Lexus GS 450h Sport Sedan Remains the Only Hybrid in Its Segment
The Lexus GS 450h enters its third model year as still the only hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan in its segment. With its advanced technology, high performance and indulgent luxury, the rear-wheel-drive 2008 GS 450h is the premium model in the GS series.
Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
Based on the new-generation GS platform and featuring Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the GS 450h offers V8-like performance with greater fuel efficiency. In addition to boosting performance and fuel efficiency while lowering emissions, Lexus Hybrid Drive technology also further accentuates the brand’s renowned smooth, quiet operation.
A full hybrid, the GS 450h is capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, or a combination of the two. With its unique transmission, the GS 450h was the first hybrid vehicle to enable the electric drive motor to contribute to highway performance, not just slow-speed driving. Other manufacturers are now adopting “dual mode” transmissions for their hybrid vehicles.
The GS 450h model’s version of the Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain combines a powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with a compact, permanent magnet electric motor - all driving the rear wheels. The hybrid powertrain collectively produces 340 horsepower and can effortlessly accelerate the GS 450h from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Just as impressive as the GS 450h’s acceleration from a stop is how quickly and powerfully torque is delivered during mid-range acceleration. The hybrid system’s electric-drive motor delivers maximum torque immediately upon demand. This unique power-delivery characteristic is most noticeable, and most useful, during 30-to-50 mph passing and in traffic-merging maneuvers. The GS 450h returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined and is certified as a Super-Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II).
One of a new generation of Lexus engines, the gasoline V6 uses an Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and a dual fuel-injection system that combines the benefits of direct injection with those of port injection. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates on the intake and exhaust valves to further enhance power and torque across a broad engine speed range.
The GS 450h hybrid powertrain uses two motor-generators, MG1 and MG2 (the drive motor). Each performs specific functions and can operate as both a motor and a generator, although MG1 is used as a starter motor and provides no motive force. The engine-driven generator (MG1) can charge the battery pack or provide additional power to MG2 as needed.
A 288-volt DC Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack is installed behind the rear seat area. The battery’s power is directed through a “boost converter” that can efficiently raise voltage to a maximum 650V DC. An inverter changes this to AC, providing its elevated power to the 147-kW electric motor, which turns as high as 14,400 rpm. A 12-volt auxiliary battery powers various vehicle systems, including audio and navigation.
Power from the gas engine and electric drive motor (MG2) is distributed to the rear drive wheels via a planetary gear-type Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT). This special transmission, which eliminates specific gear ratios, features a two-speed torque-multiplication device that allows drivers to select from among three driving modes: power, normal and snow. “Normal” provides the smoothest operation and is ideal for city or suburban driving; “Power” sharpens accelerator pedal response and “Snow” mode softens accelerator pedal response making it easier to travel on slippery road surfaces.
The ECVT consists of a motor generator, motive power-dividing mechanism, two-stage motor-reduction device, electrically powered oil pump and hydraulic control system. The two-stage torque-multiplication device varies the gear ratio in two stages by controlling a planetary gear and two wet brakes, similar to the way a conventional automatic transmission operates.
This configuration allows the electric drive motor to operate in high or low ranges, with seamless transitions between the two. MG2 can therefore contribute power not just for acceleration, but at higher cruising speeds as well.
The GS 450h is driven solely by its electric motor when starting, traveling slowly, and during low-load driving, the resulting super-quite operation enhancing the luxury experience. A regenerative braking system further boosts system efficiency. When the vehicle is coasting or the brakes are applied, the electric motors function as generators, capturing kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through the brakes and transforming it into useable electricity to recharge the batteries.
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes
The GS 450h matches its powerful acceleration with responsive handling while maintaining the ultra-comfortable ride that is synonymous with the Lexus brand. Instead of attempting to mask noise, the engineers designed fans and motors to significantly reduce cabin-noise intrusion. Fluid-filled front-engine mounts, additional sound-absorbing asphalt sheets behind the instrument panel, and a new sound-absorbing windshield further enhance the quiet ride that redefines the term “Lexus-like.”
Double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension systems endow the GS 450h with engaging handling performance. Like the V8-powered GS 460 model, the GS 450h is equipped as standard with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), a driver-selectable shock absorber damping system.
The standard 18 x 8-inch aluminum alloy wheels have a finish that is unique to the GS 450h and are equipped with 245/40R18 Z-rated summer performance tires; all-season run-flat tires are available. An optional Active Power Stabilizer system helps to further reduce body sway during cornering. The system uses an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to calculate the force needed to counter excess body sway, which is then applied to the stabilizer bars by front and rear electric-powered actuators.
The GS 450h is equipped with the brand’s highest level of dynamic handling technology: the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that goes beyond the capability of other stability and traction-control systems. VDIM is designed to anticipate the onset of a vehicle slide while cornering and then help to automatically correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that is essentially transparent to the driver. VDIM integrates Electric Power Steering (EPS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronically Controlled Brakes (ECB), and Traction Control (TRAC).
Safety/Security Features
All Lexus GS models implement a wide array of advanced safety systems. The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes variable-force front airbags for both the driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of an impact and in turn the airbag deployment force, helping to provide an appropriate level of occupant restraint. The GS features standard seat-mounted side airbags for the front seats, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and front and rear side-curtain airbags.
The optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help the driver to avoid an accident. A millimeter-wave radar sensor helps detect obstacles in front of the car, while vehicle speed, steering-angle and yaw-rate inputs help to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a situation, PCS switches the AVS to sport mode for optimal chassis response, preemptively retracts front seat belts, and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal. The active-braking feature will automatically apply the brakes up to a deceleration rate of 0.3 G’s if the driver fails to react to system warnings.
The Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps illuminate a curve as the driver steers into it. Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) uses ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of objects close by and warn the driver of their proximity.
Luxury/Comfort/Convenience
As the top model in the GS line, the GS 450h features the highest level of standard luxury equipment and includes features that are optional on other GS models: power rear sunshade, 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, rear-seat side airbags, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear back-up camera and headlamp washers. Controls are simple and intuitive, avoiding needless complexity.
A power-tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps ensure a comfortable driving position. The standard dual-zone climate-control system filters the air, and a standard rear power sunshade adds to passenger comfort on warm days. The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition allow the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.
Luxury Options
All styles of music come to life in the ultra-quiet Lexus GS interior with the optional 7.1-channel Mark Levinson® Premium Sound system. Featuring a total of 330 watts playing through 14 speakers, the system allows users to play both CDs and DVDs. DVD movies can be viewed on the color seven-inch touch screen when the vehicle is in “park” and the parking brake is engaged.
The optional Lexus Navigation System includes voice-recognition that allows the driver to enter a destination by voice command. The display screen features a high-resolution 800 x 480 pixel display in 32,000 colors. On-screen details are crisp and clean, and maps and roads feature 3-D shadow effects. The DVD-map database contains more than five million points of interest. The database for Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York includes a building footprint display feature that can show graphic representations of buildings and structures to help the driver identify surroundings.
System functions include multiple route calculations, route preview, simplified highway junction graphics, and a dual-map screen mode. Bluetooth® wireless technology allows the transfer of personal phone books to the navigation system, from which the driver can make hands-free phone calls.
Exterior Design
The current generation GS sedans introduced the brand’s L-finesse design language. A 112.2-inch wheelbase, long hood, pulled-back cabin and short rear deck create a confident, powerful stance for the GS. A low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd) helps to maximize highway fuel efficiency and minimize wind noise. Subtle visual differences distinguish the GS 450h from other GS models. These include a blue hybrid designation on the side rocker moldings, aluminum-and-blue enameled rear model designation, special 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a Lexis Hybrid Drive engine cover, blue front and rear “L” logos, a blue tint to the headlamps and tail lamps and a power meter that replaces the tachometer.
Interior Design
Ultra-premium wood, polished-metal accents and leather trim endow the GS interior with a lavish yet high-precision feel. Touch points convey quality, and controls respond fluidly. Regency leather-trimmed seats are available in Light Gray, Cashmere or Black leather matched with wood trim in Dark Gray Bird’s-eye Maple, Golden Bird’s-eye Maple or Red Walnut, respectively. The wood and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel – featuring audio and multi-information display controls – is complemented by a matching shift knob. The three-pod analog instrument cluster features an Electro Chromatic Display and variable-transparency glass for high visibility in a variety of light conditions.
