Lexus launches GS450h hybrid in Japan
Lexus announced the launch of its first hybrid sedan Thursday - the GS450h.
Promoted by Toyota as the world's first hybrid with a powertrain specifically designed for a rear-wheel drive car, the
big sedan will roll into overseas showrooms beginning next.The GS450h is powered by a version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, with a 3.5-liter V6 combined with an electric motor with a Nickel-metal hydride battery pack. According to Toyota, the combination gives the vehicle the performance of a 4.5-liter V6 (hence the 450h designation), with the best-in-class fuel efficiency of a 2-liter powerplant. The RWD powertrain includes a new transmission combining an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with a 2-stage reduction gearbox for the electric motor.
In the performance department, Toyota says the 450h hustles from 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds. Not bad for a car with a fuel efficiency of 33 mpg (Japanese test cycle).
The hybrid features come at a premium price, though. The 450h is priced in Japan about $4,250 above a gasoline-only 4.3-liter GS, and a whopping $13,650 above the 3.5-liter version.
[Sources: Toyota, Reuters]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Daddy-O 8:27AM (3/17/2006)
There goes Toyota again overpricing their cars as usual. How do they expect to establish a foothold in Japan by trying to price there cars near BMW and M-B's? You think the Japanese cares about hybrids and the environment? I don't think so. Plus, I think they know that a Lexus is just a Toyota in disguise. We on the other hand, like to believe that there is a difference, when there really isn't.
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n8 9:00AM (3/17/2006)
Daddy-O: The Japanese buy far more hybrids per capita than any other country in the world. Since introducing the Prius, for instance, the Japanese have bought almost 50% of them.
As for 'overpricing' the cars - people value different things. Some want a car that gets them from point A to point B (sometimes hauling a few cords of wood), while others want to be pampered in butter-soft leather seats while feeling good about poluting the environment less. The market decides what each is worth. Just because you don't want a Lexus doesn't mean the people who buy them are idiots.
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Michael Karesh 9:53AM (3/17/2006)
Is a Bentley just a VW in disguise?
Is a Cadillac just a Chevy in disguise?
Perhaps, but my point is that a Lexus LS or GS has about as much in common with a Camry as a Silver Spur does with a Passat or an STS does with a Malibu.
Of greater concern, is a 3.5-liter version of the GS sold in Japan? If so, why not here? If not, well, why not here? The 3.0 we do get should probably be the base engine in the IS rather than the 2.5. Or at least available--there's a huge gap between the 2.5 and 3.5.
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Gunnar Heinrich 10:05AM (3/17/2006)
I like the new look of the GS. Far better looking than the old GS which looked liked a bad mesh of last generations E-Class and 5-Series.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
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Presto 10:37AM (3/17/2006)
Daddy-O,
Fact: Peole pay extra for the "L" on the hood. It makes them feel important and enhances their self imgage. I'm not saying it's wrong or right... it just is.
You questioned how Lexus can establish a foothold in Japan by pricing near BMW and M-B? Uhhh... how do they do it here? Last time I checked, Lexus has been the #1 selling luxury for years.
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Whydrive 12:49PM (3/17/2006)
Presto, the affluent folks in Japan (and most of Asia for that matter) are extremely brand conscious. European automakers simply have more cachet than Japanese automakers. It'll be extremely difficult for Toyota and the others to change this perception and it's not going to happen overnight.
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Car-la 5:18PM (3/17/2006)
Daddy-O have you ever been to Japan? Obviously not!
Anyway, it was always difficult for Lexus to get a hold in this market. I actually don't consider the Germans the main competition for Lexus, but rather regular Toyota and Nissan models. Lexus is just so much more expensive compared to other Japanese cars. The Nissan Skyline sedan (Infiniti G35) for example retails for only 80% of a Lexus IS350. Toyota itself has some quite nice cars in Japan that pose some serious competition for Lexus.
I think if Lexus could make it against the German competition in the US, it will be even easier for them on their hometurf. If Lexus can make it against the less pricier Japanese competition, though, remains to be seen. I at least would rather have a Skyline, than a Lexus IS350 and save $5000 along the way.
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DPC car videos 5:59AM (8/27/2006)
very nice, the only thing is they have to bring down the price.
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