The global expansion of green cars continues as Lexus announces it will bring its performance hybrid cars to South Africa.
Petrol-electric hybrid versions of the GS and RX will arrive in South Africa from September. Both come with outstanding credentials with Lexus boasting that the vehicles offer the performance of petrol V8s with the economy and torque of comparable diesel models.
The Lexus GS450h has a 218kW 3.5litre V6 engine which is combined with a 147kW electric motor. Its figures are exemplary as it produces just 185g/km of CO2 and averages just 7.9litres per 100km despite having a top speed of 250km/h and the ability to race from 0-100km/h in 5.2seconds.
The Lexus RX400h is similarly impressive with a 3.3litre V6 engine and an electric motor. It can race from 0-100km/h in just 7.3 seconds and yet returns economy at 8.1 litres per 100km and has CO2 emissions at 192g/km. It is possible for the petrol and electric motors to work independently which allows the electric motor to effectively ‘take over’ at low speeds when the petrol engine is at its least efficient.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lexus GS450h check out this guide. We also have a guide to the Lexus RX400h and to other hybrid cars.
