Yes, but it's not a hybrid issue, and it's not a problem with this Lexus. People prioritize the importance of cars differently. Anyone can look at car and ask, "Why would anyone need a car that [fill in the blank]." Why would anyone need 330 hp? or go 150 mph? or spend any more than $40,000? or jack the thing 3' off the ground? or put a 3" exhaust pipe on it so it sounds like a chain saw?

The debate on who needs what is seperate from the fact this particular car is a hybrid or not.

For me, if you compare this car with other $50,000 / 300+ hp cars, it's a favorable step to add the hybrid drivetrain as it will get better FE than it's counterparts. Within the class, it's a plus.

On an absolute scale across all vehicles, I'm mostly with Zimbop. Making an excessive car more excessive by adding a hybrid is "OK" in terms of expansion of the use of technology, but does little for the planet. But really it's a issue of mindset - that maybe it's OK to not drive a $50K/300hp performance car when a Camary hybrid might do the job just as nice. But, I suspect folks buying cars like that have the means and the desire for something premuim. At least they have a better, albeit far from ideal, choice to make.

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***