Lexus 2007 GS 450h Sport Sedan

How about this: For about an extra $1,090 you can have the fastest Lexus (0-60 in 5.2 seconds) AND get about 30% better fuel economy than on competitor's V-8 models in this class. What: More power and better fuel economy? Well, Lexus pioneered hybrid technology and this is the world's first front engine, rear wheel drive, full hybrid luxury vehicle. The Lexus GS 450h is the flagship of the GS line and fits right in between Lexus' smaller IS series and their larger LS series, but it is quite roomy inside. Recently, I had an opportunity to visit with some of Lexus' top brass and drive their new superstar. Bob Carter, Lexus General Manager, and all-around good guy, took time to explain the significance of this new vehicle. He told me that "As a total high-performance package, the new GS hybrid will be without rival in the industry in terms of matching its combination of outstanding driving performance, environmental efficiency and its refined, ultra-quiet ride." And guess what...I think Bob is right.

The Fastest Lexus to Date
Power is paramount with the new GS 450h. Its 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid delivers performance equal to a modern 4.5-liter V-8 engine and is designed to be as fast as or faster than every V-8-powered competitor in its class. The GS 450h accelerates from zero-to-60 in only 5.2 seconds. The black 450h car I drove gave me a real "push" into the seats when I really gave it the gas (or electricity, as the case may be).

You would be amazed at how quickly torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The car's massive electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque, immediately upon demand. This unique power delivery characteristic is really noticeable during 30-to-50 mile-per-hour passing. The end result: The fuel economy of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder compact sedan with all the performance of a big V-8!

Advanced Dynamics, Handling and Safety
The rear-wheel drive hybrid sedan's platform delivers a typical Lexus experience; a very comfortable ride, yet all the while maintaining that good "road feel" that drivers covet. Responsive handling is produced with a double-wishbone, coil-spring suspension, which showcases the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension equipped with driver-selectable shock absorber damping. This car has more electronic goodies than the space shuttle (and acronyms to go with each) ----get this: it has Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system integrated Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) and Traction Control (TRAC). All this sounds mind-numbing, but it really works well.

All-New Hybrid Powertrain
A completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain was created for the new GS 450h. This system combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a new high-output electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. Equally remarkable, the GS hybrid sedan's two engines collectively produce 339 horsepower immediately upon demand. Its (non-hybrid) V-8 stablemate, the Lexus GS 430 puts out less (330 horsepower) and delivers 18 to 25 mpg. Let's see; better gas mileage, faster car, for only $1,090 more. Money well spent and it's "green", too, so your friends who harp on you to conserve our natural resources will smile upon you as you quietly zoom by!

Modern Power
Defined as a "full hybrid," the GS 450h is capable of operating in electric-only or a combination of both the gas engine and the electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies are not capable of only running on electric power, but instead require almost constant gas engine operation. In making the transition to this hybrid powertrain, the traditional belt-driven alternator, and power steering pump are eliminated, and the AC compressor is no longer engine-driven. This is because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system—especially when you are stopped or driving slowly through traffic. The AC compressor is also electrically powered.

Regenerative Power
The GS 450h is equipped with a regenerative brake system so that during braking, the electric motor is operated as a generator, converting the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle to electrical energy that is then sent to the battery. In this fashion, the GS 450h regenerates electricity extremely efficiently.

Great Looks
Building upon the GS heritage, the GS 450h carries handsome new styling with a long hood and pulled-back cabin. Its lower hood and overall height, combined with wider rear tread, translates into a sporty façade with a powerful stance.

The independent four-headlamp design continues the GS tradition, while an aggressive front adds new integrated fog lamps. In addition, The GS hybrid features LED rear combination headlamps, color-keyed exterior mirrors and water-repellant front door glass. All windows feature ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass.

The body emphasizes narrow and precise body gaps and utilizes galvanized rust-resistant steel for which Lexus has become known. Additional sound-absorbing sheets have been added behind the instrument panel to complement a new sound-absorbing front windshield.

The interior remains a real luxury environment with leather-trimmed seats in Ash, Cashmere or Black matched with real wood trim. The cabin features a wood and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel—featuring audio and multi-information display controls—and a coordinating wood and leather shift knob. The 10-way power adjustable front driver and passenger seats are both heated and ventilated.

Other goodies
As always, luxury and convenience go hand in hand and the GS 450h is no exception. This all-new hybrid sedan exhibits a three-pod analog instrument cluster with the unique Lexus Electro Chromatic Display.

The GS offers numerous standard features such as Bluetooth wireless telephone capability and a Tire Pressure Monitoring system that can detect and notify the driver via an indicator warning light of a significant loss in pressure in one or more tires. The GS also features an Adaptive Front Lighting System, which helps illuminate a curve as you steer into it. A standard rear back-up camera automatically shows what's behind the vehicle when the transmission is shifted into reverse.

The GS 450h also carries the convenience of intelligent technology features such as SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button ignition, powered trunk closure, rain-sensing wipers and Intuitive Park Assist, which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close by and warn the driver of their proximity. What more could you want?

Economy and Performance
With 80 percent fewer smog emissions, the GS 450h delivers more than 30 percent better fuel efficiency than its V-8 competitors with an EPA-estimated combined fuel consumption of 26 miles-per-gallon. The GS 450h powertrain achieves its impressive power and environmental advantages by utilizing the benefits of both direct and port fuel injection. The new 3.5-liter engine includes a new highly advanced fuel injection system that provides highly compressed fuel directly into the cylinders according to engine rotation speed and uses normal port injection to send fuel into the air intake ports.

When driving on city streets, the two types of injection are combined to improve optimize fuel consumption and stabilize combustion. Under heavy acceleration, the system efficiently fills the combustion chambers and achieves a high compression ratio by using direct injection only. By optimally controlling these two injection methods, the engine achieves both high power and superior environmental benefits through fuel efficiency and lowered emissions.

The GS 450h's next generation ECVT consists of a motor generator, motive power dividing mechanism, two-stage motor reduction device, electrically powered oil pump and hydraulic control system. The special, sealed transmission is also extremely light and compact, ensuring maximum acceleration performance along with smooth shifts.

Redefining Luxury Hybrid
Many of the optional features from the GS 300 and 430 are standard on the GS 450h. Designed to operate like any other Lexus vehicle, the new GS 450h's hybrid experience feels completely normal and seamless, all the while delivering a surprising new level of performance and efficiency.

I hate noisy cars, you know what I mean: some are so bad you can hardly talk to friends in the back seat or hear the radio for all the engine and road noise. I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was, in that the 450h's powertrain and insulation offered a super quiet ride. I would wager it is quieter than a Rolls-Royce. One of the industry's measurements of a luxury car is the level of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH). Since the GS 450h is driven by its electric motors when starting and traveling slowly and during low-load driving, the NVH level is about half that of conventional gasoline powered engine which enables it to give you this quiet ride.

Get in Line
The 2007 GS 450h went on sale in May with a Suggested Retail Price of $54,900 for a well-equipped model. Lexus is only allocating 2,000 of these highly-desirable models for the US. I suggest you contact your Lexus dealer soon if you want to get in line, as I don't think they are producing enough to meet the demand. For more information go to www.Lexus.com.

Jeff Heeren