2007 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid-Powered Luxury Performance Sedan

Almost everyone is interested in hybrid cars, and for various very good reasons. Until now, compromises have been made in looks, size, performance, price, comfort, power, etc, etc., in many of the available models. In a very few months this will change. As you might guess Lexus is about to do what many considered to be the impossible: offer a no-compromise hybrid: the Lexus GS 450h. I predict this will be one of the most sought-after cars throughout 2006 and you will be lucky if you can find one.

At the 2005 New York International Auto Show, Lexus unveiled the 450h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury performance sedan. Remember those key words: Luxury and Performance. This hybrid is based on the all-new third-generation GS sedans and latest Lexus technology.

Earlier this year, Lexus introduced the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury utility vehicle, the 2006 RX 400h. The upcoming GS 450h sedan will be powered by a new version of Lexus' hybrid technology and will be the world's first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear-wheel drive. It will deliver the performance of a 300+ horsepower V8 engine but with a combined city/highway fuel economy nearing 30 mpg, a level more typical of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder compact sedan.

Bob Carter, the genial Lexus honcho, told me that he feels luxury vehicle buyers will welcome hybrid technology for both fuel efficiency and ultra-low emissions, so long as comfort, performance and style don't suffer greatly. Lexus' goal was to make these desirable traits of comfort, performance and style even better, with no downside when using this new hybrid technology vehicle.

300+ Horsepower; Zero to 60 in Less than Six Seconds in a Hybrid!

A completely new version of the Lexus hybrid powertrain was engineered to power the 2007 GS 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 in excess of 300 horsepower, and it will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Impressive.

Even more impressive is how quickly and powerfully the torque is delivered during low and mid-range acceleration. The system's advanced electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque immediately upon demand. This unique power delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during the frequent stop and start, and 30 to 50 mph passing and merging maneuvers that we use in "real world" everyday driving most of the time.

Based closely on the new GS luxury sport sedans, the GS 450h takes the premium position in the GS series, with all of the performance, luxury and safety features befitting a flagship. Many of the optional features from the V6-powered GS 300 and V8-powered GS 430 models will be standard on the GS 450h.

The 2007 GS 450h is designed to operate like any other Lexus vehicle. Making this hybrid experience completely normal with that great Lexus feel, and all the while the car is delivering an amazingly high level of performance and efficiency.

I do not have a firm price as yet, but I would expect that, in typical Lexus fashion, the car will be priced lower than what one would expect, as Lexus has always delivered tremendous value for the dollar. If all this wasn't enough, just look at the photos accompanying this article. This car is great looking and has none of that funky hybrid styling that we have become accustomed to seeing. As I said earlier, if you want one, you should place your order now, as the 2007 GS 450h is expected to arrive in showrooms in early spring 2006.

Editor's Note: How popular will this new Lexus be? Well, aside from a personal jet plane and complete railroad train that could probably best be used at Disneyland, catalog giant, Neiman Marcus featured the Lexus GS 450h. I think they made a wise choice.

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