biker

If the above quote turns out to be correct, the base engine would be the V8 with 300HP to which some X electric HP would be added. It seems to be little doubt left that the model will be called GS450H.

TRDFantasy

Hmmmm.....as far as I knew, the GS450H was going to be a V6 hybrid. But a V8 hybrid, if that's the case, will make the GS450H more powerful than the upcoming GS460, unless Toyota is introducing a brand new V8, instead of stroking the current 4.3L. To me, at least symbolically, would make the GS450H the "GT" version .... unless of course, the "GT" version, hypothetically spkeaing, will be something even stronger .

flipside909

There is alot of conflicting info about the 450h being a v6 or v8. I'm still...

The real preliminary stats on the GS450h should surface shortly. I personally feel Hybrid technology is definitely something to be excited about.

TRDFantasy

Yes ... I would say that for me, a performance hybrid line of cars will be more exciting than adding superchargers, or turbochargers.

spwolf

argh... 3.5l V6 - 280hp.

actually, it would make little sense to me to use V8 since then they would lose advantage of better mpg in V6. 280hp V6 plus 70hp electric engine would end up as pretty powerful combo, in both mpg and power sense...

BTW - RX400h = 330hp + 70hp=400h
GS450h=280hp+70hp=450hp

And also, like in Prius, gasoline engine should be "detuned" to deliver better mpg and torque so it probably will end up having a bit less hp than before, yet with the help of electric engine go much faster overall. (i am picking this up from my head, but 105hp engine in Prius was detuned to some 87hp or something similar).

ChuH

Very interesting math.

280hp + 70hp = 450hp

The RX400h has been confirmed with 270 hp and not 400 hp.

With hybrids horsepower is not where the advantages is. It is the instant available torque from the electric motor at low speed.

Chu...

LexFather

1. No one is sure how Lexus figures out the name for its hybrids.
2. THe benefits are
A. Instant torque
B. More HP
C. Better gas mileage
D. Tax credit
E. Quieter, since the car is silent when only being ran on the electric engines

biker

D. Is going down to $500 next year (from $2K) and gone the year after.

biker

Like I said, maybe they're going the Honda Accord hybrid route - i.e. adding the hybrid to the top of the line model mostly for performance.

spwolf

well, you have to first understand that Accord is an mild hybrid, with only 16hp and that can not go on electric engine alone. What you get with pairing of V6 and electric engines is that you basically get an 70hp boost at any time you press the pedal. It is like have extremly efficient supercharger that works from 0 to 6,000 RPM. Which is why for all purposes intended, you will actually feel as if you are in some beefy V8 engined car while you still get "decent" mileage - it might not be actually Corolla like if you press it, but then again it will always be better than standard RX while providing with better performance at all times....

And yes, what Lexus and Toyota are going for is Performance and at slighter level, saving the world (economy, emissions).

p.s. 70hp is in Prius, it is unknow what exact system will RX400h have... In fact, it should have 2 different options (AWD and FWD drive systems).

roguenode

As spwolf just pointed out, you can add reduced emmissions to the benefit list.

Expanding on 1Sicklex's point C - lowered fuel costs for any fuel efficient vehicle means lower total cost of ownership. For instance, if I was driving a new prius instead of my GS400, I'd save approx $80/month in fuel costs, over the 4yr loan term of my GS that would save $3840, not to shabby.

looknow12

LA also has the HOV lane for Hybrids

LexFather

March, 2005 Automobile mag reports the 450h will be a V-8 hybrid. This is not confirmed.

looknow12

I heard this from my dealer today actually. He said it will be released this fall.

flipside909

The GS450h will be released in Fall 2006 as a 2007 model. There are alot of conflicting reports that the GS450h will be a 3.5L V6 variant w/electric motors powering both front and rear, and there are sources that say it will be a reworked 4.3L V8. It's a matter of time before we see the actual specs.