Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Lexus: The Green Powerhouse


Lexus, driven by the success of Toyota's regular hybrid lineup, is kicking it up a notch by planning to offer a hybrid variant for every model series in its entire lineup.

The latest model to emerge as a hybrid is the mid-range GS450h a "luxury performance sedan" that is meant to compete with standard gasoline V-8 engined competitors.

A V-6, 339 horsepower hybrid engine powers the GS sedan to 60 in as little as 5.2 seconds while cutting emissions by as much as 80% from the standard GS430. Expected performance facets like 18" wheels and stability control system are standard.

In other words, the GS is no put-put Prius.

This no compromise attitude has to be upsetting the corporate boards of BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Neither German rival is ready to sell alternative energy vehicles; let alone performance alternative energy vehicles.

BMW clings to its pie-in-the-sky hydrogen cars, while Mercedes fine tunes its diesel technology. Needless to say, Toyota's Lexus is the greenest luxury car of the moment.

The GS450h joins the year-old RX350h in the manufacturer's hybrid lineup. In less than a year's time, plan on seeing an LS450h to make its gas-saving debut.

In short, Toyota just hit the ball out of the park- again.

Tap the link for more information: Lexus USA

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