New Lexus Hybrid to Focus on Fuel Economy, Not Performance

Until now, Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus unit has used hybrid systems mainly to enhance performance. But when the luxury division's 2013 ES 300h sedan debuts in August, its hybrid powertrain will be tuned for fuel economy.

Toyota predicts the new strategy will boost sales for the optional system. The company will offer the same drivetrain option in the next-generation Toyota Avalon sedan due later this year. The 2013 model ES and Avalon will share a new platform that will distance them from their earlier Camry-based heritage.

The 200-hp hybrid system in the new ES features a 156-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gasoline engine driving the front wheels, assisted by two electric motors. The new engine has a 12.5:1 compression ratio and electrically driven accessories including the water pump and power steering system that eliminate accessory drive belts.

Toyota says the hybrid system will give the ES 300h a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined. The powertrain is expected to deliver slightly higher numbers in the Avalon, which weighs less than the 3,700-lb ES 300h. Toyota says the car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds. The system's electric motors can propel the car unassisted for short distances at speeds below 25 mph.

Non-hybrid versions of the 2013 ES and Avalon also will share the same 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine and six-speed automatic transmission. In the ES350, the engine will produce 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque and is expected to achieve EPA fuel economy ratings of 21/31/24 mpg.

Both piston-powered models will use paddle shifters to control the gearbox. They also will enable the driver to select among Sport, Eco and Normal modes that alter throttle responsiveness and power steering assist. The feature also automatically alters the instrument panel display to show a tachometer when the Sport mode is selected.