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Lexus GS 450h Review: Difference between revisions

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The new [[Lexus|Lexus]] GS 450h [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] is by no means the car that will ensure a super clean environment for future generations to come with mileage ratings in the mid 20's, but the performance will put a smile on your face today.  Future generations can adopt the bicycle or work from home but for now the marriage of low end electric power and high end conventional gas power makes this car a thrill to drive while still being outwardly socially conscious.
The new [[Lexus|Lexus]] GS 450h [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] is by no means the car that will ensure a super clean environment for future generations to come with mileage ratings in the mid 20's, but the performance will put a smile on your face today.  Future generations can adopt the bicycle or work from home but for now the marriage of low end electric power and high end conventional gas power makes this car a thrill to drive while still being outwardly socially conscious.
The [[Lexus|Lexus]] GS 450h is more an attempt to raise the bar of [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid vehicles]] on the marketplace then a conscientious choice. Plans are in place to have [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] solutions throughout the [[Lexus|Lexus]] lineup and will be marketed as the premium vehicle trim.


[[Image:GS_450h.gif|frame|2007 Lexus GS 450h]]
[[Image:GS_450h.gif|frame|2007 Lexus GS 450h]]


See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 [[Lexus GS 450h]].
See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 [[Lexus GS 450h]].
==High Points==
==High Points==
* High out-put powertrain.
* Glorious acceleration
* Luxurious and refined.
* Luxurious cabin
* Superb handling and drivability.
* Excellent handling
* Reduced fuel and emissions impact.


==Low Points==
==Low Points==
* Expensive and limited availability.
* Fuel mileage isn't great (terrible if you compare it to other Hybrids)
* Mileage in the 20's rather than the 50's like other [[Hybrid Cars|hybrids]].
* Expensive
* Heavy vehicle at over 5000 lbs.
* Heavy beast of a vehicle (4,134 lb curb weight)
* Reduced trunk space due to batteries.
* Reduced trunk space due to batteries


==Performance and Handling==
==Performance and Handling==
The key factor in performance for this car has to be the power vs. economy formula and the engineers at [[Lexus|Lexus]] probably were torn on which was more important. Power is abundant for sure but it is also the placement of the power that is noteworthy. Rather then waiting for the gas engine to hit its peak [[HP|horsepower]] at 4800 RPMs, the electric motor has already produced its peak at 0 RPMs. As a result the GS 450h can accelerate on par with larger engined cars like the BMW 5-series, Corvette, Mercedes E500 and Porsche 911's...impressive.
[[Lexus|Lexus]] engineers seemed to have been torn in what to strive for when creating this car. Power is abundant, although it is at the expense of fuel economy, which is poor for a hybrid. This powerplant has a gasoline V6 produces peak [[HP|horsepower]] at 4800 RPMs, with an electric motor producing its peak torque at 0 RPMs. The result of this gives the GS 450h acceleration similar to BMW 550i, Mercedes E550 and Porsche 911 Carrera 2 which is quite impressive.


To keep things under control is very important especially with a rear wheel drive vehicle of this weight and power. [[Lexus|Lexus]] has incorporated all the handling technologies under one system called VDIM ''(Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)''. This encompasses [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|antilock brakes]], stability control, and suspension amongst other things to make a well sorted ride.
[[Lexus|Lexus]] has incorporated all the handling technologies under one system called VDIM ''(Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)''. This encompasses [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)|antilock brakes]], stability control, and suspension amongst other things to make a well sorted ride.  The system seems to do an excellent job controlling the GS 450h's weight and power, although driving enthusiasts will be dissappointed with the generally numb steering feel.


==Gas Mileage==
==Gas Mileage==
Fuel consumption is rather good for the comparable class at [http://www.autos.com/autos/rankings_reviews?cat=luxury_cars&segment=mid-luxury_cars&rank=mpg&year=2007 25/28 MPG].
 


==Safety==
==Safety==
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==Interior and Comforts==
==Interior and Comforts==
[[Image:GS450h_interior.jpg|frame|]]
[[Image:GS450h_interior.jpg|frame|]]
Interior design and creature comforts is a hallmark of [[Lexus|Lexus]] vehicles and the traditions continue with the [[Lexus|Lexus]] GS 450h. Safety, style and convenience all the things expected from a [[Lexus|Lexus]] brand vehicle. Eight airbags, a back-up camera, top notch stereo system with 14 speakers, high-end wood and leather accents throughout all standard equipment. A little less interior space than some of its competitors makes this vehicle almost what some would call cozy, but this can be expected from a vehicle fitted with all the extra entailments of a [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] vehicle.
Interior design and creature comforts is a hallmark of [[Lexus|Lexus]] vehicles and the traditions continue with the [[Lexus|Lexus]] GS 450h. Safety, style and convenience all the things expected from a [[Lexus|Lexus]] brand vehicle. Eight airbags, a back-up camera, top notch stereo system with 14 speakers, high-end wood and leather accents throughout all standard equipment. A little less interior space than some of its competitors makes this vehicle almost what some would call cozy, but this can be expected from a vehicle fitted with all the extra entailments of a [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] vehicle.



Revision as of 14:33, 20 July 2006

The new Lexus GS 450h hybrid is by no means the car that will ensure a super clean environment for future generations to come with mileage ratings in the mid 20's, but the performance will put a smile on your face today. Future generations can adopt the bicycle or work from home but for now the marriage of low end electric power and high end conventional gas power makes this car a thrill to drive while still being outwardly socially conscious.

The Lexus GS 450h is more an attempt to raise the bar of hybrid vehicles on the marketplace then a conscientious choice. Plans are in place to have hybrid solutions throughout the Lexus lineup and will be marketed as the premium vehicle trim.

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2007 Lexus GS 450h

See also the main fact sheets for the 2007 Lexus GS 450h.

High Points

  • Glorious acceleration
  • Luxurious cabin
  • Excellent handling

Low Points

  • Fuel mileage isn't great (terrible if you compare it to other Hybrids)
  • Expensive
  • Heavy beast of a vehicle (4,134 lb curb weight)
  • Reduced trunk space due to batteries

Performance and Handling

Lexus engineers seemed to have been torn in what to strive for when creating this car. Power is abundant, although it is at the expense of fuel economy, which is poor for a hybrid. This powerplant has a gasoline V6 produces peak horsepower at 4800 RPMs, with an electric motor producing its peak torque at 0 RPMs. The result of this gives the GS 450h acceleration similar to BMW 550i, Mercedes E550 and Porsche 911 Carrera 2 which is quite impressive.

Lexus has incorporated all the handling technologies under one system called VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). This encompasses antilock brakes, stability control, and suspension amongst other things to make a well sorted ride. The system seems to do an excellent job controlling the GS 450h's weight and power, although driving enthusiasts will be dissappointed with the generally numb steering feel.

Gas Mileage

Safety

  • Driver and front passenger airbags including front, side, side curtain and knee.
  • Rear side curtain airbags.
  • Electronic Traction Control.
  • Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) electronic stability control.
  • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS).
  • Braking Assist.
  • Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
  • Tire pressure monitor system.
  • Highly rigid body structure.
  • Side impact door beams.
  • Front and rear crumple zones.
  • 3-point seatbelt with Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for driver.
  • 3-point seatbelts with Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) for all passengers.
  • Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets.
  • Child safety locks and window lock button on driver door control.
  • Full-color display backup camera.
  • Intuitive electronic park assist.
  • Theft-deterrent and engine immobilizer system.
  • High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS).
  • Headlamp washers.
  • Daytime running lights.
  • Integrated foglamps.
  • Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers.

Interior and Comforts

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Interior design and creature comforts is a hallmark of Lexus vehicles and the traditions continue with the Lexus GS 450h. Safety, style and convenience all the things expected from a Lexus brand vehicle. Eight airbags, a back-up camera, top notch stereo system with 14 speakers, high-end wood and leather accents throughout all standard equipment. A little less interior space than some of its competitors makes this vehicle almost what some would call cozy, but this can be expected from a vehicle fitted with all the extra entailments of a hybrid vehicle.

Exterior

Lexus has taken a sophisticated approach that suits this car well rather then the edgy designs that can be seen in previous generation hybrids. The overall wide sporty stance conveys some impression of the power under the hood along with the exposed dual exhaust and 18-inch alloy wheels. All in all most would be hard pressed to identify this vehicle as an energy efficient hybrid.

Options

External Links

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