Our digicam crapped out before we could get some shots of the newest Lexus hybrid to stun the automotive world: the 300hp, 450h luxury sedan. The world's first hybrid luxury sedan, the 450h is also the first front-engined full hybrid vehicle with rear wheel drive and the performance of a V8, making it as much a breakthrough as was its dimunitive sibling, the Toyota Prius. The hybrid-drive system combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a high-output electric motor — delivering enough power to propell the sedan from zero to 60 in less than six seconds. If gas goes to $4 a gallon in the US, Toyota will rule the world. [Thanks to the mighty Japanese Car Fans for picking up the slack.]

Unveiling of Lexus GS 450h at NYIAS [Japanese Car Fans]

Related:
Geneva Preview: Lexus IS 250 [internal]

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