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Lexus GS 450h Review: Difference between revisions

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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 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.


[[Image:GS_450h.gif|frame|2007 Lexus GS 450h]]
[[Image:GS_450h.gif|frame|2007 Lexus GS 450h]]
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==Low Points==
==Low Points==
* Expensive and limited availability.
* Expensive and limited availability.
* Mileage in the 20's rather than the 50's like other hybrids.
* Mileage in the 20's rather than the 50's like other [[Hybrid Cars|hybrids]].
* Heavy vehicle at over 5000 lbs.
* Heavy vehicle at over 5000 lbs.
* 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 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 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.
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.


To keep things under control is very important especially with a rear wheel drive vehicle of this weight and power. 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.
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.


==Gas Mileage==
==Gas Mileage==
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* [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)]].
* [[Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)]].
* [[Brake Assist|Braking Assist]].
* [[Brake Assist|Braking Assist]].
* Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
* Electronic Controlled Braking (ECB) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution ([[Electronic Brake-Force Distribution|EBD]]).
* Tire pressure monitor system.
* Tire pressure monitor system.
* Highly rigid body structure.
* Highly rigid body structure.
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* Front and rear crumple zones.
* Front and rear crumple zones.
* [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|3-point seatbelt]] with Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for driver.
* [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|3-point seatbelt]] with Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for driver.
* [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|3-point seatbelts]] with Automatic Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) for all passengers.
* [[Seatbelt Pretensioners|3-point seatbelts]] with [[Automatic transmission|Automatic]] Locking Retractor/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) for all passengers.
* Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets.
* Child Restraint Seat (CRS) tether anchor brackets.
* Child safety locks and window lock button on driver door control.
* Child safety locks and window lock button on driver door control.
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[[Image:GS450h_interior.jpg|frame|]]
[[Image:GS450h_interior.jpg|frame|]]


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 then some of its competitors makes this vehicle almost what some would call cozy but this can be expected from a vehicle fitting all the extra entailments of a 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.


==Exterior==
==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.
[[Lexus|Lexus]] has taken a sophisticated approach that suits this car well rather then the edgy designs that can be seen in previous generation [[Hybrid Cars|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 Cars|hybrid]].


==Options==
==Options==
* Lexus voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|Navigation System]].
* [[Lexus|Lexus]] voice-activated DVD [[Navigation System|Navigation System]].
* Mark Levinson® 14-speaker 330-watt premium surround sound audio system.
* Mark Levinson® 14-speaker 330-watt premium surround sound audio system.
* Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) and dynamic [[Cruise Control|radar cruise control]].
* [[Lexus|Lexus]] Pre-Collision System (PCS) and dynamic [[Cruise Control|radar cruise control]].
* Active Stabilizer Suspension System.
* Active Stabilizer Suspension System.
* Rear Spoiler.
* Rear Spoiler.
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==External Links==
==External Links==
[http://www.technoride.com/article/Lexus+G+450h+Review+A+Wickedly+Fast+Hybrid/181706_1.aspx Wickedly Fast]
[http://www.technoride.com/article/[[Lexus|Lexus]]+G+450h+Review+A+Wickedly+Fast+[[Hybrid Cars|Hybrid]]/181706_1.aspx Wickedly Fast]

Revision as of 11:57, 30 June 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.

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2007 Lexus GS 450h

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

High Points

  • High out-put powertrain.
  • Luxurious and refined.
  • Superb handling and drivability.
  • Reduced fuel and emissions impact.

Low Points

  • Expensive and limited availability.
  • Mileage in the 20's rather than the 50's like other hybrids.
  • Heavy vehicle at over 5000 lbs.
  • Reduced trunk space due to batteries.

Performance and Handling

The key factor in performance for this car has to be the power vs. economy formula and the engineers at 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 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.

To keep things under control is very important especially with a rear wheel drive vehicle of this weight and power. 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.

Gas Mileage

Fuel consumption is rather good for the comparable class at 25/28 MPG.

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

Lexus+G+450h+Review+A+Wickedly+Fast+Hybrid/181706_1.aspx Wickedly Fast