2006 Lexus GS 450h






"The GS 450h, featuring the latest Lexus Hybrid Drive, is not only synonym for unparalleled performance; it provides the driver and passengers with class leading levels of active and passive safety. Reflecting the GS 450h customers' attitude towards life, Lexus engineers achieved levels of NOx and HC emissions that, combined, are lower than any other combustion engine car on the market." SHIGETOSHI MIYOSHI, CHIEF ENGINEER, LEXUS GS 450h



HYBRID SYSTEM

Lexus Hybrid Drive is the new name adopted to identify the marque's hybrid system. Lexus Hybrid Drive was created around the principle of paradox, combining high levels of performance with fuel efficiency and emissions unachievable by comparable vehicles.

A completely new, front engine, rear-wheel drive, series/parallel hybrid powertrain has been engineered for the high performance GS 450h.


It features a 3,456 cm3 V6 petrol engine combining a new D-4S twin injector system (Direct-injection 4-stroke Superior-version) with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timingintelligent) to develop 296 DIN hp/218 kW and 368 Nm (271 lb.ft) of torque, mated to a compact, high-output, permanent magnet electric motor generating 200 DIN hp/147 kW and 275 Nm (203 lb.ft) of torque right from standstill. With a combined power output of 345 DIN hp/254 kW, the GS 450h is not only the most powerful production hybrid in the world, but also the first to achieve the 100 DIN hp/litre barrier for specific output.

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the new GS 450h's Lexus Hybrid Drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance, 288 V nickel-metal hydride battery, a Power Split Device which, via planetary gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements, and a new, more compact Power Control Unit no larger than an auxiliary 12 V battery - and 63% smaller than in the RX 400h - to transform electrical current, establishing the connection between the 288 V DC battery and the 650 V AC generator and motor.


Unique to the GS 450h, the hybrid transmission incorporates a two-stage motor speed reduction gear - a mechanism similar to a very compact automatic gearbox - generating maximum low-gear torque for significantly enhanced acceleration.


Electric motor, generator, Power Split Device and two-stage motor speed reduction gear are all housed in one lightweight, highly compact longitudinal transmission casing. In order to enable the installation of this component within the platform of the Lexus GS, engineers of the Lexus Development Centre have devoted their attention to finding solutions to reduce its size. As a result, the GS 450h's hybrid transmission is merely 1 cm longer than the 6-speed manual transmission of the Lexus IS.


Another world first, E-CVT (Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) with Sequential Shift Mode, offers a sequential operation mode. Each of the 6 sequential 'steps' offer sharper engine brake force in the manner of a conventional automatic transmission in sequential mode, improving vehicle control and further enhancing the new Lexus's high performance sports driving experience.


Lexus GS 450h will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) in 4.7 seconds, keeping a linear acceleration up to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), with none of the expected 'jumps' between gears of a conventional drivetrain.

go to page 2