cassiri

I think the motors independently can develop that much hp. I would bet the HP peaks do not peak at the same rpm. Since electric motors are all about low end power, it's hp is declining as the gas motor is picking up. While it is not as exciting as 400+ hp, it should be an incredibly smooth and consistently strong power delivery. I'm ready for a test drive! I am curious to see if any tuners develop chips that can fiddle with the delivery and matching of all this power to squeak out some extra performance as well.

Itsuki_23

More info

‘‘The second application of our unique hybrid drive train engineering -this time in a luxury sports sedan- demonstrates the ability of this new technology to work superbly in the premium automotive segment, reinforcing its enormous significance to the future of the Lexus marque. Through the continued development of highly sophisticated hybrid powertrains, Lexus is revolutionising both performance and driving pleasure whilst actively pursuing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.”
KARL SCHLICHT, VICE PRESIDENT OF LEXUS EUROPE.


•European debut of the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan, the high-performance model of the Lexus GS range
•Integrating technical sophistication with superior performance, Hybrid Synergy Drive®’ is now established as a core powertrain technology for the Lexus marque
•Rear wheel drive powertrain combines a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine with a high-output electric motor
•New 3.5-litre D-4S direct injection petrol engine featuring both direct and port injection for improved fuel economy and emissions
•System power output of over 340 DIN hp, with 0-100kph acceleration in less than 6.0 seconds
•Combines V8 performance with the fuel economy of a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder compact sedan
•Second generation Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system (VDIM) to further enhance performance, traction control and vehicle stability.

Making its European debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Lexus GS 450h luxury sports sedan follows the RX 400h SUV as the second production vehicle to introduce the technical sophistication and high-performance attributes of Lexus hybrid drive engineering to the premium automotive segment.
On sale throughout Europe from the spring of 2006, the new GS 450h further reinforces the importance of hybrid drive systems as the core powertrain technology for the Lexus luxury marque. Its new hybrid drive-train encapsulates precisely the type of driving characteristics that are the hallmark of Lexus drive-train engineering; smooth, powerful and refined, yet offering a highly engaging and rewarding driving experience.
The Lexus GS 450h is the world’s first hybrid luxury sedan to combine front engine mounting with the rear wheel drive essential to sports driving dynamics.
The latest hybrid petrol/electric powered addition to the luxury Lexus range is named “450” not to indicate the cubic capacity of the engine but, rather, in recognition of a power output comparable to that of a conventional 4.5 litre, V8 petrol engine, whilst the ‘h’ suffix indicates the presence of Lexus’ highly sophisticated hybrid drive system.


HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE® IN OPERATION
Over the course of any journey, the new hybrid drive system operates in several different modes to maximise the GS 450h’s overall efficiency: At rest, the engine stops automatically to conserve fuel. Under operating conditions of low engine efficiency such as start up and low to mid-range speeds, the vehicle runs on the electric motor alone, thus eradicating CO2 emissions and providing exceptionally quiet operation. Under normal driving conditions, engine power is divided by the power split device to both drive the wheels directly and power the generator which, in turn, drives the electric motor. In these circumstances, power allocation is constantly monitored and adjusted between engine and motor to maximise efficiency. When sudden acceleration is required, engine and electric motor again operate in tandem, with extra power supplied from the battery to boost motor response. During deceleration and under braking, the engine switches off and the electric motor acts as a high-output generator. This regenerative braking system optimises energy management in the new GS 450h’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® system by recovering kinetic energy (normally wasted as heat under braking and deceleration) as electrical energy for storage in the high performance battery. Furthermore, battery power level is constantly managed via the engine driven generator to obviate any requirement to recharge the system from an external source.

spwolf

RX400h is rated as 270hp total, so this baby should be some "25%" more poweful, and plus be lighter some 10%... So if you thought RX400h had great passing power, then GS450 should be substantially better.

450h name suggests that they expect it to be faster than GS430, which is no slouch either...

cassiri

I think the real question is which will be quicker, the gs460 or gs450h? Since the hybrid doesn't have the same power curve as the conventional 4.6 engine to come, it isn't clear that a displacement or HP comparison is legitimate. Plus haven't they been saying that the 450h will be the flagship of the GS's and that hybrid is the driveline of the future for Lexus. Where does all of that put the GS460?

XeroK00L

I think the fact that they're giving the GS460 the highest number in the nomenclature means that it'll be the flagship GS, i.e., the most expensive model.

XeroK00L

"2nd-gen" VDIM... I'm very interested to know what's been improved from the 1st-gen VDIM. Hopefully it'll be even less intrusive (to shut up the mouths of those critics).

Gojirra99

The only proper way to shut up the critics is NOT to make the VDIM less intrusive, but give the customers a choice to turn it off compeletely with a switch when they desire.
You don't really want it to be less intrusive when it is on in some unexpected emmergency situations.