Lexus has officially confirmed that the IS 300h will be making an appearance in March at the Geneva Motor Show, before going on sale this summer in Europe. The car will also be available with an optional F SPORT performance-oriented package. Under the hood it has a 4-cylinder, 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor. The hybrid system is the same one used in the Japan-exclusive Toyota Crown where it offers 175 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor adds an extra 141 hp and 221 lb-ft. Combined output is rated at 217 hp and Lexus says the IS 300h should be able to provide a fuel economy of 65 mpg UK.
The Lexus IS 300h is a RWD car and will feature a CVT, updated front double wishbone suspension and a rear multi-link configuration taken from the Lexus GS. Also from the GS is the Drive Mode Select software. Compared to the outgoing model, the new one is taller, longer and wider, featuring a 70mm longer wheelbase. The boot size stands at 480 liters for the regular model and 450 liters for the hybrid variant.
Also in Geneva next month, Lexus will bring the entire F SPORT hybrid lineup.
Source: Lexus via Autocar.co.uk
