Tom Hogan Lexus are delighted to announce the launch of the new GS 450h. Lexus Hybrid Drive is the new name adopted to identify the marque’s hybrid technology. 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 Timing-intelligent) 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.
The 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 4.9 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.
Conversely, the GS 450h also proves substantially more frugal than comparable V8 saloons, returning 7.9 l/100km (35.8 mpg) in the combined cycle; fuel consumption on a par with petrol cars two segments below. Moreover, the new Lexus returns CO2 emissions of just 186 g/km – on par with 4-cylinder economy diesels of the same segment. In addition, GS 450h also achieves the world’s lowest levels of NOX and HC emissions combined (0.01 g/km), amongst any vehicle equipped with combustion engines.
The new Lexus GS 450h is comprehensively equipped with the most technologically advanced pre-emptive, active and passive safety systems available on the market today. A Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) pre-emptively optimises front seat belt and emergency braking systems to help reduce collision damage and injury, whilst a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC) automatically matches the speed of the new GS 450h to that of the vehicle ahead. This Lexus features the latest generation of Lexus’ state-of-the-art Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), integrating the Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TRC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) active safety systems with the Active Variable Suspension (AVS), Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) systems to enhance performance, traction control and vehicle stability. The GS 450h comprises the most complete airbag passenger protection in class:
two-stage frontal (two), knee (two), curtain shield (front and rear) and side (four, front and rear) airbags. In addition, GS 450h features 4 lateral collision sensors that enable a better assessment of the impact situation.
The GS 450h is equipped with a comprehensive range of technologically advanced equipment designed to both simplify and enhance life on board. An example of this is the Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System which features a Mark Levinson? Premium Surround system capable of reproducing a complete, discrete 5.1 DVD home theatre experience, and a new satellite navigation system. It incorporates both a 7” Electro Multi Vision touch-screen display and a voice command system for control of audio, air-conditioning, navigation and Bluetooth wireless phone operation. The system further incorporates the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor, a feature unique to this automotive segment.
GS 450h Highlights
- First full hybrid to combine front engine mounting with rear wheel drive
- Delivering a level of performance similar to a 4.5 litre V8, according to the Lexus standards
- Fuel efficiency comparable to petrol vehicles two segments below and a driving range of over 800 km (7.9 l/100km, combined) 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine is assisted by high output electric motor and battery to produce 100 DIN hp/litre (345 DIN hp/254 kW)
- World’s first longitudinal hybrid transmission enhances acceleration
- Linear acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, 80-120 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Combined CO2 emissions on par with the segment’s 4-cylinder economy diesels (186 g/km)
- World’s lowest figure for combined NOx and HC emissions amongst any vehicles adopting combustion engines, 0.01 g/km
- 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear axles (with driver included)
- Unparalleled Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM) with integrated Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) control
- Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System (I-AFS)
- Pre-Crash Safety System (PCS) is complemented by an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Dual front and knee airbags, curtain shield airbags and four side airbags
- Design inspired on Lexus’ L-finesse philosophy
- Sporting 18” alloy wheels, boot spoiler and personalised badging distinguish GS 450h from the other GS models
- Complete aerodynamic package reduces drag coefficient to a class-leading 0.27
- Optitron instrument binnacle with world’s first Electronic Chromatic Device (ECD), providing optimal visibility under direct sunlight
- Unique steering-guided parking sensors combine with segment’s best turning radius for easier manoeuvring
- Lexus Multimedia and Navigation System featuring a Mark Levinson? surround system for CD and audio/video DVD, navigation system, and the Lexus Parking Assist Monitor
With the introduction of the RX 400h and GS 450h, this innovative hybrid technology, unique to Lexus in the luxury car market, is now a core powertrain for Lexus. In 2006 Lexus Hybrid Drive vehicles, will account for over 20% of Lexus Ireland new car registrations. This percentage will only increase with the launch of LS 600h in 2007.
The GS range is a key contributor to Lexus Irelands growing sales ambitions and currently commands 60% share of its segment (2.6 - 4.3 litre engines), with year-to-date sales of over 170 units. Customer interest has increased dramatically because of the L-finesse design and sophisticated driving experience the current GS 300 / 430 has to offer. The introduction of the GS 450h builds on these strengths while also offering exhilarating performance without compromising on environmental responsibilities. Lexus Ireland expect to retail 100 GS 450h in 2006. We believe strongly that this unique vehicle, which employs revolutionary technology,
will continue to grow the Lexus brand in terms of reputation and how it is perceived by the public. The GS 450h will be on sale in Ireland from Friday 19th May.
In accordance with government legislation on hybrid vehicles, the GS 450h does qualify for a fifty percent Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) rebate. The new GS 450h will be available in one grade and retail at €86,000. This is the retail price after the VRT refund of €13,568
CONCLUSION
The launch of the GS 450h is a very important landmark in the ambitious growth plans for the Lexus brand in Ireland. This revolutionary technology, which is unique to Lexus in the luxury car market, is creating a path for the future of the automotive industry.
The introduction of the GS 450h marks some important milestones on this path:
• The world's first performance hybrid saloon
• The world's first rear wheel drive hybrid saloon
• The world's first longitudinal hybrid transmission
Commenting on the introduction of the GS 450h, Tom Moore, Managing Director of Tom Hogan Lexus says, “We are very excited about the introduction of the new GS 450h, it’s high level of performance demonstrates that Lexus Hybrid Drive can have a major impact on driver enjoyment while at the same time achieving uncharacteristically low levels of fuel consumption and emissions. “
