Mention hybrid car and most people instantly think of the Toyota Prius. As the forerunner of the hybrid revolution, that car created history by proving to sceptics a hybrid could achieve record-breaking fuel economy yet remain completely reliable.

While the Prius is an ultra-economical car, the Lexus GS450h is touted as the world's first high-performance luxury hybrid. Lexus claims it has the power of a 4.5-litre V8 and the fuel consumption of a 2-litre motor.

To boot, its price has dropped from $191,000 to $188,000 with COE since the hybrid was last in the news.

A century-sprint time of only 5.9 seconds gives it the acceleration to out-drag noisy rally specials with their huge rear spoilers and garish body kits.

But to regard the 450h as a gentleman's drag racer is to miss the point of the car. With this hybrid, Lexus is on a mission to prove high performance need not come at the expense of heavy fuel consumption. The "normal" engine is a 3.5-litre V6 developing 292bhp. One electric motor (codename MG1) acts as an engine starter, while another more powerful 197bhp motor (MG2) powers the car. Total system output at full throttle is 339bhp.

On taking off gently and at low speeds, MG2 is the sole power source. Step on the accelerator and both the V6 and MG2 mesh seamlessly to provide a truly sensational rush. Once on the go, there is so much torque that overtaking is nearly instantaneous, virtually more a thought than an act - just wish it and it is done.

Even more impressive than the ballistic acceleration is the way the Lexus Hybrid Drive handles the continuously varying outputs of the engine and electric motor. Crossovers between the two power sources are truly seamless, with nary a click or a jerk. The E-CVT transmission is a work of art. Unlike CVT transmissions in conventional cars, there is no feeling of a lag between the transmission and the engine.

At full throttle, the 450h remains extremely quiet, with just the trace of a subdued yet sporty intake roar. This effortless high performance is possibly the most endearing feature of the 450h. With its stupendous torque and instant acceleration, fast upcountry runs over twisty roads would be a cinch.

The experience would be further enhanced if only the steering had a little more feel and feedback.

Smart alloy wheels with chrome highlights, bluish Lexus badges and small "hybrid" signs are the only indications that this is a 450h, not a normal GS300.

The cabin is similar to the 300, save for the additional instruments giving visual clues on the power train. In spite of the additional inputs, the touch screen remains supremely intuitive.

The plush cabin is not perfect, though. Rear leg and head room are marginal for the very tall.

And the low roofline of the GS means you have to bend pretty low to enter or exit the car.

As a luxury executive express, the Lexus GS450h has few peers at $188,000. It offers supercar performance without the cost and problems. Yet it remains frugal.

A car enthusiast in the green lobby will certainly not feel guilty driving it.

Read also:
» Lexus hybrid sales still strong

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Dec 6, 2008.

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