Lexus HS 250h, 10,000 and Counting

Japanese manufacturer Lexus may be faced with an unforeseen problem when its first dedicated hybrid, the HS 250h, is launched in the US next month. According to Toyota spokeswoman Monika Saito, in its first months in Japan, the hybrid has fetched some 10,000 orders, some 200 times more than the manufacturer initially expected (500/month). The release date in Japan was July 14.

According to new figures, Lexus HS 250h buyers now face a six-month waiting period in Japan. This simple fact can cause some major issues when the car goes on sale in the US. "We hope there won't be a problem, but we'll see," Saito was quoted by Autonews.

Lexus HS 250h is powered by the manufacturer's first four-cylinder gas engine, paired with a hybrid system. Together, the two develop a total of 187 horsepower, 147 of them from the regular powerplant alone.

The two-motor hybrid system develop 141 hp, but unfortunately they can never be used simultaneous at their peak power. The second motor in the hybrid system serves as both engine starter and generator to charge the hybrid battery pack.

What Lexus calls "world's first hybrid-only luxury vehicle" has a starting price for the standard version of $34,200. The premium version has a starting price of $36,970. Both versions release 70 percent less emissions than an average car, with fuel consumption rating said to be 35 mpg (6.72l/100 km) city and 34 mpg on the highway (6.9l/100 km).

For the US market, the Lexus HS 250h will be priced at $35,075, including shipping.