To own a luxury car is a privilege as much as it is fun. If that luxury car is also environment friendly, it must really be something! That is exactly what Lexus Hybrid Cars are. The 2010 HS 250th Lexus is the only hybrid luxury car. The car uses fuel very economically without compromising on speed and comfort and makes use of environmental friendly materials in its manufacturing.
The car has an Atkinson-cycle engine style. This is very compatible with the hybrid engine. There are four valves per cylinder in the twin engine and Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence on the intake side. The engine is an under square, which has a 96 mm stroke and 88.5 mm bore diameter. The output can be as much as 147 horsepower. Along with the hybrid system, the system's total horsepower may be up to 187. As compared to conventional vehicles, this car emits 70% less air pollutants that form smog.
The car has special arrangements that especially reduce environmental degradation. It has twin resonators, which minimise the intake noise of the car. Then its electric fan speed is controlled using the pulse width modulation. This reduces noise and consumption of energy. The cooling system is intelligently ducted, which prevents hot engine air recirculation that enhances engine efficiency. Moreover, exhaust heat is recovered using an Exhaust Heat Recovery System. This speeds up warm up of engine coolant.
The car also has a drive-mode switch. This allows the driver to choose between four modes (Power, Normal, Eco and EV). Different modes determine the rate of throttle opening and the mode of power used to run the car.
Also noticeable are the aerodynamics of the car. Better aerodynamics also improves vehicle efficiency. Some features that make its aerodynamics very impressive include a low nose, bumper spoilers on the front and back, and gull wing shaped roof panel (which substantially allows a lower body weight). The car has many under floor covers and diffuser fins on the back that reduces drag and improves straight-line control of the car.
Lexus hybrid cars are designed to achieve a total mpg (mile per gallon) of 35 (city: 35 mpg; highway: 34 mpg). The raw material used on the body of the car's interior is known as Ecological Plastic, which is made from plant materials. Along with the interior, it also lines the trunk of the car with a total covered surface of 30%.
As mentioned earlier, the Lexus hybrid cars are not only about ecological improvements. Rather, they are also tweaked to make the ride most comfortable for the driver. The car suite has options such as Bluetooth, voice recognition technology, USB iPod port, and integrated satellite radio. Imagine that! Moreover, there are front and rear mounted cameras that assist the driver in navigation and parking. The side glass used on the car is water repellent. This reduces invisibility in wet conditions and helps in defrosting.
Tell me, isn't this car just great? Environmentally friendly, comfortable, sleek and classy - nice, isn't it?
Danny Green is a car designer. Check
Luxury Convertible fuel efficient cars at http://www.lexus.co.uk.
