NOTE: I first posted this at 4:53pm today (January 23).  My contest submission post referred to below was posted three days ago.  Now I see in a comment  from ePriddy that it was added to the Lexus site today (like in the past hour?). So I revised the title by adding the word "Revised."  But who cares anyway?

(Apologies in advance for the length of this thing, but it's their copy length.) 

My latest entry ( White Male Privilege... ) to the Lexus contest was rejected and I got pissed off so I went to the Lexus web site to see how well they write.  This is their blurb on the OS hot hybrid car (the one over in the right side and the left side of every friggin page) (with just a few editorial comments of mine).   Lexus asked “What innovation do you think can most transform our culture?” 

My contest re-entry (this one) answer is that honesty in advertising and literate writing could most transform our culture. I realize that I am now condemning myself to no more EP’s or covers.  Oh well…

     Lexus Stages World Debut of the 2010 HS 250h 

  Sunday, 11 January 2009 the World’s First Dedicated Luxury Hybrid - at the North American International Auto Show in DetroitDETROIT (Jan. 11, 2009)

– Lexus today revealed the 2010 HS 250h, the world’s first dedicated (to making money) luxury hybrid vehicle, at the North American International Auto Show. The HS 250h will be Lexus’ fourth (try at a) hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup. It also will be the first Lexus to utilize carbon-neutral Ecological Plastic materials (recycled water bottles) in a new futuristic cockpit (a cockpit? cockfighting? an airplane? a place to store your cock?) and interior design. A welcomed (badly needed) addition to Lexus’ entry-luxury sedan lineup, the HS 250h fits nicely between the IS luxury sport sedan and the ES luxury sedan(Note: I have both of these and this is a very tight fit). Research has shown that more than 60 percent of entry-luxury car buyers (We actually found three such people on four continents) would have considered(considered??) a hybrid if available, and the HS will provide these consumers (suckers) with a viable purchase option (another green status symbol).

Equipped with Lexus’ first four-cylinder gas engine, the 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle powerplant (a 4 cylinder POWERPLANT??) is part of the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive System, which generates 187 total system horsepower (when hooked to our test equipment with nobody in it). The highly efficient Atkinson-cycle engine, made possible by the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system(Variable Valve timing with intelligence – what?  Einstein comes with the engine?), 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 (you mean it goes up slower than it comes down). The 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 (so this thing ought to rip along at 17 mpg), while earning a SULEV emissions rating utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline(actually all cars can use 87 octane fuel). Among the technologies adopted in the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are cooling piston oil jets(or else the engine would melt); an optimized balance shaft rate for improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) characteristics (I feel that I am getting shafted without any optimized rate); and a hot-air venting system (good – I am glad to see you have a Complaint Department) mounted behind the radiator.

Like the all-new 2010 RX 450h hybrid utility vehicle that made its debut in November, the HS 250h will include a new system designed to improve efficiency (tell me, tell me). The exhaust heat recovery system(we are recirculating the exhaust) reduces engine warm-up time, thus allowing it to stop earlier, more often, and for longer periods. A windshield with infrared-ray (IR) reduction properties(tinted), which helps keep the interior more cool(I think cooler would be better here), has been adopted in order to decrease the amount of air conditioning needed to lower the cabin (is it a cabin or a cockpit?) temperature. In addition to the exhaust heat recovery system and the IR windshield, available power-saving LED headlamps also contribute to improved fuel efficiency and emissions(hoo boy – you mean my headlamps are somehow connected to fuel efficiency?  Hell, if I just drive in the daytime…).

The all-new HS 250h sedan’s 0.27 drag coefficient(uh oh, getting kinky now) (Cd) makes it among the most aerodynamic in its class. Airflow management over the exterior, below the under floor and through the air passages was extensively examined.(Airflow management was extensively examined? Do you mean you checked to see which way the wind was blowing?) A unique gull-wing-shaped roof-panel design reduces mass and overall vehicle height(seagulls do not consider this unique), thus reducing drag(uh oh, here we go again) and improving fuel efficiency. The front spoiler, rear spoiler, rear under spoiler(what, you’ve got my mother sitting in three places in this car?), and diffuser fins all reduce turbulence. Smooth A-pillar shape and the optimized angle and curvature of the bumper side panels also reduce wake turbulence(now this is the part of your car that just makes me want to run out and buy it now), as does the increased taper of the fender side panels. The under-floor covers(bottom of the car, or does this thing come with optional blankets?) have been optimally positioned for reduced drag, while airflow restriction in the engine compartment has been lowered by optimizing the air-duct profiles around the radiator(optimally and optimizing in the same sentence.  And they said it couldn’t be done!).

Aerodynamic design has also contributed to decreased wind noise. A smoother transition (you mean joint?) between windshield (complete with a sound-insulating inner layer) and roof line has improved air flow and reduced turbulence(and increased efficiency too, right???).

As is appropriate for the first dedicated luxury hybrid vehicle (this car will only cost you $25,000.00 more than it’s worth, and you will easily save $ 984.32 per year in gas), the HS 250h includes proactive adoption (use?) of plant-based, carbon-neutral “Ecological Plastics” or bio-plastics in specific interior areas (So if I breathe inside one of these specific areas (like the glove box) I help reduce  global warming?). Ecological Plastic emits less carbon dioxide during a product’s lifecycle than plastic made solely from petroleum. (Say what??) Among the areas of utilization will be an industry-first use in luggage-trim upholstery(Thank God my luggage won’t have to inhale any nasty carbon dioxide). Other areas are the cowl-side trim, door scuff plate, tool box area, floor-finish plate, seat cushions, and the package tray behind the rear seats. Overall, approximately 30-percent of the interior and luggage area is covered with Ecological Plastic(Ecological Plastic – this is kind of like “mild disaster” or a “little pregnant” or an “unselfish banker” isn’t it?). Over the estimated lifecycle of the vehicle (typically just before the final payment is due), the HS 250h will have approximately 20-percent fewer carbon-dioxide emissions as a result of utilizing the Ecological Plastic trim pieces (I am buying one now!!).

Like all Lexus hybrid models, significant time was spent in developing the HS 250h with optimized NVH characteristics (We put way more time in describing it than we did developing it.). Dynamic dampers at each engine-mounting point reduce noise and vibration(Unexciting dampers just don’t sell anymore), resonators improve intake air noise(keep windows rolled up for best effect), and optimized exhaust flow reduces exhaust sound. Special coatings dampen both engine and road noise, while improved seals around doors, hood and fenders reduce wind-noise penetration into the cabin(be very careful of that penetration into the cabin thing). Vibration has been reduced by improving the shape and thickness of the suspension-mounting points(it’s the vibrating that makes it exciting…oh wait…I’m getting my posts confused here). In addition, power-window speed controllers(buttons) have been adopted from the LS luxury sedan, which insure a slower, soft closing rate(ah, slower and soft closing rate – it just screams senuousness!!).

The HS 250h chassis design provides an outstanding ride and comfort with the decreased NVH required by a Lexus hybrid(man, at the beginning of this way too long piece you said the NVH increased.  I’m so confused). The MacPherson strut front suspension is designed to achieve both straight-line and braking control, and a positive steering feel(a feel?). A double-wishbone rear suspension(football talk – a guy thing for sure! What self-respecting football guy would show up at the bar in a sissy car like this?) provides excellent maneuverability, control and comfort with a low spring mount(I gotta try this position) that contributes to better packaging and superior cargo space. Coil springs, anti-roll bars and shock-absorber rebound springs are utilized front and rear. The HS 250h will have uniquely designed standard 17- and optional 18-inch wheels.(uniquely  designed  wheels- you mean not round?).

The rack-and-pinion steering system utilizes a brushless Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor on the steering column, which provides improved steering feel(ah, those feels), a reduction in harsh feedback(good remarks only commenters – please no harsh feedback), and better emissions by not draining engine power like conventional hydraulic systems.

The EPS is an integral part of an available lane keep assist system, a new driver assist that adds smooth steering torque to help the vehicle stay in the center of the lane(I needed this during my drinking days). The amount of assisted torque is dependant on a lane-marker detection camera. It includes a lane departure warning feature that is designed to detect possible lane departure; it then gives the driver an audible warning and provides feedback via the steering wheel to encourage corrective action.(Awesome.  No more AA for me baby!!!)
The HS is slightly longer than the IS (this actually depends on your definition of the word “is”) and is taller than both the IS and ES. It also has a greater couple distance (distance hip to hip between front and rear passengers)(getting kinky again,  I’m liking it) than any other vehicle in its class other than the ES. The contoured front-seat backs also add to increased rear-seat legroom.

The HS features a unique advanced cockpit and an interior design that emphasizes innovation and craftsmanship. The uniquely stylish cabin has standard leather (got to have leather!!!)-trim seats, a moonroof, Lexus premium audio systems, and a new standard multi-media package. The media features include Bluetooth® technology, integrated satellite radio (subscription required), voice recognition, and USB iPod connectivity controlled via steering-wheel controls or a display screen. A high-contrast multi-information display(dash screen), located in the instrument panel’s hybrid system indicator gauge, is controlled via steering-wheel-mounted controls, allowing the driver to easily control various functions and information.(I had to read this three times – I think it means there’s a button on the steering wheel that turns the monitor on and off).

Another key element of the modern interior is Lexus’ new available Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation System, which features a retractable navigation screen that is positioned well back and up front in the dash. The positioning helps improve visibility and reduce driver eye movement. Similar to the new RX, the HS system features the all-new “Remote Touch” controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic and allows for easy use of the Navigation System. The controller is positioned on the center console and is as natural to the driver’s hand as a computer mouse. It can also be customized to the desired level of haptic feedback. (This paragraph is so loaded and choice that I have elected to leave it alone.  I do love the feel of a well-designed mouse while I’m driving down the highway)

The Navigation System also includes a new casual-speech voice recognition feature(be careful what you say while talking on the cell phone!!). This allows drivers to give more flexible, conversational commands for easier access and control of the audio, climate and navigation functions. Also included are XM® NavTraffic® and NavWeatherTM, along with XM Sports and Stock information.

Also helping to reduce driver eye movement is an optional Heads-up Display (HUD). The HUD uses high-intensity LEDs to make the display bright enough to be read even in direct sunlight.(Thank you Jesus Lexus!!  My eye movement was exhausting me and making me all irritable.)

A class-leading 10 airbags(mom again?) will be standard on the all-new HS 250h as well as active front head rests, which help passengers in case of certain types of rear-end accidents(condom use is always advised). The HS also will feature Lexus’ Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system and optional Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

An available wide-view front monitor helps the driver to check hard-to-see areas.(too easy for another bad joke) Using a camera mounted in the front grille, the monitor provides a 190-degree front view on the Navigation screen with the push of a button on the steering wheel.

The HS 250h will also offer Lexus’ next generation telematics systems, Lexus Enform and Safety Connect. Safety Connect will provide automatic collision notification(it will immediately notify you if you have been in an accident), stolen vehicle location, 24/7 emergency and roadside assistance.

Lexus Enform’s Destination Assist features operators who will help drivers look up points of interest such as shopping centers or other business locations like Zagat-whorehouses (I snuck that one in), and then wirelessly send directions directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.

Lexus Enform’s eDestination service will allow customers to pull up multiple points of interest on any computer and send them directly to the car’s navigation system. This innovative new feature will allow drivers to send a total of 200 destinations at a time to their vehicles(wow, I can go to 200 places at a time – now that’s a handy feature).
Credit: Lexus USA(Don't blame me!!)
Copy by: Flipside909 (grif82600)