Lexus GS450H (Hybrid) 2006 Pictures 
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specifications
Lexus GS450H (Hybrid) 2006
Just last week we brought you the desirable Honda Civic Hybrid; this week we bring you something nearly thrice the price and twice the fun. Not even dark glasses could hide the winning sparkle in the Lexus corner.
Not satisfied with just a nice middle of the range, dual-fuel Prius to keep its green customers happy, the Toyota group have unleashed a cleaner, meaner petrol-electric model for the buyers of its Lexus luxury brand. And what a fine new motor the Lexus GS450H is too with performance equivocal to that of a Porsche 911, while its 35.8mpg fuel consumption is more comparable to a 2.2 litre Peugeot 407. The new luxury hybrid also boasts lower CO2 emissions than its luxury rivals. At 186g/km it’s hardly what you call saintly but add up the reductions over the years and that’s like quite a few more trees you’ve planted on the earth without ever getting your hands dirty.
The CO2 issue is certainly a hot topic among car manufacturers at the moment; dual-fuel production cars are still quite niche right now and not all makers seem to be convinced that we’re going to snap them up. Maybe though once Lexus has tested the water with its seductive hand of delights, there’ll be a fair few other competitors placing their bids. One thing is for sure, the Jaguar XJ is right in its firing line and if the Lexus Hybrid starts selling like a Gnarles Barclay single, then a dose of electric may well be on the cards.
But can the Lexus thrash the Jag in terms of raw performance? It would seem so, yes, with an the estimated 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds compared to the new Jaguar XJ 2.7 litre diesel’s 7.8 second sprint. The Lexus also claims to have the pulling power of 335 horses to the Jag’s 207bhp while still being offered at the same price. It is worth pointing out however that the newly revised 35mpg Jaguar XJ 2.7 is crammed with technological goodies and promises an exuberant yet highly refined drive.
But the Lexus isn’t about to call in on that one, it intends to outsmart its opponent with its highly strung pair of electric motors, titled the MG1 and MG 2. In this instance the MG stands simply for Motor Generator though the technology behind it is far more complex. In layman’s terms though, the MG1 is like an Ace in a polka game, it gets the ball rolling but needs to be backed up by a second Ace if it’s to have any substance behind it. The MG2 electric motor generator delivers this in the form of 197bhp as well as 203lb ft which is pretty respectable alone, never mind when you combine this with a 3.5-litre 292bhp V6 petrol engine.
What you get is a motor that has enough electric to scoot around the urban jungle in clean mode but has the gumption to really open out its throttle when its time to have some fun. Even in the intermediary stages the hybrid really kicks some ass with a 30 to 50mph time of just 2.7 seconds. Though accomplished it is, it does fall short on one front and that is boot space. Despite all of its 40 metal-hydride batteries being squeezed like sardines between the rear seats and the boot, you still get 40 per cent less space for luggage.
By now, having perused this model with careful thought, you would have probably come to the conclusion that it looks almost identical to the GS430 and you’d be right. Aside from some rather subtle baging, the GS450H has inherited all the familiar features of its V8 sibling which is not a bad thing. It looks sleek and sophisticated with its sweeping lines and near-oval shaped side windows. The sporty five spoke alloys also add a distinguished touch as does the walnut coloured detailing on the steering wheel, door panels and centre console.
Verdict
FOR: Text book technology, Stifling performance, luxurious and fun
AGAINST: Boot space, branding, the style could also be a bit more adventurous.
CONCLUSION: Essentially the Lexus has certainly come up trumps with the GS450H; it’s got the thrill of sports-car like performance, mind-boggling technology and all the lavishness you’d expect from a £48,000 car. It’s branding may not have quite the same impact as other car’s in it’s league just yet but it will sell for the simple reason that it’s a great car.
Spec
ENGINE: 3.5 litre V6 Petrol with 2 electric motor generators
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 186/-
POWER: 335bhp
0-60mph (sec): 5.9
MPG: /-/35.8 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
PRICE: £48,000
RIVALS: Jaguar XJ
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http://www.modifiedcars.com/cars/lexus/20613.htm
