Integrating the world's most technologically advanced drivetrain with the dynamic, elegant simplicity inherent in the new Lexus L-finesse design philosophy and the fundamental Lexus values of uncompromising luxury, state-of-the-art safety, impeccable refinement, peerless quality and sublime ride comfort, the new 2006 Lexus GS 450h re-defines the highperformance luxury sedan.

The latest hybrid petrol/electric powered addition to the luxury Lexus range is named "450" not to indicate the cubic capacity of the engine but, rather, in recognition of a power output comparable to that of a conventional 4.5 litre, V8 petrol engine, developed according to the Lexus standards, whilst the 'h' suffix indicates the presence of Lexus' highly sophisticated hybrid drive system.

The GS model range was the second best selling Lexus model in Europe last year, with a 21% share of total European Lexus sales. The figure of 6,145 units represents a 7 fold increase in GS sales over the previous year. This year, it is anticipated that the sales figure will rise again to above 6,800 units - a 12% increase - with a 29% share for GS 450h.



LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE

The new Lexus GS 450h luxury sports sedan follows the highly acclaimed RX 400h SUV as the second production vehicle powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive. The GS 450h is the first full hybrid vehicle to combine front engine mounting with the rear wheel drive essential to sports driving dynamics.

The new GS 450h further reinforces the importance of hybrid drive systems as the core powertrain technology for the luxury marque. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system encapsulates precisely the type of driving characteristics that are the hallmark of Lexus drivetrain engineering - powerful, smooth and refined, yet offering an engaging and rewarding driving experience - without the normally associated penalties of high fuel consumption and emission levels.

The latest hybrid addition to the luxury Lexus range is named "450" not to indicate the cubic capacity of the engine but, rather, in recognition of an output comparable to that of a conventional 4.5 litre, V8 petrol engine developed to Lexus standards. The "h" suffix stands for Hybrid, indicating the presence of Lexus Hybrid Drive power.



LEXUS HYBRID DRIVE SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Similarly to the RX 400h, the GS 450h's Lexus Hybrid Drive system adopts a series/parallel configuration. As a result, the petrol engine can either power the electric motor exclusively (series mode), or both engine and motor can power the wheels at the same time (parallel mode). Being a "full hybrid", the GS 450h can also operate in pure electric mode.

In addition to the petrol engine and electric motor, the new Lexus Hybrid Drive system further comprises a generator, a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery, a Power Split Device, a two-stage motor speed reduction gear and a more compact Power Control Unit.

The GS 450h incorporates a longitudinal hybrid transmission. This is possible by installing the two-speed reduction gear inside the transmission, in tandem with the electric motor.

Electric motor, generator, Power Split Device and motor speed reduction gear are all housed in one highly compact hybrid transmission casing that is only 1 cm longer than the 6-speed manual gearbox found in the Lexus IS.


As with the RX 400h, the instrument binnacle tachometer is replaced with a power meter dial, which continuously informs the driver as to the amount of power being produced by the hybrid powertrain, as well as the levels of energy being regenerated during braking or deceleration.

For added peace of mind, all hybrid related components (not including petrol engine and transmission) are covered by a 5-year/100,000 km (60,000 miles) pan-European warranty.

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