Lexus Offers Rear-Wheel Drive Hybrid

Lexus launched the GS450h in Japan as the first hybrid sedan in the Lexus lineup. The GS450h, powered by the world's first hybrid system designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive passenger vehicles, is available through "Lexus" dealers nationwide. The GS450h is expected to go on sale in North America and Japan in April and in Europe in May.

The North American model of the GS 450h has an EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy rating of 26 miles-per-gallon (mpg), with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city/28 mpg highway. With 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car, the GS 450h delivers an estimated 28 percent better fuel efficiency than its V8 competitors.

Development of the GS450h's hybrid system was based on the concept of Hybrid Synergy Drive, which seeks to achieve outstanding driving performance, high fuel efficiency, low emissions and quiet operation.

The combination of a high-output 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-performance motor provides dynamic performance on par with a conventional 4.5-liter vehicle, one of the world's highest fuel efficiency performances in its class (equivalent to that of a 2-liter engine) and clean exhaust emissions as well as the extremely quiet operation that is characteristic of hybrid vehicles. In addition, the GS450h features advanced technologies that enhance both safety and driving performance.

Toyota initially developed its hybrid system for the front-wheel drive Prius compact car, and some design changes were needed to adapt it for the Lexus GS450h, which Toyota said gets an average of 34 miles a gallon. This latest hybrid debunks the image that ecological vehicles can't zip around powerfully like sports cars, company officials said. Lexus intends to introduce additional hybrid models.