GS450h STARS IN GREEN VEHICLE GUIDE
The Australian Government Green Vehicle Guide has awarded the Lexus GS450h a prestigious 4.5-star rating. This rating places the 3.5-litre V6 GS450h alongside 1.8-litre/100 kW vehicles.The 4.5-star rating is an excellent result, given the GS450h produces 254kW.
GS450h is the first of the Lexus luxury hybrid range to be launched in 2006.
With a new 3.5-litre Quad Cam V6 engine and a 650-volt electric motor, GS450h achieves outstanding power and performance while offering the best fuel economy in the Lexus range with super-low emissions.
"Achieving such a high rating in the Green Vehicle Guide is a great result for Lexus," said Lexus Australia divisional manager Scott Grant.
"GS450h really showcases our commitment to environmental leadership."
The Green Vehicle Guide rates new Australian vehicles based on greenhouse and air pollution emissions.
The rating is calculated using data provided by manufacturers from testing the vehicle against Australian Standards.
"It is exciting that Lexus has been able to create a vehicle that performs with great fuel economy and super-low emissions," said Scott Grant.
"However, what Lexus has been able to achieve with this GS not only benefits the environment - it provides truly outstanding vehicle performance."
GS450h generates more power from its electric motor component than the petrol engines of some medium cars.
The Green Vehicle Guide rating system is an Australian Government initiative that has been designed to allow consumers to compare the level of emissions of different vehicles and consequently their impact on the environment.
Lexus will release its second hybrid, the RX400h, in the third quarter of 2006.