., December 2, 2009 - Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of vehicle values and forecasts, today announces the 2010 model-year vehicles projected to retain the greatest amount of their original retail prices after five years of ownership. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are a reflection of current vehicle data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition in each segment, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book's team of statisticians, economists and pricing analysts.

Using information gained from Kelley Blue Book's analytical and predictive models for both new- and used-vehicle values and its economic forecasts, the company determined one overall brand and one luxury brand as having the best projected overall resale value across their respective 2010 fleets, named resale value leaders in 16 major vehicle segments, and honored the top 10 overall residual value leaders for 2010.

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND
Toyota

2010 BEST RESALE VALUE: LUXURY BRAND
Lexus

The HS 250's Heads-up Display

The HS 250h is designed to appeal to a forward-thinking, modern buyer. Naturally, they expect the latest technology. The Technology Package equipped HS 250h delivers, offering an outstanding array of advanced features. During the test drive and vehicle demonstration, the heads-up display will be one of the most prominent advanced features that customers will be exposed to, so it's important to understand how the system works. An overview of its functionality is shown below:

• The Heads-up Display system on the HS 250h can project simple navigation directions, audio information, climate information, warning alerts (Pre-Collision, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Radar Cruise Control), and vehicle speed on the windshield, so the driver can spend more time focused on the road ahead.

• Unlike other Heads-up Display systems that provide intersection names (requiring the driver to locate street signs), the navigation directions on the system in the HS Hybrid display a countdown of the remaining distance before an action needs to be taken, and animates an arrow that guides the driver intuitively through turns. The system will even animate turn arrows, reminding distracted drivers they are approaching a turn.

• The Heads-up Display (HUD) system even helps keep the driver's eyes focused on the road by putting what's at their fingertips right in front of them. It's a feat that is accomplished by touch sensors built into the steering wheel. When the driver touches any of the five steering-wheel-mounted controls, these sensors mimic the finger's movements on the HUD screen, displaying the buttons the driver is touching so they can select functions without looking down.

Our Commitment to the Future – Responsible Manufacturing and the HS 250h

From the onset, the HS 250h was developed to showcase Lexus' industry-leading environmentally friendly technology. The result of our efforts extends far beyond harmful emissions and fuel consumption reduction; several of our accomplishments are listed below:
Plant-derived Materials: Lexus has taken great strides toward increasing the use of natural materials in both hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles. In fact, over 30% of the HS 250’s interior and trunk plastics are made from plant-derived materials. Kenaf, a highly sustainable grass plant similar to bamboo, is used inside the doors, seatbacks and rear parcel shelf. The seat foam of the HS is produced using oil derived from castor seeds. These innovations contribute to a 33% reduction in harmful CO2 over the life cycle of the HS 250h.

Recyclability: In addition to the environmental impact of vehicle production, Lexus designs vehicles with a careful eye on how they will one day be disposed. To that end, over 85% of the HS 250h is recyclable, including both its hybrid and conventional accessory batteries.

Reusing Vehicle Waste: When seat cushions, floor mats and roof liners are made, the leftover pieces are used as sound insulation in the doors, roof, floor and chassis. Any extra waste is burned in an incinerator with 85% thermal efficiency. This process generates electricity and steam which help power the manufacturing process. Our engineers also developed a special plastic called TSOP that can be recycled indefinitely. Used in everything from bumpers to dashboards, the TSOP formula has been made available to every auto manufacturer.

Reducing Energy and Water Usage: Lexus, as part of Toyota Motor Sales., USA, Inc., is involved in a company-wide effort to reduce energy and water usage in all operations. By fiscal year 2011, the company plans to reduce energy consumption of U.S. facilities by 18% when compared to fiscal year 2001. In fact, we have already reduced our consumption by 27% over the past 10 years.

Zero Landfill Status: Every Lexus manufacturing site maintains near zero-landfill status, meaning that 98% of manufacturing waste is recycled, repurposed or used to generate additional energy. Even more impressive, the U.S. sales headquarters campus for Lexus has achieved zero-landfill status.

The advanced technology used in the construction of the HS 250h extends all of the way to the window glass.

A few examples of the technology that Lexus built into the glass of the HS are listed below.

• Infrared Reducing Coatings - All of the HS 250’s windows feature an infrared reducing layer that cuts out over 50% of Infrared light. This not only produces greater comfort by reducing cabin heat, but improves overall fuel efficiency due to decreased loads on the air conditioning system.
• Acoustic Laminated Windshield - The HS is also equipped with a feature that is normally reserved for premier luxury vehicles; two layers of windshield glass that sandwiches an advanced noise reducing laminate. This special process reduces the amount of road and engine noise that is transferred to the cabin, improving the luxury experience.
• Water-Repellent Side Glass - The front side window glass features a coating which repels water better than standard glass. The result is vastly improved visibility in wet conditions, improving driver safety.
• UV Resistant Coatings - All of the HS 250h's windows feature an ultraviolet resistant coating which cuts out over 90% of UV light, reducing exposure to the harmful effects of the sun. The windshield will actually cut out 100% of UV light.
  

Although it's safe to say most people don't think about the glass used in their vehicle, Lexus owners can brag about theirs! Because at Lexus, through our philosophy of pursuing perfection, we have been able to improve even the smallest details. The result is an even higher level of luxury and safety provided by the 2010 Lexus HS 250h.

Noise ,Vibration and Harshness: The HS 250h’s Assault on Physics!

In any vehicle, Noise, Vibration and Harshness dilute the luxury experience. At Lexus, we utilize state of the art technology to develop vehicles that isolate our customers from these elements. The HS 250h is no exception; a few special techniques used by our engineers are discussed below:

a. Underbody moldings smooth airflow and reduce noise-creating aerodynamic drag

b. The unique A-pillar design smoothes airflow and quiets the cabin

c. Non-woven fabric fender liners reduce wheel well noise

d. Plastic engine cowlings reduce engine noise
e. Reinforced dash cross members, rigid floor beams and optimized ribbing reduce vibration and harshness from the road
f. Triple layer door seals reduce road noise
g. Special hood and fender seals reduce engine noise

Lexus HS 250h Aerodynamics

From the onset, ambitious goals were set requiring designers to work with aerodynamicists to create a low-drag form in an attractive, spacious, yet compact package. Their work yielded a top in class 0.27 coefficient of drag, which makes a considerable contribution to fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. Highlighted below are several features which contribute to the HS 250’s exceptional aerodynamic efficiency:

• Smooth transitions along the front fender and a-pillars avoid disturbance of the airflow
• Subtle front and rear bumper spoilers and a rear lip spoiler contribute to low drag and minimize lift
• The body’s sides taper from the center pillar to the rear where they meet slightly kicked out tail lamps, helping reduce drag-inducing wake turbulence
• The roof features a gull-wing shape which enabled designers to lower its profile to reduce air resistance. By adding in a naturally stiff shape, designers were also able to reduce its thickness, further reducing weight
• Several measures were also taken under the car to promote airflow and reduce drag: diffuser fins and smooth underbody trays reduce drag and while enhancing straight line control

The benefit of this attention to aerodynamic efficiency is outstanding fuel economy (the HS is 50% more fuel efficient than its near-luxury competitors), a quieter ride, and improved vehicle stability at high speeds.

The Lexus 2010 HS at Lexus of Watertown