For the GS 450h, Lexus has selected its latest V6 creation, the 3.5-litre unit from the new Toyota
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| A 3.5-litre V6 engine, with VVTi on both intake and exhaust valves, and D4-S direct fuel injection, combined withToyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, makes approximately 350-hp. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
Avalon/IS350 performance sedan (not the existing 3.0 V6 from the GS300). Like the IS, the motor is transversely mounted to drive the rear wheels, and is mated to a CVT gearbox with a permanent magnet motor sandwiched in between. Seeing as info on the electric half is closely guarded, we'll 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
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| Taking less than 6 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill, it slots well into the performance range of high-powered midsize competitors from BMW and Infiniti. (Photo: Lexus Canada) |
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-litre engine (which is what Lexus is referring to when designating it with the "450" numeric name), at least according to Lexus' own internal tests. Taking less than 6 seconds to reach 100 km/h 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 Honda's Civic now capable of running only on electrical propulsion, and GM committed to a full-hybrid system for its next-generation HEVs.
