Lexus took pains at the Hybrid Seminar to explain that the GS450h has nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, a seldom-achieved goal in any rear-wheel drive car, made possible by the hybrid-electric drive system, which adds 391 pounds to the curb weight of the car over the conventional GS430 model (4134 lbs vs. 3745 lbs). Where the 430 sports a 4.3 liter V8 rated at 300hp @ 5600 rpm, the 450h uses a 3.5 liter V6 rated at 292 hp. Coupled to twin electric motor generators rated at 180hp and 197 hp respectively, the total system horsepower is 339 or 253kWs of smooth, cat-like power.
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