Lexus ES New Edition Hybrid Expected

Lexus has filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, for an automobile that could be that a hybrid version of the Lexus ES sedan. The company already has a new hybrid vehicle the 2011 Lexus CT 200h in the works.

According to the filing, the new hybrid is likely to have the same system (gasoline-electric) that the Toyota Camry hybrid has.

The Camry hybrid has been available since 2006, and it is high time that a sequel came out. Reports say that the new Lexus ES 300h is likely to have a variation of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system that the hybrid Camry has.

Based on the earlier Camry and limited information received, the new vehicle is expected to have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine connected to a pair of compact electric motor-generators.

The car can operate on several modes -electric only (at low speeds), on both gas and electric, and also exclusively on gasoline.

The vehicle will have a top output of 187 horsepower (147 from the gas engine and 40 hp from the electric motor). EPA fuel economy ratings are at 33 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

When the new ES 300h hybrid is launched, Lexus will have a total of six hybrid vehicles in its stables. No word is available yet on when the launch will take place, but reports say that a late 2012 or 2013 arrival can be expected.