Date post: | 08-Jul-2015 |
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Automotive |
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2010 Lexus GS450h
Review
By
Strada
A Performance Rear Wheel Drive Luxury Hybrid
You heard that electric motors have “instant torque” and you always wondered what would happen with abundant instant torque? Here it is…the GS450h is a “performance hybrid” that gives new meaning to instant torque.
Torque Most hybrids are front wheel drive with a 4 cylinder ICE, and a moderate power electric motor. The
emphasis is on economy.
Increasingly luxury manufacturers are talking of launching hybrid versions in the near future. Ideally
with a V6 ICE, an electric motor, and rear wheel drive.
If you are an aficionado of performance, and horsepower, you have wondered what a luxury hybrid
would be. On several occasions we have wondered what an electric motor could do in a rear wheel
drive application (no torque steer) with abundant instant torque.
Wonder no more, the future is here the GS450h, provides not just a glimpse, also the driving and
performance experience of abundant instant torque…its hyper cool.
The Styling is Appealing
Elegantly conservative with good street presence….precisely what you would expect from Lexus.
Leather
Have you noticed that every car has a leather interior! Its refreshing to touch and feel buttery soft
leather, the front seats are heated and ventilated...impressive.
More Leather
Did the soft leather impressed us…yes it did! The fit and finish of the interior is flawless.
Instruments
Looking at the instruments belies the performance of this car. Its cool when the wheel (regenerative) in the instrument shows the battery being charged. Diminishes the sense of guilt…increases the sense of conservation after you throttle up….with a smile on your face.
eCVT
Hybrids have a CVT transmission, in the GS450h its electronically controlled to behave like a 6 speed
transmission, including a manual mode. Its cool to shift gears with a CVT.
Entertainment System
The Mark Levinson system with 14 speakers and 7.1 channel Surround Sound is simply stunning!
Power
The 3.5L V6 is rated at 292 HP with 267 lb.ft. of torque, the hybrid drive is rated at 340 HP, the torque rating of the hybrid is “peel your face off” exhilarating . The 0 to 100 kph time is a few points over 5 seconds, it gives you an idea of the power/performance .
Performance The intellectual direction of the GS450h is performance, not economy, although economy is a by
product of the Lexus Hybrid Drive.
From our perspective, and obvious from Lexus’ too, a $71,900. hybrid sedan is not destined
towards the individual seeking maximum fuel economy. Its for the individual that is seeking HPEE
(High Performance Economy/Efficiency).
In a dialogue on the expectations of a luxury hybrid, we commented that any rear wheel drive
luxury hybrid must have “peel your face off” initial torque as the prime performance indicator…the
GS450h does not disappoint.
Its mid May 2010 with crude still gushing underwater, for some reason a performance hybrid
alleviates the sense of responsibility associated with all performance cars.
Drive
This car drives and feels like luxury sport sedan, good steering , excellent brakes, superlative power. In
addition to all the luxury features that ones expects. Being a Lexus and an hybrid its “silent”…it “wooshes”.
The View
What most folks get to see of the GS450h…yes its hybrid waftability.