It is all too easy for us enthusiasts to dismiss hybrid cars as nothing but the latest way for a car manufacturer to appear as if it gives a crap about the environment. To date, the only hybrid we've tested is the woefully slow Honda Civic IMA, and the Toyota Prius is not much better. Another part of the Toyota Empire has identified a better way to use the hybrid idea - in the pursuit of performance, at no cost to economy.

The first indication of the Lexus philosophy came in the form of a hybrid version of the RX400 SUV, but at this month's New York Motor Show, Lexus revealed the most exciting production hybrid yet: the Lexus GS450h. Based on the sharp new GS saloon, the GS450h is powered by a combination of a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a high-output permanent electric motor. As with the regular GS, the hybrid is rear-wheel drive. Lexus claims that the GS450h has power output on a par with a 4.5-litre V8 (i.e. more than 300bhp, which is on a par with a Lexus V8, not a high-revving Ferrari unit...), but fuel economy to match many 2-litre four-cylinder engines, and resulting low CO₂ emissions.

Peak power is useful, but thanks to the motor, there should be a significant chunk of torque available from idle and at low engine speeds, ensuring that acceleration will be brisk. The benchmark 0-60mph time is "substantially less than six seconds."

The GS450h is not only a show car; it goes on sale in 2006. The GS300 and GS430 are available in the UK from April 15th, and if you really want to try out this hybrid technology, get yourself along to a Lexus dealer in June, as the RX400h will then be on sale.

Shane O' Donoghue - 24 Mar 2005