The new Lexus GS450 hybrid-Part 1

Lexus Unveils Second Ground-Breaking Hybrid Luxury Vehicle



The world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury SUV, the RX 400h, goes on-sale in less than a month. Today, at a press conference at the New York Auto Show, Lexus unveiled yet another ground-breaking hybrid vehicle. The 2007 Lexus GS 450h is the world's first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive.

"Once again, we've applied our formula of no compromise engineering - this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application," said Lexus Vice President of Marketing Mark Templin. "It's very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn’t have it any other way."

A completely new Lexus Hybrid powertrain was created to power the new 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. Combined power output will be well in excess of 300 horsepower, with zero-to-60 acceleration in less than six seconds.

Even more impressive is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The system's massive electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque, immediately upon demand. This unique power delivery characteristic is most noticeable...and most useful...during 30-to-50 passing and merging maneuvers. It is an experience that must be felt to be fully appreciated. The result is a level of acceleration performance similar to a V-8 engine, with combined fuel economy in the high twenties, a level more typical of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder compact sedan, along with one of the best EPA emissions ratings in the industry.

Based closely on the new GS luxury sport sedans, the GS 450h is designed to be the premium model in the GS series, with all of the performance, luxury and safety features befitting a flagship. Many of the optional features from the GS 300 and 430 will be standard on the GS 450h.

There are subtle visual differences like special 18-inch light-alloy wheels and a new power meter that replaces the tachometer. But the new GS 450h is designed to operate like any other Lexus vehicle such that the hybrid experience feels completely normal and seamless, all while delivering a surprising new level of performance and efficiency.

The Lexus GS 450h is targeted for sale beginning in the spring of 2006.

Preliminary Specifications

2007 GS 450h
2006 GS 430

Wheelbase (inches)
112.2
<

Length (inches)
190.0
<

Width (inches)
71.7
<

Height (inches)
56.1
<

Engine / Electric Drive Motor
3.5-liter V6 engine / permanent magnet electric motor
4.3-liter V8 engine

Horsepower
Equivalent to 4.5-liter V8 engine
300

Drive Wheels
Rear
<

0-60 mph (mfr. results)
Under 6 seconds
5.7 sec

*Fuel Economy (city/highway)
Similar to the average 2-liter, 4-cyl. compact sedan
18/25

Emissions Rating
**SULEV
ULEV

*Manufacturer’s estimate of EPA fuel economy emissions.
**Manufacturer’s estimate of emissions ratings.

Click here to view part two

Homer008 - 4/8/2005 9:23:45 AM

+1 Boost

AB: so what is your point?? Being a smartass about a breakthrough tech. car.!! you don't dare....

Homer008 - 4/8/2005 9:23:45 AM

+1 Boost

AB: so what is your point?? Being a smartass about a breakthrough tech. car.!! you don't dare....

Homer008 - 4/9/2005 9:16:58 PM

+1 Boost

I just read GDF's comment and he's right. All these fake bashing beside, in actuality Germans and Americans indeed are copying Japanese. Fact is Ford's hybrid system was purchased from Toyota's hybrid management system. Not to mention Porshe in near future, copying what Japanese produced years ago. I'm sure Japanese aren't going to give them top of the line hybrid tech. but old 90's hybrid technology that neither German's or American's still cannot build. I'm not bashing on anyone but its true. All these folks thinks japanese are copying others are not true. They are years ahead in design and always were to me since 80's. The design always were more futuristic and clean. But most of all heart of the car was where they exceled which is engineering engines/transmissions. Now go look at new Volks wagon's jetta.

Homer008 - 4/9/2005 9:16:58 PM

+1 Boost

I just read GDF's comment and he's right. All these fake bashing beside, in actuality Germans and Americans indeed are copying Japanese. Fact is Ford's hybrid system was purchased from Toyota's hybrid management system. Not to mention Porshe in near future, copying what Japanese produced years ago. I'm sure Japanese aren't going to give them top of the line hybrid tech. but old 90's hybrid technology that neither German's or American's still cannot build. I'm not bashing on anyone but its true. All these folks thinks japanese are copying others are not true. They are years ahead in design and always were to me since 80's. The design always were more futuristic and clean. But most of all heart of the car was where they exceled which is engineering engines/transmissions. Now go look at new Volks wagon's jetta.

FIFlyer - 4/11/2005 5:52:45 PM

+1 Boost

I like this car so well that I called my local Lexus dealer and asked to be contacted when there is more info available. But I am not sure I would get it.
Here's why.

First, it is less attractive than the Audi A6 and A8 that I have been considering. Not ugly, but far from as good looking. I also miss being able to get AWD. I live in the Northeast and like to confidence that AWD (Quattro in my case) gives. Finally, the special wheels on the GS 450h are embarassingly ugly. They belong on a rap star's Cadillac truck (whatever they call it) and not on a serious luxury car.

Homer008 - 4/12/2005 8:44:17 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not sure how to say this but..Porsche is working with Toyota extensively now to develope hybrid for porsche as we speak.

Also you said Honda isn't a full-hybrid. Its true but not all true. b/c honda insight is a full hybrid. Honda accord isn't a full hybrid and i believe accord's engine keeps running even at stops...not sure tho. Also honda civic hybrid is a full hybrid.

And, i read the chronology and am dissapointed even more to learn that electric cars been around this long time but not until Toyota and Honda came along, became actually useful. Just shows some can talk about it and build it but neither actually takes it to the ball field.

Homer008 - 4/12/2005 8:44:17 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not sure how to say this but..Porsche is working with Toyota extensively now to develope hybrid for porsche as we speak.

Also you said Honda isn't a full-hybrid. Its true but not all true. b/c honda insight is a full hybrid. Honda accord isn't a full hybrid and i believe accord's engine keeps running even at stops...not sure tho. Also honda civic hybrid is a full hybrid.

And, i read the chronology and am dissapointed even more to learn that electric cars been around this long time but not until Toyota and Honda came along, became actually useful. Just shows some can talk about it and build it but neither actually takes it to the ball field.

lexusforever - 5/15/2005 12:02:32 PM

+1 Boost

Who ever said that Lexus cannot take over the German makes yet thay already have.Have Beemer or Merc even dreamed of making a hybrid yet?although everybody says that the Germans are the best. It is the Japanese now who are showing the world what they can do and that the Germans are suckers and that the Germans are a useless piece of bullshit. Lexus is the best car that ever happened and thats why the LS is always dominated higher than the S. Because lexus is the BEST!!!