In the Desert, Lexus revealed Hybrid 2007 GS 450h Sport Sedan

As the world’s first front engine, rear wheel drive, full hybrid vehicle, the GS 450h luxury performance sedan is the definition of modern luxury, blending breathtaking power with consummate style and remarkable fuel economy. Joining the RX 400h luxury utility vehicle, the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle, in an expanding lineup of hybrid-powered vehicles from Lexus, the GS 450h stands as the flagship of the GS line.

“The GS 450h will offer a compelling new reason for luxury car buyers to consider hybrid technology,” said Bob Carter, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “As a total high-performance package, the new GS hybrid will be without rival in the industry in terms of matching its combination of outstanding driving performance, environmental efficiency and its refined, ultra-quiet ride.”

Top-Line Power: The Quickest Lexus to Date
Power is paramount with the new GS 450h. Its 3.5-liter V6 hybrid delivers the dynamic performance equal to a modern 4.5-liter V8 engine and is designed to be as quick or quicker than every V8-powered competitor in its class. The GS 450h accelerates from zero-to-60 miles per hour in approximately 5.2 seconds.

Even more impressive is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The system’s massive electric motor is capable of delivering maximum torque, immediately upon demand. This unique power delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 miles-per-hour passing and merging maneuvers. It is an experience of pure thrust that cannot be experienced in conventionally-power vehicles. The result is a V8-level of acceleration, and a combined fuel economy in the high twenties, a level more typical of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder compact sedan.

Advanced Dynamics, Responsive Handling and Unsurpassed Safety
The rear-wheel drive hybrid sedan’s platform delivers an ultra-comfortable ride while maintaining the communicative road feel that drivers covet. Responsive handling is produced via the double-wishbone, coil-spring suspension, which showcases the standard Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) equipped with driver-selectable shock absorber damping. An optional active stabilizer further reduces body roll during cornering.

The GS 450h’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system integrates Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB) and Traction Control (TRAC).

VDIM is an advanced stability system designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then to help correct the situation automatically with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver.

All-New Hybrid Powertrain
A completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain was created to power the new GS 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new compact, high-output, permanent magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. The transmission utilizes an advanced two-stage motor torque multiplication device for the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) motor, delivering responsive and seamless acceleration with no power loss.

Equally remarkable, the GS hybrid sedan’s all-new powertrain collectively produces 339 horsepower immediately upon demand. Its dual-injection fuel system features an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) while the valve train showcases dual continuously Variable Valve Timing with

Arriving in Dealerships in May
The 2007 GS 450h goes on sale in May with a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,900. In addition to the Lexus Hybrid System, the base price includes VDIM, and other standard features such as Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), electrically powered air conditioner, power moonroof and power rear sunshade, heated/ventilated front seats, rear side airbags, rain-sensing wipers, Intuitive Park Assist, rear back-up camera, a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with headlamp washers, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-year/ 100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty.

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