2006 Lexus GS450h Hybrid Reviews
Lexus is adding another weapon to their green-leaning arsenal as they unveilthe Lexus GS450h sedan, scheduled to reach dealerships in the spring of 2006. Itjoins Lexus's own RX400h SUV as the only luxury vehicles to offer theimproved fuel economy and eco-friendliness of a hybrid powertrain. Lexusalso touts the GS450h as the first rear-wheel-drive car to receive the hybrid treatment.
Lexus claimsthat the hybrid system's performance will match that of a 4.5-literV-8--"it will produce substantially more than 300 hp and achieve 0-60 mph in well under sixseconds"--while returning gas mileage that equals that of a typical 2.0-literfour-cylinder engine.
Ok, so why on earth would Lexus give me, of all people, a GS 450H Hybrid to review? It even has a nifty Power Rear Sunshade. The GS 450H is certainly no light-weight roller skate. The Lexus GS 450H can accelerate from 0-100 kph in less than six seconds. I had to drive this vehicle for myself, or I would never have believed it possible for a Hybrid vehicle like this to exist. Of course, they could always buy a Lexus GS 450H, and drive around in luxury while still helping to save our planet. The Lexus GS 450h features the Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain. The V6 gasoline engine also features Lexus’ innovative combined direct and port fuel injection. The overall result is quick yet smooth acceleration from 0- 62mph in less than six seconds, with compact sedan fuel economy and a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) emissions rating.
Performance
The GS 450h is fully equipped with systems that enable the driver to harness and direct its hybrid power to push the vehicle to its performance limits with confidence. The electric power steering features variable gear ratio steering, while the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) includes electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. Both are enhanced through the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which automatically makes subtle adjustments to steering and acceleration to enable the driver to push the GS 450h to its performance limits without losing control. The GS 450h is also equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Traction Control (TRAC), while the independent, double wishbone front suspension and multi-link control arm rear suspension both feature active height control systems and stabilizers for the ultimate in performance and handling.
Safety
In addition to VDIM, VSC and other control systems, the GS 450h is fully equipped with active and passive safety features, including high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic light control system, auto levelling headlamp system, headlamp washers, and fog lamps, dual-stage airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS) plus knee airbags for both driver and front passenger, plus front and rear seat side airbags and head/side curtain airbags. The Lexus GS 450h is fully-loaded with standard features that make it a joy to own and drive. These include, but are not limited to: a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system with AM/FM/cassette and compact disc DVD autochanger and steering wheel controls; a DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; Bluetooth compatibility; power telescoping steering wheel with auto tilt and memory; power windows with auto up/down function for all positions; power door locks with smart-key entry system and key lockout protection; push button start; cruise control; power moonroof; power rear sunshade; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; built-in garage door opener; and accessory power outlets.
Style
The Lexus GS 450h wraps performance, safety and comfort in the L-Finesse style that is unmistakably Lexus. "The GS 450h joins our very popular RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV to bring the benefits of hybrid power and efficiency to all Canadian luxury vehicle buyers, whatever their needs", Payne concluded. "We’re the first luxury automobile company to do this, and only Lexus can offer both a hybrid luxury car and SUV for environmentally conscious consumers to choose from, without sacrificing luxury refinements or performance."
