Jump to content
Create New...
  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Lexus Changes Their Hybrid Philosophy

    William Maley

    Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

    May 18, 2012

    Lexus has a different philosophy on hybrids than their parent company, Toyota.

    Toyota has opted to use hybrids to deliver maximum fuel economy above all else (see the Prius). Lexus on the other hand uses hybrids as a way to provide performance of large engine, while delivering the fuel economy of a smaller engine. For example, the GS450h delivers performance equal to that of a V8, but gets V6 fuel economy. However, it seems Lexus is changing their mindset.

    Lexus ES and LS product planner Ketan Renade told AutoGuide that sales of the GS and LS hybrids have been extremely slow.

    “We did studies and focus groups and people said, ‘hybrid equals mpg’”, says Renade. “Cars with 400 and 500 HP are great, but no one is buying them.”

    Starting with the new ES300h, Lexus will put more of a mindset on fuel economy than performance. The ES300h uses a four-cylinder engine with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system to deliver 200 HP and 39 MPG combined.

    As for other Lexus hybrid models, Renade almost confirmed the next generation LS hybrid will go down the same route.

    “If we did a future hybrid Lexus LS, it would go V6 hybrid,” said Renade.

    Source: AutoGuide

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    Lexus needs to realize that you have two types of customers.

    Those that can afford 50-100K auto's and will want the Hybrid Performance. That is a name plate I believe all auto makers should use.

    Then you have those that stretch to get into the 30-50K auto's and having a luxury name plate is desired, but they still count their pennies and these people are wanting the Hybrid = MPG. So it makes sense to have a 200h that is all about MPG and then have a 300H Performance that is all about the driving machine.

    I hope cadillac will kep this in mind when they bring out the ELR, it would be good to have an ELR base model with good, solid MPG and then move up to a ELR Performance Edition. :D

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    It is rather interesting that Lexus discovered what parent company Toyota created 12 years ago with the Prius. I wonder why anyone would want to buy a luxury hybrid. Seriously, the Pruis (or the upcoming C-Max) is all you really need in order to say, "I am green." What Lexus ought to focus on is stopping the uglification of their exteriors. The competition, especially Cadillac, is no longer sleeping at the wheel.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    MPG itself is a desirable attribute much like horsepower. Lexus hybrids should focus on having maximum efficiency while retaining adequate performance.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Lexus needs to realize that you have two types of customers.

    Those that can afford 50-100K auto's and will want the Hybrid Performance. That is a name plate I believe all auto makers should use.

    Then you have those that stretch to get into the 30-50K auto's and having a luxury name plate is desired, but they still count their pennies and these people are wanting the Hybrid = MPG. So it makes sense to have a 200h that is all about MPG and then have a 300H Performance that is all about the driving machine.

    I hope cadillac will kep this in mind when they bring out the ELR, it would be good to have an ELR base model with good, solid MPG and then move up to a ELR Performance Edition. :D

    Perhaps a 3rd customer, that would spend $50-100k on a high lux, high mpg hybrid. You know, rich eco enthusiasts, like half of hollywood.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Lexus needs to realize that you have two types of customers.

    Those that can afford 50-100K auto's and will want the Hybrid Performance. That is a name plate I believe all auto makers should use.

    Then you have those that stretch to get into the 30-50K auto's and having a luxury name plate is desired, but they still count their pennies and these people are wanting the Hybrid = MPG. So it makes sense to have a 200h that is all about MPG and then have a 300H Performance that is all about the driving machine.

    I hope cadillac will kep this in mind when they bring out the ELR, it would be good to have an ELR base model with good, solid MPG and then move up to a ELR Performance Edition. :D

    Perhaps a 3rd customer, that would spend $50-100k on a high lux, high mpg hybrid. You know, rich eco enthusiasts, like half of hollywood.

    Tesla Model S is sold out til the end of 2013.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    Lexus needs to realize that you have two types of customers.

    Those that can afford 50-100K auto's and will want the Hybrid Performance. That is a name plate I believe all auto makers should use.

    Then you have those that stretch to get into the 30-50K auto's and having a luxury name plate is desired, but they still count their pennies and these people are wanting the Hybrid = MPG. So it makes sense to have a 200h that is all about MPG and then have a 300H Performance that is all about the driving machine.

    I hope cadillac will kep this in mind when they bring out the ELR, it would be good to have an ELR base model with good, solid MPG and then move up to a ELR Performance Edition. :D

    Perhaps a 3rd customer, that would spend $50-100k on a high lux, high mpg hybrid. You know, rich eco enthusiasts, like half of hollywood.

    Tesla Model S is sold out til the end of 2013.

    There ya go.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites

    snapback.pngpow, on , said:

    snapback.pngPurdueGuy, on , said:

    snapback.pngdfelt, on , said:

    Lexus needs to realize that you have two types of customers.

    Those that can afford 50-100K auto's and will want the Hybrid Performance. That is a name plate I believe all auto makers should use.

    Then you have those that stretch to get into the 30-50K auto's and having a luxury name plate is desired, but they still count their pennies and these people are wanting the Hybrid = MPG. So it makes sense to have a 200h that is all about MPG and then have a 300H Performance that is all about the driving machine.

    I hope cadillac will kep this in mind when they bring out the ELR, it would be good to have an ELR base model with good, solid MPG and then move up to a ELR Performance Edition. :D

    Perhaps a 3rd customer, that would spend $50-100k on a high lux, high mpg hybrid. You know, rich eco enthusiasts, like half of hollywood.Tesla Model S is sold out til the end of 2013.

    There ya go.

    Or the Fisker Karma if you don't mind your garage maybe burning down.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Posts

    • While there are some folk up here with lifted trucks and Jeeps, its not to the extent of that stupidity.  But I also think that Quebec has laws that prevents owners to have the tires protrude the wheel wells.  The vehicle above may not be street legal in Quebec, I dont think.   And Ill agree with you 100% with your bitchin' here.     The article talks about downsized engines, but does not mention not even ONE downsized turbocharged engine that has problems...  Im sure they do, but the article does not mention any. What the article DOES mention though are GM's V8s, Toyota's twin turbo'd V6s, and Ford's ecoboosted engines, and I assume they want to bitch about the 1.5 liter and the 2.0 ecoboost... but dont mention what ecoboost engines are a problem.  The 1.6 liter ecoboost had fire issues, but those were fixed.  The 1.6 was reliable... The 2.7 and 3.5 V6s were all reliable. The early 3.5s had teething problems but were fixed.  What the article REALLY focuses on though are the THIN oils manufacturers WANT to use.  For fuel savings. I personally dont think downsized 4 cylinder engines are a problem.  MOST of them are quite reliable.  Again, with proper maintenance.  But as with the article states, thin oils probably dont lubricate enough and well...problems...  The article states that even with thicker oils, that only masks the problem and then uses GM's newest gen 6.2 liter V8 to use as an example.  Well...a 6.2 liter V8 from GM was not exactly downsized. It was upsized from the 5.7 liter LS1 and 6.0 liter LS2 from 20 years ago.   If Toyota and GM did shytty manufacturing on their engines lately, THAT has NOTHING to do downsized 4 cylinder turbo'd ones... If Honda done phoqued up with their 1.6 liter turbo 4 because of headgasket issues, well...Honda done phoqued up with their headgaskets. Its NOT a downsized problem issue. Its a manufacturing issue.  Like the title suggest: Manufacturing shortcuts and tighter tolerances compromise reliability across major brands.   But NOT how the take-away points out Key Points Modern engines face high failure rates, prompting massive recalls from major automakers. Downsizing, turbochargers, and thin oils increase engine stress and vulnerability to defects. Automakers need to prioritize durability over marginal efficiency gains.   Its NOT about downsizing and turbo-charging. It IS about thin oils and manufacturing short cuts... 
    • I've spent more time in the Supra than the Z4, but they are fantastic driving vehicles.  The Supra is faster than the 86 obviously, but in both cases, they are like slipping on a perfect fitting running shoe that feels like part of your body more than a vehicle. 
    • Tonight Lexus reveals their all-new sports lineup of autos at 9pm Save the Date: Live Stream of All-New Sports Models World Premiere on December 5 - Lexus USA Newsroom
    • Yes, as much as I like sports cars like this, they do not fit this, German!  
    • I have always liked these, but they are impossible for me to get in and out of.   
  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search