Lexus LS500/LS500h
It's being built under the 300B programme code, which CMK1 and I have been telling all the naysayers for almost a year now
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On the 3GS the hybrid was quicker than the V8. On the 4GS, Lexus re-tuned the engine to run on both Otto and Atkinson cycles, which increased economy but lost power. Currently the price discrepancy speaking from a base GS300 starts at $46K, whereas the GS450h starts at $63K. The NXh, ESh, and LCh are $2-4K more than their traditional ICE counterparts. If Lexus wants to sell more hybrids or get more serious, then this is a step in the right direction.
It's being built under the 300B programme code, which CMK1 and I have been telling all the naysayers for almost a year now
It's being built under the 300B programme code, which CMK1 and I have been telling all the naysayers for almost a year now
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Feb 4, 2018 at 12:52 PM.
Lead Lap
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GS450h I has NiCad with bigger electric motor, while GS450h II has NiMh with smaller electric motor.
I almost bought GS450h II for bottom end torque and economy, but could not get past trunk space, extra weight, and price that will take a long time to recuperate.
I almost bought GS450h II for bottom end torque and economy, but could not get past trunk space, extra weight, and price that will take a long time to recuperate.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: ON/NY
ok. Was there must difference in the performance?
The 4GSh has 338 total system power with the addition of Atkinson cycle. It does feel slower than the 3GSh (not by much), though partly because efficiency over performance. It gained 7/9/8 mpg up from 22/25/23 to 29/34/31.
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The Gen1 GS 450h used a nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery pack, not a NiCd battery pack. The Gen2 GS 450h also uses a NiMH battery pack.
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3GSh had 342 total system hp and aggressive Otto cycle. 3GS V8 had 340hp. When Lexus released the 3GSh, they had a track day that pitted 450h against 460. They'd ask which was quicker before driving and folks would always say the V8. They are close in performance, but the 450h edges 460 in acceleration. 460 would get it at higher speeds.
The 4GSh has 338 total system power with the addition of Atkinson cycle. It does feel slower than the 3GSh (not by much), though partly because efficiency over performance. It gained 7/9/8 mpg up from 22/25/23 to 29/34/31.
The 4GSh has 338 total system power with the addition of Atkinson cycle. It does feel slower than the 3GSh (not by much), though partly because efficiency over performance. It gained 7/9/8 mpg up from 22/25/23 to 29/34/31.
Lead Lap
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Lexus can't seem to figure out what they want their Hybrids to be. It is clear the lower end hybrids are geared towards FE, like the ESh and NXh and ISh overseas. The GSh, LSh and even the LCh are neither fast, engaging or fuel efficient. People spending upwards of $75k to over $100k, on a car no less, probably wouldnt care about spending a few extra bucks at the pump. Anybody that spends over $100k on a hybrid like the LC will NOT want a slow hybrid. I dont care what anyone says about environmentally friendliness then goes and buys a sports car.
Lead Lap
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Lexus can't seem to figure out what they want their Hybrids to be. It is clear the lower end hybrids are geared towards FE, like the ESh and NXh and ISh overseas. The GSh, LSh and even the LCh are neither fast, engaging or fuel efficient. People spending upwards of $75k to over $100k, on a car no less, probably wouldnt care about spending a few extra bucks at the pump. Anybody that spends over $100k on a hybrid like the LC will NOT want a slow hybrid. I dont care what anyone says about environmentally friendliness then goes and buys a sports car.
Regarding what is slow and what is fast is a series of each individuals opinion. I have a AMG that does 0-60 in 3.6 secs and I have buddy’s with cars much faster than that and they can laugh and can call my car slow. I think anything in the 0-60 in 5.5 sec range or less is fast especially for a mass produce daily driver type of vehicle. It also depends what the individuals inside the car are use to. Some might call my Porsche Cayman S a fast car even though I don’t consider it really that fast by modern standards.
I don’t have the sales numbers on hand, but I think Lexus Europe sales were up for the 2017 Calendar year. I think Lexus only sales the GS in the UK as a hybrid and I believe that’s the same for the RX as well. My point is they may not be big sellers for us North Americans. But in Japan, China and Europe the Hybrids out sale the all gas models. They discontinued the CT200h and HS250h here, but both of those models are still selling in other markets. The GS is offered as with a 4 cylinder 300h and 6 cylinder 450h in other markets. And they even offer the IS as a hybrid in Europe, since they don’t sell the ES300h in Europe. The new LCh and LSh aren’t bad cars in my opinion based on what journalists have reported (I have yet to drive either). I think more people would buy here in North America if the price differential was less. Mercedes, Audi and BMW are all introducing mild hybrids versions of their full-size luxury cars in select China, Europe and California.
Last edited by highrev6; Feb 5, 2018 at 02:01 PM. Reason: Typo
so true.
wouldn't say wouldn't care, i've met plenty of irrational rich people who will drop 6 figures on something and complain about 10c increase in gas. 
plus, why do bmw and mercedes have these fairly unimpressive hybrid models too which are far from cheap? i always figured it was just to confuse the market, to gain some eco brownie points and throw off lexus by being able to see 'look, we do that too'.
People spending upwards of $75k to over $100k, on a car no less, probably wouldnt care about spending a few extra bucks at the pump.
plus, why do bmw and mercedes have these fairly unimpressive hybrid models too which are far from cheap? i always figured it was just to confuse the market, to gain some eco brownie points and throw off lexus by being able to see 'look, we do that too'.
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From: Canada
Lexus can't seem to figure out what they want their Hybrids to be. It is clear the lower end hybrids are geared towards FE, like the ESh and NXh and ISh overseas. The GSh, LSh and even the LCh are neither fast, engaging or fuel efficient. People spending upwards of $75k to over $100k, on a car no less, probably wouldnt care about spending a few extra bucks at the pump. Anybody that spends over $100k on a hybrid like the LC will NOT want a slow hybrid. I dont care what anyone says about environmentally friendliness then goes and buys a sports car.
It may not be RC-F fast, but I definitely have no concerns about keeping up with traffic; that is good enough for me and good enough for the heavy urban traffic I drive in.
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I don't know what you consider to be slow but let me tell you that my ESh is definitely NOT slow. I can very quickly and quite effortlessly reach extra-legal speeds if I am not careful.
It may not be RC-F fast, but I definitely have no concerns about keeping up with traffic; that is good enough for me and good enough for the heavy urban traffic I drive in.
It may not be RC-F fast, but I definitely have no concerns about keeping up with traffic; that is good enough for me and good enough for the heavy urban traffic I drive in.
