by Brian Byrne. Lexus has unveiled a hybrid version of its GS, the GS450h.
The GS450h is the world’s first hybrid luxury saloon and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear-wheel drive.
The car has a sports-car like performance, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in substantially less than six seconds and combined fuel economy more typical of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder compact saloon, along with one of the lowest emission ratings in the world.
The system combines a 3.5-litre V6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor – all driving the rear wheels. Combined power output will be similar to a 4.5-litre V8 engine, delivering in excess of 300 bhp.
The Lexus GS450h is targeted for sale in the middle of 2006.
