The 2007 Lexus GS 450h, the world’s first luxury performance hybrid sedan, goes on sale in early May with a base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,900. Beyond its advanced gas/electric hybrid powertrain and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability control system, the base price includes a wide array of premium standard features typically offered as popular options on the GS 300 and GS 430.

A completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain propels the new GS 450h. The system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new compact, high-output, permanent magnet electric motor that drives the rear wheels. The transmission utilizes an advanced two-stage motor torque multiplication device for the Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) motor, delivering responsive and seamless acceleration with no power loss.

With a combined system output of 339 horsepower, the new 3.5-liter V6 hybrid delivers the dynamic performance of a modern 4.5-liter V8 engine and is expected to be as quick or quicker than every V8-powered competitor in its class. The GS 450h accelerates from zero-to-60 miles per hour in approximately 5.2 seconds.

With 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, the GS 450h delivers an estimated 33 percent better fuel efficiency than its V8 competitors with a manufacture-estimated combined fuel rating of 28 miles-per-gallon (MPG). A Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)/Tier 2-BIN 3 emissions rating is expected.

Since the GS 450h is driven by its electric motors when starting, traveling slowly and during low-load driving, the Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) level is about half that of a conventional gasoline-powered engine, providing an extremely quiet ride.

In addition to the Lexus Hybrid System, the base price includes VDIM, an advanced stability system designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide and then help to automatically correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver.

Other standard features include Electronic Power Steering (EPS) with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), electrically powered air conditioner, power moonroof and power rear sunshade, heated/ventilated front seats, rear side airbags, rain-sensing wipers, Intuitive Park Assist, rear back-up camera, a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with headlamp washers, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty.

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