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2007 Lexus GS 450h Preview

A New Kind of Conscientious Luxury is On the Way

In the past year, Lexus has presented us with some very impressive proof that the modern luxury vehicle is anything but ordinary or typical. Look no further than the latest models for 2006 to get a glimpse of the inner workings of some of Japans finest creations. Toyota has officially sanctioned Lexus as global brand, to be recognized worldwide in its own merit. No longer will we be seeing Altezzas, Aristos and Harriers re-branded with L-badges. The world - even in its home market of Japan - now sees Lexus as Lexus.

Part of what makes Lexus so unique in a sea of luxury vehicles is the companys dedication to hybrid powertrain vehicles and environmentally

Look no further than the latest models for 2006 to get a glimpse of the inner workings of some of Japans finest creations. (Photo: Lexus)

friendly performance. Educated by parent company and global hybrid powertrain-maker Toyota, Lexus presented the world with the RX 400h, a remarkable hybrid sport utility vehicle which earned Lexus a number of World Firsts including the titles of worlds first luxury hybrid vehicle, the worlds first six cylinder vehicle and the worlds first performance hybrid.

With such formidable success, Lexus will be spreading

With such formidable success, Lexus will be spreading its hybrid know-how to the premium luxury car segment next year, fitted into the middle-of-the-range GS sedan. (Photo: Lexus)

its hybrid know-how to the premium luxury car segment next year, fitted into the middle-of-the-range GS sedan. Already, the conventionally powered GS has been a sales hit. Considered to be the first true Lexus, or the first Lexus designed and built for global consumption, as well as the first vehicle to integrate the luxury marques new L-Finesse design language in production trim, its also a technological showcase, featuring, for the first time in a Lexus, AWD, VGRS variable steering,

A 3.5-liter V6 engine, with VVTi on both intake and exhaust valves, and D4-S direct fuel injection, combined withToyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive system, makes approximately 350-hp. (Photo: Lexus)

the highly advanced VVTi and D4-S-enhanced powerplants, and sporting a whole host of unexpected amenities and advanced technologies. Come early next year, the GS range, which currently includes the V6-powered 300 RWD, 300 AWD, and V8-poweerd 430, will be joined by the 450h hybrid.
For the GS 450h, Lexus has selected its latest V6 creation, the 3.5-liter unit from the new Toyota Avalon/IS 350 performance sedan (not the existing 3.0 V6 from the GS 300). Like the IS, the motor is transversely mounted to drive the rear wheels, and is mated to a CVT gearbox with a permanent

Taking less than 6 seconds to reach 60 mph from standstill, it slots well into the performance range of high-powered midsize competitors from BMW and Infiniti. (Photo: Lexus)

magnet motor sandwiched in between. Seeing as info on the electric half is closely guarded, well have to entertain you with stats on the ICE (gasoline engine). Key features include dual VVTi on both intake and exhaust valves, and D4-S direct fuel injection for increased performance and economy. Output is "well in excess" of 300-horsepower, which could mean it may be as high as 350-hp.

As with all hybrids, the benefits are not merely inclusive to horsepower. The boost includes an increase in torque - a steady surge of which is available from 0 rpm. For those curious, the GS 450h really does perform like a car powered by a 4.5-liter engine (which is what Lexus is referring to when designating

If youre impressed by the performance, youll be even more impressed by the GS 450hs amazing fuel consumption figures. (Photo: Lexus)

it with the "450" numeric name), at least according to Lexus own internal tests. Taking less than 6 seconds toreach 60 mph from standstill, it slots well into the performance range of high-powered midsize competitors from BMW and Infiniti. Like the Highlander Hybrid or RX 400h, midrange pull should be more than enough to surprise the uninitiated, particularly for passing at higher speeds. As always, the GS 450h abides by Lexus commitment to producing full hybrid vehicles, with the ability to operate on pure electrical assist or in tandem with the gasoline engine. This seems to be a trend for all new hybrid vehicles, however, with even Hondas Civic now capable of running only on electrical propulsion, and GM committed to a full-hybrid system for its next-generation HEVs.

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