Lexus begins sales of new IS 300h hybrid in Japan along with new IS lineup
16 May 2013
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| IS 300h. Click to enlarge. |
Lexus has begun sales of the new IS sports sedan lineup in Japan with the introduction of the redesigned IS 350 and IS 250, and the introduction of the IS 300h hybrid. Monthly sales target for the hybrid model in Japan is 800 units. Lexus unveiled the new 2014 IS sport sedan at the North American International Auto Show in January. (Earlier post.)
The IS 300h achieves fuel economy of 23.2 km/L (54.6 mpg US, 4.3 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions of 100 g/km under the Japanese MLIT JC08 test cycle. This performance exceeds the 2015 fuel efficiency standards by 20% and the 2005 standards of the MLIT approval system for low-emission vehicles by 75%.
The newly developed hybrid system of the IS 300h combines a longitudinally mounted, 2.5-liter in-line, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine for rear-wheel-drive vehicles with a high-torque motor.
The engine delivers up to 131 kW (176 hp) at 6,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 221 N·m (163 lb-ft) from 4,200—4,800 rpm. The motor offers maximum output of 105 kW, and maximum torque of 300 N·m (221 lb-ft). Combined system output is 162 kW (217 hp).
The next-generation D-4S (direct-injection four-stroke gasoline engine) fuel injection provides high fuel efficiency and high output, with the 2AR-FSE engine achieving a maximum thermal efficiency of 38.5%.
Placement of the hybrid battery has been optimized to allow the installation of 60:40 split rear-folding seats, thereby providing class-leading interior and cargo space.
New production methods such as laser screw welding, which achieves a finer pitch than conventional spot welding; and the use of structural adhesive, which integrates body surfaces and controls deflection, were implemented to increase body rigidity and provide exceptional maneuverability and driving stability.
The IS features Lane Departure Alert (LDA), a system that alerts the driver with an audio and visual warning if it detects that the vehicle is drifting from its lane.
The Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) assists the driver in changing lanes safely through the use of quasi-millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles in blind spots.
The Pre-collision System with millimeter-wave radar features improved Pre-collision Brake Assist and Pre-collision Brakes to effectively mitigate damage in more than 90% of rear-end collisions.
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