Lexus has long been known for building a top quality vehicle. They have done it again in their new hybrid sports sedan the 2007 Lexus GS 450h. This is the world’s first six cylinder, luxury, performance hybrid.

The vehicle has been engineered as the first front-engine rear-wheel-drive hybrid, this little beauty come with AWD, variable steering, the VVTi and D4-S-enhanced power plants, and host of unexpected amenities and advanced technologies. 2007 Lexus GS 450h comes with the 3.5-liter transversely mounted V-6 engine with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor to drive the rear wheels. It also has a constant velocity transmission (CVT) gearbox with a permanent magnet electric motor in between. Lexus claims the GS 450h will have more than 300 horsepower.

There are so many safety systems under the skin that Lexus has lumped them all under the heading of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM). VDIM includes a host of acronyms such as ABS (Antilock Braking System), BA (BrakeAssist), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ECB (Electronically Controlled Brakes), EPS (Electronic Power Steering), TRAC (Traction Control), VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) and VSC (Vehicle Stability Control). These computerized systems work together with advanced engineering that simultaneously enhances driving pleasure while adding safety.

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds. That is what the 450 means. It has the pick up of a 4.5 liter gasoline engine. It is a full hybrid vehicle meaning it can operate solely on the gasoline engine or the electric motor or it can run on both simultaneously. Maximum fuel efficiency is achieved when the correct motor for the driving conditions is used. Its EPA estimate is in the high 20s and it has earned the SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle) rating. With the GS, you can have your performance, use less fuel and save the environment all without sacrificing high-end luxuries.

The differences in appearance between conventional and hybrid models are nearly indistinguishable inside and out. It has a rear badge identifying it as a hybrid, new 5-spoke 18-inch alloy and on the inside the standard tachometer is replaced by a power meter that displays the total output of the combined power trains. The 2007 Lexus GS 450h comes with the standard TFT dashboard display.