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Its modern appearance is inspired by the unique L-Finesse design philosophy, featuring LED headlamps, handeless doors ad distinct blue hybrid badging.

“With the LF-Xh hybrid concept, it also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology as a core Lexus power-train.”

Based on the IS 250 platform, the new IS 250C features a lightweight three-piece folding roof and segment-leading boot and rear occupant space.

Extensive revisions to body structure and suspension components have resulted in exceptional torsional stiffness on par with the IS sedan.

The new convertible model also gains Lexus’ pre-crash, vehicle dynamics integrated management system and features a newly designed enlarged side airbag which provides head protection in the event of side impact.

The IS 250C will be powered by Lexus’ proven 153kW 2.5-litre V6 power plant mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

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Although only a concept at this stage, the LF-Xh should indicate where the design for future RX models are heading. The concept was the work of Lexus’ Shuhei Miyashita.

It appears Mr Miyashita was given some freedom to design an aggressive car, a shift from Lexus’ current “inoffensive” designs. The edgy stand and large LED headlamps, plus the handleless doors give the LF-Xh something to shout about. Oh, of course, then there is the blue hybrid badging to get the message across.

Moving inside, the interior is where the car really stands out. Although it looks almost plain on some levels, the simplicity and the flowing lines with wrap-around dashboard housing hybrid-inspired blue instruments are sure to turn a few heads in Sydney.

Lexus believes its hybrid vehicle offerings will only grow with Lexus Chief Executive John Roca noting “the LF-Xh concept demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology as a core Lexus power-train.”

This year’s Lexus stand at the Motor Show will be the biggest to date. The Australian International Motor Show starts on October the 9th.

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I didn’t really know what to expect, I like the RX series from Lexus, I think it provides a good alternative to the Germans, but a hybrid variant? This was going to be an interesting week.

You see, the problem with current generation hybrids isn’t so much the idea, or perhaps even the implementation. It’s more the pre-thought that goes into buying such a car.

“Honey, what do you think of a Hybrid?” - “I know the neighbours will look down at us if we buy a big SUV so why don’t we buy a Hybrid one? You know, save on fuel and save the planet …”

Okay, that makes sense. Buy a hybrid, not only can you tell all your friends at dinner parties, but it also makes you feel just a little better about driving around. “I drive a hybrid”… go on, say it. I drive a hybrid. It does have a nice ring to it doesn’t it? If you want to take it one step further, you can even put stickers on the back, “Prius owners club” being one I see regularly.

I’d like to know what a bunch of people do at monthly Prius owners club meetings? Do they sit around and work out how much CO2 they have saved by driving around in their hybrid cars? Or maybe they sit around and remind each other they are all going to heaven because over the course of the past 12 months, they have managed to kill one less fluffy animal?

My point is simple, hybrid cars are a great idea and Toyota and Lexus should be congratulated for their achievements in hybrid technology, but, if the premium for a hybrid car is significant and the fuel savings are not economically viable, why exactly do smart, hard working, upper middle-class families part with their hard earned cash for one?

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The system itself is a three differential configuration featuring a highly compact TORSEN Limited Slip Differential.

It distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels with a 40:60 rear axle bias in torque distribution.

Initial sales will begin in the UK from early 2009, with Australia to follow not long after.

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The history of the LS dates back some 25 years when Eiji Toyoda, then chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, initiated the ‘Circle-F’ project. The concept was straight forward - produce a world-class, full size luxury sedan that would rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series on the international stage. There were no budget or time constraints, nor were there set design rules or platforms to work within. It was an engineer’s dream, a creative free-for-all, and from that seemingly simple vision was born the very first LS in 1989, and subsequently Lexus as we now know it.

Humble beginnings though they may have been, from them arose a mass of experience in both production intelligence and research and development work to create a car that has adapted itself to suit the needs of a modern age. Although complex and technologically marvelous underneath, it remains simplistic in function, almost traditional, something the Germans seem to have long since abandoned.

Externally LS commands an authoritative presence, albeit with well considered refinement. A dominant facade and bold grille yield softly at the edges to a sleek, flowing profile and haughty rear end with integrated exhaust outlets that hint of something beneath, enveloping both power and quiet dignity, a characteristic often lost in modern day mass produced prestige cars.

The first model to boast Lexus’ new L Finesse styling queues, the sweeping lines and lustrous paint, which is wet-sanded twice by hand between each coat, present a passive yet assertive style - or proud elegance if you will - an approbation that only the best top-shelf vehicles can expect to achieve without being ostentatious or arrogant.

Inside those beautifully weighted doors an insular feeling of well-being awaits in a light and spacious cabin offering comfort levels worthy of your favourite recliner. The mix of wood grain, ecsaine, leather and plastic can feel overdone in some respects though this is soon forgotten once settled in to the hand polished, heated and air-conditioned, leather seating.

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The LF-A will compete with everything from an Audi R8 to the entry model Ferraris.

The LF-A will complete the new F range from Lexus that is set to give the brand the much  needed performance halo cars.

You can find more information on the LF-A here.

Click through to the next page for a comprehensive gallery.

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The “new” RX will measure in a fraction larger. It will still offer a 3.5-litre V6 (203kW & 341Nm), but we’re expecting a new 6-speed transmission to go along with the V6.

The current hybrid car only has 155kW and 288Nm of torque, however insiders say a new 400-horsepower (298kW) hybrid powerplant is expected in the RX by 2010 or 2011.

From the photos it seems that the new RX still looks like one we know now, but no doubt it will be modernised to keep up with current styling trends.

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The tests involved a return trip from central London to Brighton, which was a mix of city and motorway driving and the results are unexpected, to say the least.

In fact, fuel consumption figures indicated that the diesel models used less fuel and produced less C02.

The results of the tests are as follows:

TOYOTA PRIUS vs. JEEP PATRIOT 2.0 CRD

• Toyota Prius: 39.9 mpg (5.81L/100kms)
• Jeep Pariot: 38.9 mpg (6.0L/100kms)

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID vs. FORD FOCUS ECONETIC

• Honda Civic IMA: 40.2 mpg (5.85L/100kms)
• Ford Focus Econetic: 52.7 mpg (4.46L/100kms)

LEXUS GS450h vs BMW 535d

• Lexus GS450h: 28.5 mpg (8.25L/100kms)
• BMW 535d: 30.6 mpg (7.68L/100kms)

There is no question that Hybrids became popular in the United States because at the time, they were the only viable alternative to petrol-powered cars. Diesel powered passenger cars were almost unheard of due to relatively cheap fuel prices.

But with Americans now feeling the pinch (they are still paying 30% less than Australians) diesels are on the radar screen as a viable alternative to the Hybrids.

As reported by Car Advice today, the next generation of hybrids will be powered with Lithium ion batteries and be of the plug-in type. They will be far more efficient than the current cars, which use nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Clean Green Cars also makes the point that with the exception of around five Lexus models including; the GS450h and LS Hybrids which can actually drive at near enough to 40km/h on electric power only, hybrids spend little or no time driving solely on battery power. The Prius will just about get to a decent power walk pace, before the engine kicks in.

There is one advantage the prius has though, at least for the moment. That’s where the engine cuts out at idle, saving you some fuel but without losing you air conditioning function. But then, if the battery runs down, the car will start itself to recharge cancelling out the benefits.

But that advantage will be short lived as diesel engines with “stop start technology” are on their way here and that would put the oil burners in front again.

Even more interesting will be the diesel hybrid, which several carmakers are developing including Peugeot. We understand that they have one of these in test, which is recording near enough to 3.8l/100kms, combined.

The race for the smallest fuel consumption is on and as far as I can see, there is only upside for drivers.

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“Increased sales of Lexus hybrid vehicles show that higher fuel prices are forcing a rethink of the vehicles we drive, even at the luxury end of the market,” Lexus chief executive John Roca said

Lexus predicts 2000 hybrids will be sold by the third quarter. The strongest models have been the RX 400h hybrid SUV which has found 1200 buyers so far.

“While our customers can afford to pay more for petrol, the steep rise in fuel prices has sent a signal to everyone that oil is a finite resource. Lexus hybrids are widely accepted as an alternative to traditional petrol or diesel-engined vehicles, delivering real world economy and emissions benefits.” Roca continued.

Toyota’s Luxury arm has also sold over 500 GS 450h performance sedan as well as nearly 100 LS 600hL luxury saloons.

Lexus says hybrid luxury sales have been so strong that demand is currently outstripping supply.

“Lexus hybrids are clearly bucking the trend, forging a clear path towards more environmentally aware motoring without sacrificing power and driving enjoyment,” he said.

Currently Lexus is the only luxury manufacturer producing hybrid vehicles, using the technology adopted from its parent company Toyota.

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“Lexus is highly regarded as an industry leader in vehicle design and innovation and this award recognises that. Lexus continues to rate highly in the area of customer satisfaction and support. This is due to our dealer network, which strives to offer nothing but the best.” Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca

This is no easy and skewed prize to win, the award comes after vehicle evaluations from more than 16,000 vehicle owners in the UK after an average of two years of ownership were put together.

The survey evaluates 77 vehicle attributes in four different categories: quality and reliability, service satisfaction, vehicle appeal and ownership costs.

Lexus overcame 28 other car-manufacturers to take out the Gold Award for customer satisfaction, so far no other manufacturer has won the award eight times.

Participants gave Lexus 866 out of a possible 1000, well above the industry average of 803.

Additionally, Toyota’s hybrid car, the Prius, was the highest-ranking model on the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI).  The green car earned a score of 901 our of 1,000 with buyers highly satisfied with quality and reliability.

The top five manufacturers in the survey:

1. Lexus (866)
2. Škoda (846),
3. Honda (844),
4. Toyota (836)
5. Jaguar (833).

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Given the heavy disguise it’s hard to tell whether the headlight and taillamps have changed, but the bulge on the bonnet leads us to believe the actual prototype is a test mule for an IS variant featuring Lexus’ Hybrid Synergy Drive.

The BMW M3 and Audi RS4 competitor, the Lexus IS-F should be arriving soon. The IS-F will pack a 5.0-litre V8, good for around 300kW. It will put its power down through the rear wheels using an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Lexus will also bring the IS coupe/convertible to Australia later in the year.

Toyota’s luxury arm is also working on a smaller and cheaper Lexus model to compete in the bottom end of the luxury market (against the 1-series). However that won’t be here for a few more years.

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