The all-new 2010 HS 250h, the world’s first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle, showcased at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, will reach dealerships nationwide in late summer.

The 2010 HS 250h, The HS 250h will be Lexus’ fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials in a new futuristic cockpit and interior design.

The newest addition to Lexus’ entry-luxury sedan lineup, the 2010 HS 250h is equipped with Lexus’ first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle power plant is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System rated at 187 total system horsepower. The highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system, allows the expansion/power stroke to be longer than the compression stroke so that combustion energy can be more effectively used for production of engine power.

The 2010 HS 250h sedan’s expected fuel efficiency will be more than 30-percent better than the most fuel-efficient model currently in the Lexus lineup. The HS 250h includes a new system designed to improve efficiency. The exhaust heat recovery system reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. It includes proactive adoption of plant based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics that emit less carbon dioxide, in specific interior areas. Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle, the HS 250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces.

Lexus claims that the 2010 HS 250h features a unique advanced cockpit and an interior design that emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship. The uniquely stylish cabin has standard leather-trim seats, a moonroof, Lexus premium audio systems, and a new standard multi-media package with Bluetooth technology, integrated satellite radio (subscription required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity controlled via steering-wheel controls or a display screen Lexus’ new available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System features a retractable navigation screen.

The Navigation System also includes a new casual-speech voice recognition feature. A class-leading 10 airbags will be standard on the all-new 2010 HS 250h as well as active front head rests, which help passengers in case of certain types of rear-end accidents. The HS also will feature Lexus’ Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.