Hoping to conquer an untapped market, Lexus follows through a recent research that reveals 60 percent of novice luxury car buyers would purchase a hybrid. There were rumors that the Lexus hybrid will undoubtedly be founded on the Prius, but Lexus spokesman Greg Thome said that the HS 250h more likely connects to the Toyota Avensis that is being sold in Europe.

Lexus HS 250h boasts of a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with a total of 187 hp. The Lexus new hybrid is expected to exceed the RX 400h fuel efficiency status by more than 30 percent. The HS 250h is the first Lexus model with a four-cylinder engine.

Warm-up time is shortened with the implementation of an exhaust heat recovery system. The car’s interior is made cooler with the use of windshields that reduces infrared-rays. Its specifically engineered aerodynamics help reduce drag while an electric power steering system is implemented.

The HS 250h’s interior includes a Remote Touch interface, Bluetooth, moon roof, satellite radio, and an iPod port. Luxury options like heads-up display, radar cruise control, wide-view front monitor, and a keep-lane assist system are also accessible. Almost 30% of the interior is made up of a plant-based, carbon-neutral plastic that causes the a greening effect.

The Lexus HS 250h is expected to start low at the $40.000 range.