Lexus GS 450h, GS 450h Hybrid Product Overview
GS 450h
Hybrid Overview
• The Lexus GS 450h is powered by Lexus Hybrid Drive that
combines the advantages of electric motor/generators and a
gasoline engine.
• The "450" in GS 450h represents the power output of the engine
and hybrid battery which, when combined, approximate the power
of a 4.5-liter V8 engine.
• The Lexus GS450h does not need to be plugged in like an electric
car. Lexus Hybrid Drive automatically charges itself.
• The Lexus GS 450h hybrid drive provides the high level of
performance associated with Lexus, along with improved gas
mileage and reduced emissions.
• The Lexus GS 450h offers the high level of quality and luxury
features that is expected from a Lexus vehicle.
We invite you to discover more about the exciting
Lexus GS 450h and Lexus Hybrid Drive in the pages of this
booklet. For further details, contact your dealership, see the
vehicle Owner's Manual and other owner information
materials in the vehicle, or log onto www.lexus.com.
GS 450h
Lexus Hybrid
Drive
Quick Facts:
“Gives more to the driver, takes less from the world.”
What’s Inside...
Hybrid Overview
GS 450h
Driving the GS 450h 1 - 2
Starting, driving, parking attendant instructions, long-term
parking, running out of fuel, and battery facts.
Hybrid Power Driving Performance 3 - 5
GS 450h Performance, The GS 450h versus the
Competition, What you can expect from the GS 450h.
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy 6 - 8
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage Estimates, Why you may not
achieve the EPA estimates, Ten Tips for Improving Fuel Economy.
Multi-information Display & Monitors 9 - 16
Multi-information display, Energy Monitor Screen,
Consumption Monitor, Power Gauge and Hybrid Battery Status.
GS 450h Hybrid Technology 17 - 20
How the system works, the system’s components and
what they do.
Frequently Asked Questions 21 - 22
A wide range of questions often asked about the GS 450h
and hybrid technology.
Glossary of Hybrid Technology Terms 24 - 26
Definitions of commonly used hybrid technology terms.
Index 27
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GS 450h Hybrid Drive Specifications 23
Specifications pertaining to the hybrid system.
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
1
GS 450h
Driving the GS450h
On the whole, driving the GS 450h is not very much different from driving a
conventional vehicle. However, there are some subtle differences you will notice.
•
•
•
•
•
Pressing the “POWER” button starts the vehicle, but may not start the
engine.
To start the GS 450h press and hold the brake pedal, then press the “POWER”
button. After a few seconds, the "READY" light in the Power Gauge will come
on. Once the "READY" light comes on, place the transmission lever into the
desired position and start driving. When accelerating slowly, the GS 450h can
drive up to about 20 miles per hour on electric power alone, so the gasoline
engine may not start for a while depending upon the need.
The transmission will feel different.
The GS450h uses an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (ECVT) with an advanced low and high range torque multiplication
device. The transmission does not shift with fixed gear ratios like a conventional
transmission, so it delivers power efficiently and smoothly.
The engine will turn off and on while you drive.
The engine will automatically turn on and off as needed. At medium or high
speeds, it is normal for the engine to be on most of the time. At low speeds or
when stopped, the engine may or may not be on, depending on the need.
You will notice different sounds while driving.
The engine sound will be more steady than a conventional vehicle when
accelerating due to the smooth operation of the ECVT. It is also normal for the
new technology of the Lexus Hybrid Drive to make a "whirring" sound while
driving.
The brakes may feel different.
The GS 450h features an advanced, electronically-controlled brake-by-wire
system. This system controls both the regenerative braking system and the
conventional braking system. As a result, the brakes may feel different from a
conventional vehicle.
(continued next page)
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
2
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•
•
•
•
Some parking attendants may not be familiar with the GS 450h.
To properly operate the vehicle, these basic tips are important:
1. Press and hold the brake pedal, then press the “POWER” button.
2. Begin driving when “READY” light stays on.
3. The engine will start and stop automatically.
New GS 450h vehicles come with parking attendant key ring tabs, with these
tips in English and Spanish.
When refueling, the fuel door may take a few moments to open.
As part of emissions system operation, it may take up to 15 seconds for the fuel
door to automatically release after the release button is pressed. The Multiinformation Display in the instrument cluster will display "Refuel Ready" when
the door releases.
Running out of fuel.
Do not run your GS 450h out of fuel. The GS 450h is not designed to be
operated with the fuel tank empty. If you try to start the GS 450h with the fuel
tank empty, the hybrid system may become disabled on the third attempt. If you
continue to drive with the fuel tank empty, the hybrid battery will rapidly
discharge and the vehicle will shut down. If you run out of fuel, immediately pull
over to a safe location and turn off the vehicle. Be sure to add fuel before
attempting to restart the vehicle or continuing to drive.
Hybrid Battery cooling vents.
Do not block the hybrid battery cooling vents located
below the rear window with any items. Doing so could
cause overheating of the hybrid battery.
Maintaining charge for your 12-volt battery
The following will help keep your vehicle’s 12-volt battery fully charged:
Drive vehicle at least weekly. Operate accessories with vehicle in “READY” mode.
When parking, make sure doors and trunk are closed and lights are turned off.
Long-term parking.
If the vehicle has been parked for a long time, the 12-volt and the hybrid battery will
discharge gradually. For parking longer than about 30 days, charging of the 12-volt
battery may be required. Your Lexus dealer has details. To keep the hybrid battery
in good condition, drive the vehicle at least once every several months for at least 30
minutes or ten miles. If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and the vehicle
will not start, even with a jump start to the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealer.
Driving the GS450h
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
3
GS 450h
Hybrid Power
Driving Performance
While hybrid vehicles have become known for "exceptional fuel economy,"
for the GS 450h, Lexus engineers had the goal of creating a new type of hybrid
that delivered the highest levels of "hybrid power driving performance." The
result was a hybrid that delivers the acceleration of a powerful gasoline V8
engine. In fact, the "450" in GS 450h stands for the power output of the 3.5 L
engine and hybrid battery which, when combined, approximate the power of a
4.5 liter V8 engine.
The GS 450h can deliver smooth V8-like acceleration in performance driving
conditions or it can deliver economy in economy driving conditions, while complying
with very clean Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) tailpipe emissions
standards. You can choose performance driving by simply pressing on the
accelerator. Choosing to maximize economy driving with the GS 450h, or other
vehicles, involves many factors. Please see "Ten tips for improving fuel economy" on
page 8 of this booklet for details. Comparing the ratings of the GS 450h with eight
and twelve cylinder-powered luxury sports sedans highlights the versatile
capabilities of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system.
1
Source: Manufacturer
2
Source: Manufacturer’s Estimate
3
Source: California Air Resources Board
4
Source: EPA Fuel Economy Guide
5
Source: 2007 GS 450h preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus.
EPA mileage estimates not available at time of printing. Actual mileage may vary.
LEV = Low Emission Vehicle
SULEV = Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
ULEV = Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
Vehicle Make/Model
EPA MPG
City / Highway
2007 Lexus GS 450h (3.5L V6 Hybrid)
2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur (6.0L W12)
2006 BMW 550 Steptronic Auto. (4.8L V8)
2006 Maserati Quattroporte (4.2 V8)
2006 Mercedes-Benz E500 (5.0L V8)
0-60
Acceleration
5.2 sec
2
4.9 sec
2
5.5 sec
2
5.1 sec
2
5.9 sec
2
25 / 28
5
11 / 18
4
17 / 25
4
12 / 18
4
17 / 25
4
Emissions
Class
3
HP
(Horsepower)
SULEV
1
LEV
3
ULEV II
3
LEV
3
ULEV
1
339
1
552
1
302
1
400
1
360
1
The GS 450h versus the competition
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
4
Hybrid Power Driving Performance
What you can expect from your GS 450h:
• The acceleration performance of a 4.5 L V8
0 – 60 mph acceleration in 5.2* seconds
(Source: Manufacturer’s estimate)
• Better mileage ratings than most V8-powered Sport Sedans
The mileage estimate ratings for the GS 450h are higher than
the typical V8-powered 5-passenger sport sedan.
• Significantly lower emissions than most V8-powered Sport Sedans
The GS 450h is classified as a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).
• Excellent performance at high altitudes and in mountain driving.
Traditional gasoline-powered vehicles may suffer from decreased performance
at higher altitudes where there is less oxygen in the air. Because the power
output of the hybrid battery is not directly affected by altitude, the GS 450h's
acceleration performance can be less affected by altitude than a conventional
vehicle.
• Responsive and smooth performance
Lexus Hybrid Drive is completely new for GS 450h. The system combines a
high performance 3.5-liter V6 engine with a new Electronically Continuously
Variable Transmission (ECVT). The ECVT has a new compact, high-output,
permanent magnet drive motor and an advanced low and high range torque
multiplication device. The V6 engine and ECVT together deliver exceptional
responsiveness and smoothness. When accelerating from a stop to highway
speeds, the range changes from low to high at about 50 mph. When decelerating from highway speeds, the range changes from high to low at about 30 mph.
* This performance capacity figure is for comparison only, and was obtained with a prototype
vehicle by a professional driver using special safety equipment and procedures. This should
not be attempted on public streets or highways.
(continued next page)
HYBRID OVERVIEW RX 450h
5
Hybrid Power Driving Performance
• Driver-adjustable performance, the “PWR-Hybrid-SNOW” switch
• Responsive and smooth performance (continued)
• An extremely quiet ride
What you can expect from your GS 450h: (continued)
The "PWR-Hybrid-SNOW" switch located on
the center console has three modes:
Set to "Hybrid PWR" for increased
responsiveness. Once set, it will remain in
this mode.
Set to "Hybrid" Normal (center position) for
balanced performance and economy. Once
set, it will remain in this mode. Toggle to "Hybrid SNOW" for controlled
acceleration on slippery surfaces. It will remain in this mode until the vehicle
is turned off.
When the GS 450h is driven by electric motors alone, such as at idle, when
backing up, and when accelerating slowly to about 20 mph, the Noise, Vibration
and Harshness (NVH) level is about half that of a conventional gasolinepowered engine, providing an extremely quiet ride.
The “D” transmission range is
used for performance, normal, or
economical driving. Only use the
"S" transmission ranges if needed
to help maintain vehicle speed
when going down steep grades.
The lower the range, the greater
the engine braking force.
(To access this switch, slide back the center console armrest.)
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
6
GS 450h
EPA Mileage Estimates
& Fuel Economy
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage Estimates
The EPA estimated fuel economy numbers are derived from vehicle testing
conducted at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National
Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Vehicle
manufacturers also submit test results based on strict EPA standardized drive
patterns. Each year, the EPA provides the data to the Department of Energy,
which publishes the results at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Some quick facts about EPA estimated fuel economy tests:
Federal law requires EPA estimated fuel economy to be provided on a fuel
economy label affixed to the window of every vehicle (see Figure 1). The EPA
estimates serve as a useful guide for comparing the relative fuel efficiency of
various vehicles and are intended for comparison only. Fuel economy estimates
are determined under ideal laboratory conditions following a standardized test
determined by federal law. Each vehicle must complete two tests simulating city
and highway driving. The vehicle’s drive wheels are placed on special equipment
that simulates the driving environment.
EPA Tests Assume:
•
Ve ry slow acceleration
•
Straight, level roads
• Air-conditioning is turned off
• 18% idle time for city test
• 0 idle time for highway test
(See www.fueleconomy.gov for further details.)
•
Average speed of 20 mph for city test
(top speed 56 mph)
•
Average speed of 48 mph for highway
test (top speed of 60 mph)
HYBRID OVERVIEW GS 450h
7
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy
Actual Mileage will vary with
options, driving conditions,
driving habits and vehicle’s
condition. Results repor ted to
EPA indicate that the majority
of vehicles with these estimates
will achieve between
21 and 29 mpg in the city
and between
23 and 33 mpg on the
highway
Typical EPA Mileage Estimate* data found on vehicle window sticker
Figure 1.
Why you may not achieve the EPA estimates
Because the EPA fuel economy estimates are derived in ideal laboratory
conditions, they are just estimates, which may not reflect real world conditions.
There are many factors which may cause your actual mileage with the
GS 450h, or other vehicles, to vary from the EPA estimates:
• Quick acceleration and heavy braking may reduce mileage by as much as
33% in highway driving and as much as 5% in city driving.
• Driving at highway speeds above 60 mph. (The maximum EPA highway test
speed is 60 mph, the average speed is 48 mph)
• Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain and unpaved roads. (EPA tests
assume flat roads.)
• Short trips cause the engine to run more as a percentage of driving,
as it warms the emissions system.
• Carrying extra weight or towing a trailer. (The EPA test assumes only
300 lbs. of passengers and cargo.)
• Cargo racks. (Vehicles are tested without cargo racks, which can
increase wind drag.)
• Poor maintenance. (Vehicles tested are in top condition.)
• New vehicles. (Optimum fuel economy may not be realized until the
engine is "broken-in," which may take up to 5,000 miles.)
(Source for above information: www.fueleconomy.gov)
*
2007 GS 450h preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus. EPA mileage estimates not available at time
of printing. Actual mileage may vary.
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