Toyota is using its Lexus HS 250h as the basis for a compact
luxury hybrid called the Sai. The Toyota Sai will make its debut in Japanese
showrooms on December 7, 2009 with a limited rollout in the first quarter of
2010. Toyota states that it has an initial sales goal of 3,000 units per month
before an expanded rollout will be considered. The Sai may be focused on the luxury
market in Japan but Toyota’s use of efficient drive components can be replicated
in other market niches.
The Toyota Sai is powered by a 2.4-liter, 110 kW engine with
variable valve timing as well as a 105 kW electric motor. The Sai will utilize
a NiMH battery pack to power the vehicle at low speeds. Toyota installed an
exhaust heat recovery system in the Sai to expedite engine warmup, making this
luxury hybrid ideal for cold starts. Drivers can expect to achieve fuel mileage
between 46 and 54 miles per gallon with varying estimates due to multiple test cycles.
The drive system used in the Toyota Sai can be switched to
three cycles including Standard Drive, Eco Drive and EV Drive. The Standard
Drive mode relies entirely on the gas engine, which means that design and battery
improvements help achieve fuel mileage savings. The Sai’s Eco Drive reduces power
to air conditioning and moderates engine acceleration to save energy. Toyota allows
drivers to rely entirely on the NiMH battery pack and electric motor with the
EV Drive. While the automaker did not release projected range in EV Drive mode,
it seems likely that this all-electric mode is extremely limited based on current technology.
Toyota is taking a major step forward with the Sai because
of greener components and the ESPO System. The automaker claims that more than
half of the Sai’s interior components are built from eco-friendly plastic. The
ESPO System turns green driving into a game by keeping track of each owner’s
driving habits and fuel mileage. This system rewards drivers who lay off the
gas and avoid sudden acceleration with points. Toyota intends to create a
ranking system among Sai drivers so that these points will create competition
among drivers for greener practices. Sai owners will also be able to parlay
these points into donations by Toyota to a select group of charities.
