REVIEW: Another review of the Lexus GS450 hybrid

Lexus took pains at the Hybrid Seminar to explain that the GS450h has nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a seldom-achieved goal in any rear-wheel drive car, made possible by the hybrid-electric drive system, which adds 391 pounds to the curb weight of the car over the conventional GS430 model (4134 lbs vs. 3745 lbs). Where the 430 sports a 4.3 liter V8 rated at 300hp @ 5600 rpm, the 450h uses a 3.5 liter V6 rated at 292 hp. Coupled to twin electric motor generators rated at 180hp and 197 hp respectively, the total system horsepower is 339 or 253kWs of smooth, cat-like power.
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Rupert - 7/8/2006 1:51:16 PM

+2 Boost

well. it's a car. that happens to be fuel efficient, but in town only. doesn't light my fire.

SixxFive - 7/8/2006 4:25:24 PM

+2 Boost

All that extra weight and a trunk no larger than a BMW Z4 due to the hybrid batteries...no thanks.

Jovi - 7/9/2006 8:32:18 PM

+1 Boost

Not for me... Its for those who likes new technology and are adventurous in trying new concepts...

PlanoA4 - 7/10/2006 9:07:30 AM

+1 Boost

Nice car, good reviews, but the added expense and complication of the electronic batteries and motor, to me do not warrant the performance gain. Seems like it would be better to design a more efficient motor and transmission from the get go. There is little gain in gas mileage, so what is the advantage or raiding the corporate parts bin coffers for spare Hybrid parts? To me it seems like more of a marketing ploy rather than a bonafide advantage.

atomicbri - 7/10/2006 9:10:23 AM

+1 Boost

I wasn't sure about this car at all, I for one do not like the styling too much. Then I made the mistake at test drove it at my local dealer.... WOW! It was such a surreal experience. I mean sure it did not handle like an M5 or even 5 Series for that matter. It starts out with no sound until like 30 mph and then you hear the engine. YOU NEVER FEEL THE TRANSITION!! Than it does this weird thing. At 60 or so the salesman told me to punch it, I did, and the car went faster, but the revs held!!! I was like what gives??? He said it was electric and gas working, electric provides boost, throttle remains steady (to not use gas in the gas motor) It truely was an out of body experience! To all of you nay-sayers...TRY ONE OUT FIRST! Before you all make up these comments with no basis. I LOVE GERMAN CARS. I own a German car, however I was really surprised by this car. (Its even faster to 60 than the regular GS430!!) I liked it so much I almost am thinking about switching my car for this. Fuel savings, speed, and most of all, the "Star Trek" driving experience. Go test drive one!

Rupert - 7/10/2006 1:26:11 PM

+1 Boost

the reason it holds the revs is nothing to do with the electric motor. it's because it's a cvt.

BMW4me4ever - 7/10/2006 6:04:23 PM

+1 Boost

I have test driven one in comparison to a 550. Enough said. no comparison ....

SixxFive - 7/11/2006 11:24:15 PM

+1 Boost

I test drove one after reading th most recent Road & Track article comparison. It feels more like an appliance. I agree with R&T: the BMW 5 series is the REAL thing.