A Hybide in each Lexus Version

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

Lexus has the right idea... they just have a ways to go, and the idea is more of a gamble than a typically solid Lexus technology.

With the GS as an example, I consider the GS350 much more appealing than its hybrid counterpart. For an extra 10grand, I get 400lbs(!!!!) more weight, less storage room in the trunk, a myriad of insanely complicated and potentially costly electronics, expensive batteries I will inevitably have to replace and only marginally better gas mileage... under certain circumstances. I get slightly faster 0-60 times, but at cost of overall performance due to the excess battery weight.

Toyota’s primary limitation, at this point is the poor source of electricity. We’re really at the limits for the amount of energy that can be stored and delivered with (l-ion) battery technology. If Toyota, or anyone for that matter, could find a much smaller, lighter, and more reliable method for storing and delivering electricity, they would have eliminated nearly every downfall of the hybrid technology; but for now, all the fuel efficiency eggs should not be put in the hybrid basket... but it sounds like Lexus is going to do just that, regardless.

Do these Hybrids come with the 75 speaker Mark Levinson system?

Nah. The hybrids lose the Mark Levinson system for an i-drive system. It is complicated as hell to use and serves to control most of the car's failing elecrical devices, thus giving them that magic "European" feel.

Toyota has hit pay dirt with their hybrid models this is no surprise they have the bankroll to extend their reach in almost any area of R&D. This is an area that they have done well with and probably will continue to.

Now we cal them hybrids! But 10 years from now we would just say ethanol version of... or hydrogen version of..., electric version of and so on!!!

Go Lexus!

"Lexus already has one of the most extensive ranges of hybrid vehicles on the market..."

Wow! 2!

wow.. how many does Mercedes , BMW or Audi have on the market???? Zero. Enough said.

Will, what is funny is that the German nuthuggers bash Toyota and Lexus for "not being innovative" or trying to pursue something full force that nobody else is doing to the same degree. Germans did this and that with their cars, but, so what if it breaks in 6 months, it was innovative!!

Lexus is going full force with hybrid synergy drive and making vast improvements with every new version of it. Lexus/Toyota have stated that they will reduce battery size/weight and improve the entire system altogether which will improve fuel economy AND power immensely.

Obviously the nuthuggers will remain nuthuggers. So be it. Their loss. It is funny. Toyota is the most successful auto manufacturer and the most profitable and wealthy. They know what they are doing and so far it is working for them (in the grand scheme of things)!

Not innovative enough because Audi was testing this technology 20 years ago. They even had a hybrid for sale in Europe 10 years ago. So the fact that Lexus now has two hybrids means nothing.

I think the range of diesels offered by Audi, BMW, and MB in Europe is far more impressive than two hybrids.

Oh, well I had this idea once. It was Microsoft, except just not as good. I never made anything of it though. Now Bill Gates has my fortune.

Did I say Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz have hybrids?

No.

But this is not the most extensive use of hybrids of any automaker.

And by the way, Audi is coming up with a hybrid Q7. Which I am not excited about. I'm GLAD the Germans don't have hybrids- I think they're useless in luxury cars. If you want a fast car, just get a V8. If you want a frugal car, get a V6. Both are fine.

"Desperate to take away a Lexus accomplishment, and give it to Audi! "

You are a complete fool!

Did you even read my comment? I said I DIDN'T want Audi to produce a hybrid Q7!

And no, Lexus does not have the most hybrids!

Honda does! Civic Hybrd, Accord Hybrid and Insight!

I am afraid the world will run out of smug with all of those Lexus Hybrdis. Oh wait, we are in luck as that is a renewable resource.

I meant Lexus hybrids.

Gee, "smug," that's an original thought.

wow kudos for the hybrid but aftter that battery cant be used it will be dumped so much for saving the earth. And as for reliabilty lexus is the top but i mean mercury is second and theyy look better

Lexus has the skills and technology to go ahead with this. I think they'll make big money granted they are the only luxury hybrids currently. I think that Mercedes has started copying them. We'll see how that goes.

Mercedes isn't making hybrids any time soon, thank God.

They're going with diesels.

Far from copying.

Mercedes had announced they were going to attempt hybrids. I guess they must have cancelled their plans in hope to increase diesel popularity.

BMW too with the 7 Hybrid they announced and Audi with the Q7. I didn't know about the M-B.

Others are okay, but we don't need a hybrid IS, because that will have too much weight to make a true sports sedan.

Oh btw German innovation rocks! It is the best and there is nothing the rebadged Toyota's called Lexus can do to overcome the German brands innovation (like the park assist in MB S-class which is superior to the self parking feature in the LS 460) ever <;-{)

Agree. But if they can make the engine and composants much lighter as they've announced, would be great to have a Hybrid sporty IS!?

kart1,

This thread can do without senseless sarcasm. Don't turn your lack of knowledge or appreciation of innovation into a lame attempt at humour.

Matthew - lighten up - what is wrong with a little fun.

I know what the real problem is, I made fun of a German brand, which is like prohibited on this website. The main point is that many try to discredit any Japanese improvements and technology as nothing, just because they have a bias. Maybe you'd want to get out of the covers that BMW provided you and be unbiased. Think about it, being unbiased isn't a bad thing.

Yes it is!.... (SARCASM) MUAHAHAHAH!!!

Oh GOD! The Gestapo will hunt me down!

what's a hybide?

so.. i was at the taste of lexus .. and the es350 is a pretty decent auto.. but heres the bad part.. seems like lexus's, as reliable as they are, arent meant for rough driving. A brand new LS460, had its check engine light on after a couple of laps with a pro driver.. hmm.. as long as you dont drive your lexus like a bmw. your fine.. i guess :) .. oh btw.. no hate on lexus.. their good cars.. :)

IS180h - sounds good, but it would suck. A IS 600h would be great :).

if i recall correctly, the IS was originally derived from a japan market toyota. it was offered with both a 4 and a 6.

the 4 was the HOT version. the 6 was more luxury oriented.

as import tuners have shown, Fours can be tweaked to amazingly high levels. they also have less weight and better balance.