Future Hybrid Cars: the 2013 Edition

Lexus IS Hybrid

With Infiniti and BMW offering hybrid sport sedans, we can hope Lexus does the same with its dramatic looking IS300h. Currently planned to go on sale in Europe and Japan only, Lexus has put its impressive hybrid technology to work in the latest generation of the IS, with a combined output of 220 hp going to the rear-wheels.

The ES300h, which uses the same powertrain, manages to get 40 mpg combined, and you can likely expect the IS300h to get the same mileage, with its smaller size, and more powerful setup. While the sport-sedan segment might shy away from CVTs, Lexus has seen nothing but success with the quirky transmissions, so expect it in the IS-hybrid. The hybrid IS also gets a few drive modes, which change the behaviour of the cool sedan. There’s EV mode for electric-only driving, Eco mode which results in optimum fuel efficiency, but dull throttle response, and then there’s Normal and Sport modes, which improve throttle and steering for a sharper, more engaging drive.

Discuss the Lexus IS300h at my.is