Handsome Hybrid, Hefty Price

The Lexus GS 450h is a powerhouse of hybrid performance, but at $67,775 nicely equipped, there may not be enough incentive to attract the green-influenced buyer. Photo courtesy of Lexus.

The Lexus GS hybrid is an elite sport sedan that takes a little too much green -- about $60,000 -- for the privilege of driving green.

Lexus sells the GS in V-6, V-8 and hybrid configurations. Pricing starts at $45,675 for the GS 350 (or $47,625 for all-wheel drive). The V-8-powered GS 460 starts at $54,145.

The GS 450h starts at $57,225, including a $825 freight charge, and the test car was $67,775 with accessories that would be popular with most buyers, such as a navigation system, Mark Levinson audio and the Pre-Collision Safety system.

However, the fuel economy of the gas-only GS models counters the economic urgency to buy the hybrid. Although the GS 450h has the best mileage of the model line, the numbers aren't outstanding: 22 mpg city and 25 highway, on 91 octane. Compare that with the V-6-powered GS 350 at 19/26 or the V-8-powered GS 460 at 17/24.

And, in a segment that includes competitors such as the Audi A6, BMW 5 series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKS, the GS 450h is the only hybrid. But that doesn't get it much respect.

"When we launched the GSh, we expected it to be a niche, modest-volume model,"Lexus spokesman Greg Thome said via e-mail. "Early on, it was 7 percent to 8 percent of total GS sales."

Halfway into 2009, only 138 GS hybrids have been sold, or 5.3 percent of the mix.

The GS 450h is a full hybrid, capable of operating by engine, battery power or a combination of both. Lexus says the hybrid powertrain -- a 3.5-liter V-6 with a permanent-magnet electric motor -- gives V-8 performance with V-6 thrift. Total system power is 340 horsepower.

The 2009 GS has had few changes since its launch for the 2007 model year. A little more trunk room was carved out this year, now up to 10.6 cubic feet, which is barely adequate to hold luggage for a road trip. In the hybrid, a 288-volt, nickel-metal-hydride battery pack behind the rear seat is responsible for the diminished space.

The hybrid powertrain gives brisk acceleration, surging smoothly through a continuously variable transmission, which has performance modes of normal, sport and snow. It takes 5.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, versus 5.4 seconds in the V-8 and 5.7 in the V-6, all of which are credible for cars that weigh about 2 tons.

The GS hybrid weighs 4,134 pounds, which stresses the battery reserves. Coaxing battery power alone was difficult for me as the car would quickly engage gasoline support to heft the weight. But the switching from batteries to engine to a combination is seamless. Braking and coasting capture energy from heat and momentum to replenish the battery charge.

The GS is a striking design with a phenomenally low 0.27 coefficient of drag (the 2010 Prius is 0.25). The test car was painted a gorgeous Black Opal Mica that almost looked midnight blue, with Cashmere leather interior.

With Lexus' attention to soundproofing, the cabin is an environment best enjoyed hermetically sealed. Airflow with the windows down at low speeds is turbulent, and the open sunroof induces annoying buffeting at speeds just above 35 mph.

Shapely arcs and lines, textures and coordinated contrasts provide a calming interior design. Lexus has resisted the use of a central controller for cabin functions -- so far -- and uses buttons to select climate, audio and navigation preferences. Further adjustments are made by touch-screen activation. Often-used controls, such as for temperature, have separate buttons, but none for fan speed, which is still a two-step adjustment.

The front-seat area is comfortable and open for those who fit within 37 inches of headroom or 37.8 inches with the sunroof. Despite its five seat belts, this architecture is best enjoyed by four occupants. The center-rear position is completely compromised by a tall, wide transmission tunnel and a perched and narrow seat in which the heads of modest-size adults will brush the headliner. Foot and legroom seemed tighter than the 36.4 inches claimed by Lexus.

The GS hybrid is beautiful and well-equipped with a clean room of electronic sophistication. But it is also compromised by a small trunk, high price and less-than-dynamic fuel economy. For the hybrid enthusiast, there just isn't enough incentive.

SPECS BOX

009 Lexus GS 450h

Body style: full-size, five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive sport sedan

Hybrid power: series/parallel system with gas engine and electric motors; total system power 340 hp

Engine: aluminum, 292-horsepower, DOHC, 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 with dual continuously Variable Valve Timing With Intelligence

Transmission: continuously variable automatic with normal, sport and snow modes

EPA fuel economy estimates: 22 mpg city, 25 highway; 91 octane recommended

Trunk space: 10.6 cubic feet

Length/wheelbase: 190/112.2 inches

Curb weight: 4,134 pounds

PRICING

Base: $57,225, including $825 freight charge; price as tested, $67,775

Options on test car: Power Active Vehicle Stabilizer with run-flat summer tires, $3,320; Mark Levinson audio, $1,780; Lexus Link, $900; navigation system with voice activation and destination input, $1,500; Lexus Pre-Collision System, $2,850; rear spoiler, $200

Warranty: 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles; powertrain and restraint system coverage is provided for 72 months/70,000 miles; hybrid-related components, including the hybrid battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for eight years/100,000 miles.

Toyota to produce hybrid Auris in Europe from 2012

Toyota has confirmed it will start making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in Britain from next year.
The world’s biggest carmaker said that production of the hybrid Auris would start at its factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, in mid-2010, safeguarding 400 jobs.

Engines will be produced at Toyota's facility in Deeside, North Wales.

The Auris hybrid will share the 1.8liter gasoline engine and electric motor with the new Prius, which has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any five-seater car, at 89g per kilometer, and an official average fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg U.K.

Toyota’s UK operations began production in 1992 and employ about 4,100 workers.

The plant has produced over 2.5 million vehicles to-date, including the Carina E, Corolla, Avensis and Auris, for sale in Europe and export overseas.

The Toyota Auris hit the European market place in spring 2007. Since then, it has sold over 370,000 vehicles. Under the new Toyota Optimal Drive technology, Auris now comes equipped with a 1.33-litre dual VVT-i engine and Toyota’s Start&Stop technology, reducing CO2 emissions by 17% (135 g/km) and improving fuel consumption by 19% (48.7 mpg UK).

Toyota to Launch Yaris-Based Hybrid in 2011

Toyota plans to launch a JPY1.5m ($15,760) Yaris-based hybrid compact in Japan late in 2011.
Toyota's new hybrid-only compact will use the platform and engine of the Yaris compact, which will be fully remodeled ahead of the new hybrid's launch, and feature a more cost competitive and fuel-efficient hybrid system than that of the Prius, but will cost considerably less when it goes on sale, the Asahi Newspaper reported.

Toyota may produce the Yaris-based hybrid not only in Japan but also in France for sale in Europe.

The new Toyota hybrid compact is expected to compete with the hybrid version of Honda's Fit compact, which will debut in Japan next year.

Demand for hybrid vehicles has jumped in Japan, helped by government tax breaks and subsidies on green cars.

Toyota sold 22,292 Prius hybrids in June, up from 6,231 in the same month last year. Rival Honda has also enjoyed strong sales of its Insight hyrid, which was Japan's top-selling car in April.

Audi A3 hybrid expected to arrive in 2012

Just the other day AutoCar brought us the updated info on the next-generation Audi A3, which will be offered in the U.S. with a sedan variant in early 2011. The UK publication is now reporting that the next A3 will also get a hybrid model that will be a part of Volkswagen’s TwinDrive program.

Last year, Volkswagen announced that it is testing a fleet of plug-in hybrid Golfs in Berlin, which should be ready for market launch in 2010 as a 2011 model year. The Volkswagen TwinDrive Golf plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.0L turbo-diesel making a total 122-hp. Mated to an electric motor that is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack (made by Sanyo), the TwinDrive golf can get 30 miles on a full charge.

Volkswagen says that the production model will have a 1.4L 4-cylinder gasoline engine making 100-hp.

Audi cuts CO2 again with new A3 1.6 TDI

Success will smell even sweeter in the Audi A3 from this month as the consistent class best seller slashes emissions even further with the help of an all new 1.6-litre common rail TDI engine combining an outstandingly low CO2 output of 109g/km with the potential to cover close to 69mpg. Aided by the latest auxiliary fuel conservation technology, including an automatic start-stop function, the new unit effects an eight per cent economy improvement over the engine powering the A3 1.9 TDIe, which it replaces. It is available in three-door, five-door Sportback and A3 Cabriolet models priced from £17,485 OTR.

The three-door version’s 68.9mpg combined economy figure demands no sacrifices in power or performance – with the same 105PS and 250Nm peak power and torque outputs as the larger displacement 1.9-litre TDI unit, the new arrival powers the A3 1.6 TDI with five-speed manual transmission to 62mph in 11.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 121mph. This uncompromising breadth of ability is made possible with the help of automatic start-stop and energy recuperation systems, both of which made their debuts recently in the A3 1.4 TFSI.

The start-stop system cuts engine power at idle when the clutch pedal is released and the gear lever is in its neutral position, and then restarts in just two-tenths of a second - more rapidly than any other comparable system – when the clutch is depressed. With the system’s help, economy is boosted and CO2 is reduced by approximately 5g/km, but if required it can be deactivated at the touch of a button.

Braking energy ‘recycled’
Recuperation technology provides further fuel and CO2 savings by recycling a proportion of the wasted kinetic energy which is generated under normal braking and normally dissipated as heat, and storing this temporarily in the vehicle battery to reduce the engine load when the car subsequently accelerates again. With its help, fuel usage is reduced by as much as three per cent in the A3.

These virtually imperceptible economy-maximising measures in no way detract from the responsiveness and agility which has always characterised the A3 range. For keen drivers this can be maximised by specifying the A3 1.6 TDI in Sport form with sports suspension lowered by 15mm over 17-inch five-spoke Star design alloy wheels, or as an S line which rides 10mm lower still on 18-inch seven twin-spoke wheels. The 1.6 TDI is also available in more comfort oriented SE and Standard trim levels, all four options featuring alloy wheels and comforts such as air conditioning or climate control, a single CD audio system, electric windows and mirrors and split/folding rear seats.

The frugal new engine and accompanying efficiency measures bear testament to the concerted efforts being made to honour Board of Management Chairman Rupert Stadler’s pledge to reduce average Audi fleet CO2 output by at least 20 per cent by 2012.

Nissan all-electric car goes to market in 2010

Nissan has previewed its electric vehicle EV platform on a Tiida-based prototype to demonstrate the superior driving pleasure of a pure zero-emission vehicle. It also showcased a sophisticated EV-IT system developed to support electric driving 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

The dedicated EV platform is comprised of a highly rigid body, high-performance motor, compact lithium-ion battery with high power output and energy capacity, delivering outstanding driving performance and safety, while offering a quiet and peaceful driving experience – a unique feature of a fully-electric drivetrain.

The in-house developed electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm for high response and powerful acceleration. Nissan’s unique motor control also contributes to the vehicle’s seamless acceleration.

The 24kWh laminated compact lithium-ion battery pack is placed under the vehicle floor for more efficient packaging, without compromising cabin or cargo space. The battery layout also allows smooth underfloor air-flow which helps reduce drag. Additionally, the regenerative brake system employed to recharge the battery during deceleration and braking extends the driving range to more than 160km under a full charge.

High durability is achieved by employing an additional frame for the battery pack to significantly improve the rigidity of the platform. The combination of a high rigidity platform and electric powertrain minimises vibration and external sounds to produce a quiet and pleasing drive.

EV-IT support function
Nissan has developed a sophisticated IT system for its zero-emission EVs, connecting the vehicle’s on-board transmitting unit to a global data centre to support EV driving 24 hours 7 days a week.

Usability and convenience for EV driving is achieved via the following:

Maximum range display

* With a simple touch of a button, the navigation map shows the driving radius within range under the current state of charge.
* The system can calculate if the vehicle is within range of a pre-set destination.

Update on charging stations

* The navigation system points out the latest information on available charging stations within the current driving range.
* Detailed information for each charging station will also be displayed.

Timer function

* The timer function enables the air-conditioner or battery charging to begin at a specified time. The air-conditioner can be pre-set while the vehicle is plugged-in to cool the cabin to a desirable temperature before driving begins, without taxing the vehicle’s battery. Meanwhile, the battery charging can be set to start at a specified time at night to benefit from more favourable electricity rates.

EV remote control and monitoring function

* The driver can monitor the state-of-charge of the EV via an online website and a cellular phone. For example, when the battery is fully charged, a message alert is sent to the cellular phone. Additional remote control functions range from switching the charging system ON/OFF or setting the air-conditioner timer.

To be a leader in zero-emission mobility, Nissan is progressing its development for electric vehicles and the key components. The all-electric vehicle slated for launch in 2010 will have a unique design and body. Nissan plans to unveil the design of the production EV at its new Global Headquarters Opening in Yokohama on August 2nd.

The New Toyota Hybrids

As much as I singularly resent the level of obnoxious elistism that seems to enshroud the Toyota Prius, I have to admit – if Toyota manages to produce a hybrid vehicle that isn’t as ugly as the Prius or as tiny as the Chevrolet Volt, there is a distinct possibility that I will succumb to the siren song of Toyota’s cost-effective fuel efficiency.

Say what you will, but those guys at Toyota know how to churn out a quality, eco-friendly automobile. Their first hybrid car on the market, the Prius, was introduced in North America in 2001 and was met with almost instant success. Even though it wasn’t the only one of its kind, the fact that it’s price tag was so consumer-friendly gave it a significant competitive edge. Over the years, the Prius has become an image representative of the hybrid car movement, and its sales have obviously been very successful. So much so, in fact, that Toyota is “upping the ante”.

According to Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe, Toyota is planning the release of two more hybrid vehicles. Although production of the Prius will continue as usual, in 2010 Toyota plans to introduce two new members to the Toyota and Lexus fold (respectively). In addition, Toyota has also announced its new partnership with Panasonic EV Energy Co. and subsequent plans to begin manufacturinglithium-ion batteries. The new breed of batteries will initially be used for testing purposes, but long-term goals call for the mass production of the lithium-ion batteries for use in Toyota’s plug-in hybrid vehicle, set for release in 2010.

But wait, it gets greener still…

Toyota’s unbending commitment to the environment also includes immediate plans to begin research in pursuit of a cleaner, even more efficient battery than the lithium-ion. Toyota has also declared that, by 2010, they will effectively cut emissions produced by their manufacturing plants since 2001 by 35%.

Toyota to make bigger push for hybrid market

Japan's Toyota Motor is making a bigger push for the hybrid market. Reports said the leading automaker plans to launch a hybrid compact in Japan in late 2011.

Domestic auto sales for Japan's top carmakers continued to slide in June. Toyota alone booked a 25 per cent drop on-year.

Demand overall may still be weak, but the numbers for hybrid vehicles have been encouraging. The new third generation Prius, which Toyota unveiled only in May, is paving the road ahead.

It promises to have more power than previous models. It also boasts of improved fuel efficiency, allowing the car to run up to 38 kilometres on every litre of gasoline. There is also more room compared to its predecessors.

Paul Nolasco, Corporate Communications Department, Toyota Motor, said: "We're beginning to build more hybrid vehicles in many countries outside Japan as well because the vehicles are popular overseas. For example, we're already building hybrid vehicles in the US, China. We started in July to build hybrid vehicles in Thailand. We'll start to do the same in 2010 in Australia and in the UK as well."

Toyota has sold more than 1.3 million Prius vehicles since its launch in 1997. But it is the hybrid version that is helping to push sales in recent months.

22,292 Prius hybrid vehicles were sold in Japan in June, making it the first fuel-sipping hybrid car to outsell all other vehicles. And in July, Toyota launched its very first hybrid for Lexus, its luxury brand. This new model will be introduced to the US market in September.

Nolasco said: "First of all, in the next decade in 2010s, we aim to sell one million hybrid vehicles a year. Further down the road in 2020s, we expect to have hybrid vehicles in every position of our lineup. For every model of our vehicle, we want a hybrid version. We believe hybrid vehicles are the key to the future.

"And our hybrid technology can be applied to not just gasoline and electric, but for example, diesel fuel, diesel and electric or also to electric vehicles themselves. This is a new technology called plug-in vehicle. We can also apply to compress natural gas and other types of alternative fuel, including hydrogen and fuel cell."