Lexus HS 250h Back in Disguise
March 4th, 2009
Filed under: Spy Shots
After revealing the HS 250h for all to see at the Detroit Auto Show, Lexus is back to camouflaging its new hybrid sedan in public, which Motor Trend managed to snag on camera. Here’s another photo:
The reasoning might be that this is a pre-Detroit mule with some new mechanical tweaks, or it might signal some minor cosmetic changes. Considering the camo placement, this could mean a revised front grille and some rear-light modification, but it’s all but impossible to tell. Personally, I’d prefer some further character in the side profile, what would you do to the HS before its launch?
March 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Whoops I think you meant HS 250 in the title. I thought this was a new model for a second.
March 4th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Whoops!
Thanks for the heads up, Jay.
March 5th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
The Ford Fusion inspired 3 horizontal bar grill has got to go. Ford did that first. Sad, because it looks good.
The wheels aren’t that attractive to me.
I agree on the side profile. Perhaps the door “scoop” that debuted in the ‘10 RX could be applied here to liven it up a bit.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
the side profile is very 2gen IS but also has some 1gen IS in there too. i dont really mind it.
the grill was NOT a ford thing first. since lexus starting making concepts, that grill has always been used instead of a traditional horizontal lined grill. If anything, Ford stole it from lexus. i think the majority of the work needs to be done to the rear, which looks like a half assed copy of the 2gen IS
March 5th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Maybe I should’ve rephrased what I said. Ford put that grill into production first.
March 5th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
they have to change the exterior design, at least the front grill and the shape of tailights.
otherwise, they will cry…LOL
March 5th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
the original design was just completely unexciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 5th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
i don’t think they should change anything but the tires, make em bigger >:)
March 6th, 2009 at 12:31 am
I agree about the side profile. Is it just me or does it look a lot like a Corolla from the side? I hate to say it, but it does.
A longer, more sloped hood would help. Along with larger wheel and fender flares. A longer hood would make it look less like a FWD car. To me the styling of the HS overall does not convey luxury hybrid, it’s more like modern compact car. Sorry if that sounded harsh, however I am sure that Lexus will have plenty of customers that are willing to line up to buy the HS.