Lexus said that its new hybrid SUV, which goes on-sale in less than a month, is the world’s first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury SUV. It also unveiled the 2007 Lexus GS 450h as the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive.
Once again, we’ve applied our formula of no compromise engineering – this time to a luxury sport sedan which proves to us that hybrid power trains can work superbly in virtually any application, said Lexus vice president of marketing, Mark Templin.
It’s very important to continue pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while continuing to improve performance and driving pleasure. Our customers wouldn’t have it any other way, he continued.
A new Lexus Hybrid powertrain was created to power the 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. Combined power output will be well in excess of 300 horsepower, with zero-to-60 acceleration in less than six seconds.
The Lexus GS 450h is targeted for sale beginning in the spring of 2006.
