Mar. 16, 2006
Lexus Launches GS450h in Japan
World's First Hybrid System Designed Specifically for Rear-Wheel-Drive Passenger Vehicles
Tokyo, March 16, 2006 ― Lexus launched in Japan today the GS450h*1 as the first hybrid sedan in the Lexus lineup. The GS450h, powered by the world's first*2 hybrid system designed specifically for rear-wheel-drive passenger vehicles, is available through "Lexus" dealers nationwide.
The GS450h is emblematic of the GS series, aiming―in the GS fashion and in line with the Lexus concept of providing peace of mind even during high-speed driving―to offer, with its newly developed rear-wheel-drive hybrid system, advanced environment performance and a driving experience that stimulates people's sensitivities beyond mere numbers and performance.
GS450h (with options)
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*3, one of the world's highest fuel efficiency performances in its class*4 (equivalent to that of a 2-liter engine) *5 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.
Lexus has positioned hybrid systems as a key technology for helping to deliver to customers the Lexus value of enjoying superior excitement and comfort, and, in proposing a direction for luxury vehicles in a new era, it intends to introduce additional hybrid models.
*1 With "h" standing for "hybrid", "450h" refers to a hybrid vehicle with performance equal to that of a 4.5-liter conventional vehicle
*2 As of February 2006, according to a TMC survey
*3 Comparison based on TMC measurements
*4 Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
*5 According to the measurements by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.
Sales Outline
1. Sales Channel
2. Sales Target
3. Dealer Launch Events
Assembly Plant
Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation
The GS450h is emblematic of the GS series, aiming―in the GS fashion and in line with the Lexus concept of providing peace of mind even during high-speed driving―to offer, with its newly developed rear-wheel-drive hybrid system, advanced environment performance and a driving experience that stimulates people's sensitivities beyond mere numbers and performance.
GS450h (with options)
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*3, one of the world's highest fuel efficiency performances in its class*4 (equivalent to that of a 2-liter engine) *5 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.
Lexus has positioned hybrid systems as a key technology for helping to deliver to customers the Lexus value of enjoying superior excitement and comfort, and, in proposing a direction for luxury vehicles in a new era, it intends to introduce additional hybrid models.
*1 With "h" standing for "hybrid", "450h" refers to a hybrid vehicle with performance equal to that of a 4.5-liter conventional vehicle
*2 As of February 2006, according to a TMC survey
*3 Comparison based on TMC measurements
*4 Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
*5 According to the measurements by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Note: Products described in this and in any attached materials are for the Japanese market only.
Sales Outline
1. Sales Channel
Sales Outlets: "Lexus" dealers nationwide
2. Sales Target
1,800 units/year
3. Dealer Launch Events
"GS450h Debut Show" April 1 to 9, 2006
Assembly Plant
Tahara Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices
| (Prices in Hokkaido differ; unit: yen) |
| Model and Trim Level | Hybrid System | Powertrain | Price (including consumption tax) | |
| GS450h | THS II* with two-stage motor speed reduction device | Front power plant, rear-wheel- drive | 6,800,000 | |
| "Version L" | 7,700,000 | |||
* Toyota Hybrid System II
NOTE: Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
NOTE: Prices listed do not include recycling fees.
Vehicle Outline
1. Newly Developed Hybrid System Designed Specifically for Rear-Wheel-Drive Passenger Vehicles
Newly Developed Hybrid Transmission
1. Newly Developed Hybrid System Designed Specifically for Rear-Wheel-Drive Passenger Vehicles
Newly Developed Hybrid Transmission
- In addition to an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission function that achieves smooth acceleration, the transmission also features a newly developed two-stage motor speed reduction device for a compact, high-output drive motor. When starting and accelerating at low speeds, the low gear is used to provide high-power acceleration performance; at medium and high speeds, the high gear is used for high-speed cruising. This allows greater use of the efficient range of the motor over a wider spectrum of vehicle speeds.
- The Sequential Shiftmatic allows manual selection of six-stage engine braking depending on the driving conditions, and offers higher responsiveness to pressure on the accelerator.
- The Mode Select feature allows the driver to select from three driving modes ("Normal," "Power" and "Snow") according to preference and driving conditions.
- The use of a two-stage motor speed reduction device and higher motor speed and output significantly boost overall system output. In addition, the transmission as a whole has been made more compact, approximately equal in size to a rear-wheel-drive electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission.
- The power control unit features improved cooling effectiveness and output density. It has been made smaller and fits in the engine compartment.
- The hybrid system battery not only possesses improved cooling effectiveness and higher output, it is also smaller and lighter. In addition, by installing it in the cargo space behind the rear seats, the GS450h boasts a cabin that is equivalent in size to that of a regular gasoline-engine GS.
- The D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) dual-injector system optimally controls the direct fuel injection and port fuel injection according to the vehicle's engine speed and other factors to achieve both superior output and excellent environmental performance.
- The timing of the opening and closing of the intake valves is optimally adjusted to minimize vibration when starting the engine.
Performance of Main Components of the THS II with Two-stage Motor Speed Reduction Device
| Engine | Engine model | 2GR-FSE | ||
| Displacement [cc] | 3,456 | |||
| Maximum output [kW (PS) / rpm] | 218 (296) / 6,400 | |||
| Maximum torque [N-m (kg-m) / rpm] | 368 (37.5) / 4,800 | |||
| Motor | Maximum output [kW (PS)] | 147 (200) | ||
| Maximum torque [N-m (kg-m)] | 275 (28.0) | |||
| Two-stage motor speed reduction device | Gear ratio | Low | 3.900 | |
| High | 1.900 | |||
| Hybrid system battery | Type | Nickel-metal hydride | ||
| Rated voltage [V] | 288 (DC) | |||
| Overall system | Maximum output* [kW (PS)] | 254 (345) | ||
*Output that the system can achieve using the engine power and motor power (the motor power is dependent on battery power) (based on TMC calculations)
2. Outstanding Driving Performance, High Fuel Efficiency, Low Emissions and a Quieter Ride
Outstanding Driving Performance
3. Advanced Technologies
4. Equipment and Designs Created Specifically for Lexus Hybrid Vehicles
*1 Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy
*2 As of February 2006, according to TMC survey
*3 Navigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Outstanding Driving Performance
- The combination of a high-output 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine with a high-performance motor provides high responsiveness characteristic of a hybrid vehicle, smooth, powerful acceleration, and dynamic performance on par with that of a conventional 4.5-liter vehicle, creating a clear distinction from conventional gasoline-engine vehicles.
Acceleration during passing: 40-70km/h in 2.4 seconds (based on TMC measurements)
Acceleration from start: 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds (based on TMC measurements)
- With the aim of reducing CO2 emissions, the new GS450h boasts a fuel efficiency of 14.2km/l (in the 10-15 test cycle outlined by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport ), equivalent to that of a 2-liter vehicle. In addition, fuel efficiency is at least 20% greater than the level called for by the Japanese 2010 standards*1, and both NOx (nitrogen oxides) and NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons) have been cut, achieving emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles. These achievements mean the vehicle qualifies for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System. CO2 emissions under the 10-15 Japanese test cycle are just 163.5g/km, (based on TMC calculations).
- By using Toyota's original comprehensive environmental impact assessment system known as Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System), environmental targets were set in the development stage and a life cycle assessment was conducted to allow the reduction of CO2 emissions throughout all stages of the vehicle's life from production and use to disposal.
- In addition to using materials with excellent recyclability, greater attention has been paid to the environment by, among other means, reducing VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions and the use of substances of environmental concern such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and others.
- When starting up and operating at low speeds or with a light load on the powertrain, the vehicle can be operated as an electric vehicle (EV), achieving the exceptionally quiet ride characteristic of a hybrid vehicle.
3. Advanced Technologies
- The new GS450h features a Pre-crash Safety System with a driver-monitoring function that can not only perceive other vehicles and obstacles on the road ahead, but also detects the direction of the driver's face (world's first*2), providing outstanding collision-injury reduction performance.
- A NAVI/AI-AVS System*3, which optimally controls the dampening force of the shock absorbers based on road information from the navigation system and accumulated road surface grade difference information to enhance maneuverability and cruising stability, comes standard.
4. Equipment and Designs Created Specifically for Lexus Hybrid Vehicles
- A hybrid system status indicator displays fuel-efficient driving criteria.
- A dot-matrix multi-information display located within the speedometer, separate from the navigation screen, includes an energy monitor for indicating the energy flow and an instantaneous fuel meter, allowing the driver to constantly monitor driving status.
- The air conditioner uses a motorized inverter compressor. It can operate even when the engine has been switched off, helping to improve fuel efficiency and ensure comfort through temperature and humidity control.
- "Premium Light Blue" has been adopted as a new body color to express the clean image and advanced nature of hybrid vehicles.
- The exclusive 18-inch aluminum wheels evoke the sense of an advanced and dauntless vehicle.
- The GS450h possesses a hybrid vehicle-exclusive engine cover and emblems on its side door moldings and rear.
*1 Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy
*2 As of February 2006, according to TMC survey
*3 Navigation/Artificial Intelligence-Adaptive Variable Suspension System
