Hybrid Technology Unique topics related to the GS450H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the GS450H. Please use the main 3GS forum for discussion about shared components with other third generation GS models.

GS 450H official Thread 0-60 in 5.2 SECONDS/25 MPG!!!$54,900

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Old 10-02-05, 08:57 PM
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LexFather
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Thumbs up GS 450H official Thread 0-60 in 5.2 SECONDS/25 MPG!!!$54,900

Okay, time for a sticky for this VERY highly anticipated car. If you have time, please cut and paste what we already know about this car, including a few pics.

Answers to some questions (not offical answers by Lexus).
1. When does it come out?
Early 2006, I think by the April 15th tax deadline like how they debuted the RX 400h.
2. How much?
Lexus hasn't released info officially but our members have figured about 62-65k U.S. The car is fully loaded, like the RX 400h.
3. What the hell is a 450h?
Lexus gives its hybrids its numerical issue but figuring that its hybrid cars make the power of an equivilent gasoline only engine. The 450h is called this b/c Lexus is stating, it will make the power and performance of a 4.5 liter V-8.
4. Can I put deposits down?
Yes, please contact your local dealer.
5. What is different?
From the exterior, it as 3 split 5 spoke wheels as well as the 450h badge. In the interior, the tachometer is lost, in its place is a voltage meter for the battery. Also, this car is powered by the new 3.5 liter V-6 used in the IS 350.
6. How much power?
No official figures yet but 340hp seems to be the number we are hearing, so anywhere in this vicinity.
7. Is it worth it?
I don't know, are Krispy Kreme doughnuts worth it? Either you pay the gas companies $$$$ for gas with a conventional gas powered car, or pay Lexus $$$$$ for a hybrid and the gas companies a little less $$$, either way your paying someone. Anticipated re-sale is high for this car. Also, the performance of this car is well worth the money, you get incredible passing power since there is no waiting for the electric engines to provide energy.
And explaining to the neighbors how your hybrid ownsz their gasoline powered dinasaur is worth the money
8. In pictures of the engine bay, there are orange wires, what are those?
Those wires are orange to warn emergency crews and mechanics not to cut or they will fry themselves.
9. Why does it cost so much?
Well, do any other companies even offer a hyrbid, let along a luxury high performance one? Nope. The investment into this technology is great. Also, the car is getting a new V-6 and will come loaded to the gills. So the price difference is not as great as it may seem. Also, Lexus continues to move upmarket, which means the cars/SUVs will in these cases, get more expensive. You want cheap, you can jump to some other near-luxury car makers.
10. What is the estimated EPA mileage?
We are not sure but I would guesstimate low 30s, high 20s in actual driving. Remember, you do get better gas mileage in stop and go traffic, instead of highway driving. Also if you drive hard, well, you are burning the same gas that is in a regular gasoline powered car. So don't expect any 40mpg miracles. Mind you, since your getting V-8 performance, your gas mileage is about 40% better than gasoline powered V-8s. Your lucky to get 20mpg in a V-8 pwered sedan in the city.
11, Who are you?
Just your avg nutty, Lexus/car enthusiast. These answers are NOT associated with Lexus corporate at all.
12. What transmission does it use?
The 450h does not use its new 6-speed auto but an even newer CVT transmission.
13. Lol, what is a CVT tranny and how does it work?
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/tec...4/article.html

Description: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) uses an arrangement of pulleys and bands to achieve an unlimited variation between the highest and lowest ratios. Unlike conventional automotive transmissions, CVTs do not employ a graduating arrangement of fixed gear ratios to deliver power transmission. CVTs have seen spotty vehicle applications over the years, but have staged a recent comeback due to improving and emerging technologies.


Purpose: CVTs help the engine stay closer to its most efficient operating range, which can help both performance and fuel economy. CVTs may also offer manufacturers different economies of scale for transmission manufacturing.


PICS
http://www.japanesecarfans.com/photo...2/lexus/1.html

Lexus announces 2007 GS hybrid!
As the world changes, Lexus is committed to changing with it. Luxury no longer means consumption, but enjoyment with an added awareness of the world around us. Using the resources we have wisely, while not sacrificing comfort. The Lexus hybrids are a new breed of vehicle, combining the high performance and luxury features you want, with the social responsibility the world needs. With the GS 450h, Lexus gives you the world's first luxury hybrid sedan.

As the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear-wheel drive, the GS Hybrid breaks new ground. It features a hybrid powertrain specially tailored to the GS, combining a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-power output, permanent-magnet electric motor—all driving the rear wheels. This innovative technology boasts an impressive power output of over 300 horsepower [1], launching from zero to 60 in under six seconds [1] [2]. The cutting-edge GS 450h also features a remarkable midrange acceleration capability, since its massive electric motor can deliver maximum torque immediately on demand. If you're not yet convinced that the GS 450h is an engineering marvel, perhaps this will win you over: The GS gives you the performance of a V8 engine, with an expected combined fuel economy in the high 20s—what you'd get from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder compact.

The GS Hybrid's technology ensures a car's peak performance, while its luxury and comfort keep you at yours. Enjoy a smooth, seamless and powerful ride, with the added benefits of greater fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. You'll also enjoy all the luxury features you expect from Lexus, with many optional features now standard. New touches include special 18-inch light-alloy wheels [3] and a new power meter to replace the tachometer. Not to mention the sleek, stylish lines that express the new L-finesse Lexus design philosophy.

It started with the RX Hybrid, which revolutionized luxury utility vehicles. Now the GS 450h does the same for the performance car. As the auto industry confronts new demands in terms of balancing energy consumption, emissions and luxury vehicles, Lexus is taking on the challenge with new solutions. To find out more about Lexus hybrids, visit our hybrid section. You can also sign up to receive updates on this constantly evolving technology. In a world where auto consumers are being told to make difficult choices, we're working hard to make sure your toughest decision is which color to choose.

Last edited by LexFather; 01-19-06 at 09:32 PM.
Old 10-02-05, 09:06 PM
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List of threads where we have previously discussed the 450H. There is a wealth of information in these threads.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=180944
Neiman Marcus 450
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...highlight=450h

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...highlight=450h
Offical Euro Specs
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...highlight=450h

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...highlight=450h
Debut info
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...highlight=450h
Old 10-02-05, 09:09 PM
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http://www.lexus.com/2007gsh_neimanmarcus/?s_ocid=20277
For those who desire something a little more than the world's first luxury hybrid performance sedan, we present the GS 450h Neiman Marcus® Limited Edition.

This agile, rear-wheel drive sedan features a new hybrid powertrain that merges a 3.5-liter direct injection V6 engine supplemented with a high-output electric motor. Together they provide a combined force of over 300 horsepower [1], not to mention smooth, continuous acceleration.

Of course, there are other benefits to owning a luxury sedan with hybrid technology. You can also look forward to superior fuel economy and the comfort of knowing that you're driving a vehicle that meets the Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) standard.

And let's not forget all the special touches. Each vehicle comes with a set of floormats adorned with the prestigious Neiman Marcus logo. In addition, you'll find a Neiman Marcus badge positioned prominently on the center console, along with a special plate denoting the vehicle's number in this extremely limited series. And to help ensure that your GS 450h remains as beautiful as the day you acquired it, a coordinating car cover is also included.

Interested in obtaining one of these limited editions for your collection? We suggest you order one soon. Only 75 of these special sedans will be produced, 74 of which will be sold exclusively through the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

The first GS 450h in this series will be donated for a charity opportunity drawing at the "Driven to Find a Cure" gala event benefiting cancer research.*

To learn more about this very special GS 450h, please click on the links above. Would you like to place an order? Contact Neiman Marcus by calling (888) 747-4504. Sales will begin promptly at noon EDT on October 19, 2005.
Old 10-02-05, 09:10 PM
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LexFather
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Pics

http://images.google.com/images?svnu...=lexus+gs+450h
Old 10-10-05, 05:49 PM
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LEXUS FAN!
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where did this info come from on price, and especially power and MPG figures?
Old 10-10-05, 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by LEXUS FAN!
where did this info come from on price, and especially power and MPG figures?
The info came from
1 Our members posting data found.
2. My research on the GS 450h on the internet, auto magazines and inside sources
Old 10-10-05, 07:25 PM
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thanks for the help

i was actually just talking to someone who works as a salesperson for Lexus, and he said similar things

MPG should be in the 30s and hp is 340

THANKS!
Old 10-21-05, 10:21 AM
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At the recent Taste of Lexus event a Lexus rep from California told me the GS 450h would be the first Lexus with a shark fin antenna, and he was right. Here's a photo:

http://www.autoweek.com/files/specia...h/pages/04.htm
Old 10-21-05, 10:30 AM
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couple other notes (didnt read thru all the linked posts)

- Available only in RWD

-Performance performance performance. You will unlikely see the word "economy" or "efficiency" in any ads or literature. Its being touted as a High Performance Hybrid, not an economical, environmentaly friendly hybrid.
Old 11-04-05, 04:43 AM
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Rockville
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Default CVT's come in different guises...

The CVT described isn't used by Lexus. On the RX400h the CVT is a planetary gear type with two planetary gears sets sandwiched together that can make any gear ratio needed without shifting from cog to cog. I don't know if a CVT is required to make the GS450h because it's a rear wheel drive and the electric motor is at the rear axle. The GS450h takes the IS350's motor and adds an electric motor at the back. This motor is very fuel efficient already and has phenomenal horsepower. The electric motor will give it more torque on demand. This should be a potent combination. Can't wait..

Rock
Old 11-04-05, 05:58 PM
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p.s. With Neiman Marcus special editon pricing set at 65k, I find it very hard to believe that "normal" GS450h will be anywhere close to that price, so i would expect at least 2k less (PB edition) and didnt NM SC430 cost 70k in 2001? Which was more like 5k increase...
Old 11-05-05, 08:51 AM
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Quote: 12. What transmission does it use?
The 450h does not use its new 6-speed auto but an even newer CVT transmission.



Hey, 1SICK, you mentioned a CVT in the GS450h forum, but Lexus pictures the GS450h with the same sequential shift transmission as the GS300/430. Do you have confirmation on the CVT, or are you assuming the technology will carry over from the RX400h? Another thing to consider is something like Audi/VW, who have CVT with sequential shift at preset RPM settings.
Old 11-05-05, 12:48 PM
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GS 450h articles
http://www.hybridcars.com/lexus-gs450h.html

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Le...-preview/1500/

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Le...-preview/1500/

http://www.japanesecarfans.com/news....id/2050324.005
Old 11-05-05, 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by knolex2001
Quote: 12. What transmission does it use?
The 450h does not use its new 6-speed auto but an even newer CVT transmission.



Hey, 1SICK, you mentioned a CVT in the GS450h forum, but Lexus pictures the GS450h with the same sequential shift transmission as the GS300/430. Do you have confirmation on the CVT, or are you assuming the technology will carry over from the RX400h? Another thing to consider is something like Audi/VW, who have CVT with sequential shift at preset RPM settings.

Like the IS, the motor is transversely mounted to drive the rear wheels, and is mated to a CVT gearbox with a permanent magnet motor sandwiched in between. Seeing as info on the electric half is closely guarded, well have to entertain you with stats on the ICE (gasoline engine)

http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Le...-preview/1500/
Old 11-05-05, 12:55 PM
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