[Cartoday]
With the launch of its petrol electric hybrid GS and RX models in September, Lexus will become the first motor company in South Africa to introduce a range of ‘performancehybrid’ models
Lexus will introduce the GS450h and RX400h as a bold step to expanding its product offering in South Africa. Hybrid technology has been at the forefront of the company’s global sales plan for a couple of years now, and in markets like the UK, some 28 percent of Lexus sales are accounted for by hybrid derivatives.“For Lexus, the introduction of performancehybrid derivatives to the GS and RX ranges not only expands our range but also offers alternative choices for the diesel and V8 customers of the Premium Medium Sedan and Medium SUV segments,” says Kevin Flynn, General Manager of Lexus South Africa. “The GS450h in particular is a performance car of note, but we believe that the practical experience of these two hybrid derivatives will change the way South Africans perceive hybrid technology.
It not only brings environmental benefits, but offers a practical alternative in performance motoring.”Lexus claims its GS and RX offer the kind of performance normally associated with petrol V8 competitors with the economy and torque of comparable diesel models. In addition to fuel savings, the full hybrid powerplants benefit from the availability of maximum torque from zero revolutions as well as torque characteristics unaffected by high altitudes.The GS450h features a 218kW 3,5-litre V6 engine mated to a 147 kW electric motor that allows 0-100km/h in 5,2 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h while averaging 7,9 l/100km on a combined cycle.
The RX400h will use a 3,3-litre V6 engine along with its electric motor, enabling the SUV to return 8,1 l/100km while delivering 200km/h performance and a 0-100km/h acceleration of 7,3 seconds. In this instance, Lexus Hybrid Drive makes use of two electric motors in conjunction with its part-time all-wheel drive system.As with the existing GS300 and RX350 models, both performancehybrid derivatives will be comprehensively equipped as standard. The vehicles will be price positioned above their respective petrol models, although pricing will only be confirmed closer to launch.“We are very excited about introducing Lexus performancehybrids to the South African market,” said Flynn. “We believe they will offer a practical alternative to petrol and diesel models in one vehicle, offering some of the most sophisticated hybrid technology currently available to continue delivering on the driving expectations of every Lexus model.”