But there I go again, rattling on about all the standard details that most everyone knows are hardly out of the norm for any Lexus. Really, if you must know more about the 450h's features I cover all
the techno tidbits in detail within last year's GS 300 and 430 introductory road test. What I'd rather do now is be fair to Toyota's luxury division and specifically the GS 450h's creators, who also want the car to be appreciated for style and performance. Style, well that's in the eye of the beholder, of course, although most should find the GS's overall shape handsome, it's rakish profile athletic and fine detailing worthy of respect.
Its performance, as previously mentioned, is even more worthy of respect, especially by its sport sedan rivals. To 100 km/h the 3.5-litre V6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive-equipped sedan out-accelerates the Audi A6 4.2 quattro, BMW 550i, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E500, and as mentioned, its own V8-powered sibling, the GS 430 (although my guess is that the upcoming GS 460 will enhanced the more expensive model's performance to the point it no longer languishes in the hybrid's shadow), and then to pour salt into a festering wound delivers superior fuel economy, Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) credentials,
a lower coefficient of drag, and, with less velocity in mind, is easier to park thanks to a tighter turning circle than most. Ouch! Added to the insulting Asian slap in the Teutonic face, I wouldn't doubt if the much more complex Lexus hybrid system proves to be more reliable than any of the Europeans - Lexus makes a habit out of one-upping the Germans in this regard year after year.
And where does the GS 450h come up short? I couldn't find one single negative until I pulled my bags out of the abbreviated trunk - one of Lexus' hired hands had stowed them there on my behalf earlier that day. It's tight, due to the aforementioned battery packs, and, of course,
you won't be able to fold the rear seatback forward to access more cargo room. For most, mind you, this is a small price to pay for its abundance of positives.
In the end, if you love the thrill of a serious performance sedan but don't want to sacrifice the great outdoors to fulfill your fantasies; no, scrap that last entry... if you love the thrill of a serious performance car period, you'll love the GS 450h. And while you're tromping the competition you can feel righteous about being the environmental conscience of your neighbourhood by doing your part to reduce greenhouse gases and dependence on foreign oil cartels. Yes, Lexus' new GS 450h might be the ultimate feel-good car of the new millennia, achieving the highest marks in its class for delivering solidly on the responsible and irresponsible aspects of performance.
Specifications:
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| It's one attractive car that blows away the competition. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Its performance, as previously mentioned, is even more worthy of respect, especially by its sport sedan rivals. To 100 km/h the 3.5-litre V6 and Hybrid Synergy Drive-equipped sedan out-accelerates the Audi A6 4.2 quattro, BMW 550i, Infiniti M45, Mercedes-Benz E500, and as mentioned, its own V8-powered sibling, the GS 430 (although my guess is that the upcoming GS 460 will enhanced the more expensive model's performance to the point it no longer languishes in the hybrid's shadow), and then to pour salt into a festering wound delivers superior fuel economy, Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) credentials,
 |
| All that power from a 3.5L V6? Not quite... (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
And where does the GS 450h come up short? I couldn't find one single negative until I pulled my bags out of the abbreviated trunk - one of Lexus' hired hands had stowed them there on my behalf earlier that day. It's tight, due to the aforementioned battery packs, and, of course,
 |
| Lexus' new hybrid is changing perceptions about how we look at hybrid automobiles. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
In the end, if you love the thrill of a serious performance sedan but don't want to sacrifice the great outdoors to fulfill your fantasies; no, scrap that last entry... if you love the thrill of a serious performance car period, you'll love the GS 450h. And while you're tromping the competition you can feel righteous about being the environmental conscience of your neighbourhood by doing your part to reduce greenhouse gases and dependence on foreign oil cartels. Yes, Lexus' new GS 450h might be the ultimate feel-good car of the new millennia, achieving the highest marks in its class for delivering solidly on the responsible and irresponsible aspects of performance.
Specifications:
- Base Price (MSRP): $76,900 (no options)
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, RWD
- Engine (combined): 339-hp, 3.5L, 24-valve DOHC V6 direct-injection Gasoline-Electric Hybrid
- Transmission: CVT
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA, EBD
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4825 / 1820 / 1430 / 2850 mm (190.0 / 71.1 / 56.1 / 112.2 in)
- Performance (0-100 km/h): 5.2 seconds
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Wheels: 18-inch
- Fuel Economy (combined est.): 8.1 L/100 km (29 mpg)
- Website: www.lexus.ca
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