2005 New York Auto Show starts with a hip Lexus hybrid
By Brian Chee
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March 23, 2005
Introduction
Lexus has gone hybrid-mad. There's really no other way to explain the luxury brand's apparent obsession for connecting electric motors with internal combustion engines. As if a
luxury suv weren't enough, they were at it again at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, pulling back the curtain on the
2007 Lexus GS 450h.
Yep. That there is a luxury sports sedan, it goes fast and looks like a hell of a ride. That's according to Mark Templin, Lexus marketing vice president - and he stood up on the world's biggest stage and told everyone in clear voice just that. "The GS 450h will immediately establish a new criteria for the capabilities and image of hybrid technology," said Templin, "while redefining what a high-performance
luxury sedan is all about." In essence, Templin was confirming that hybrids are here to stay - and that luxury car buyers are the ones who will want this new powertrain system first. They want it because it does EVERYTHING better, from fuel efficiency to performance, and, well, driving a hybrid - a
Lexus hybrid - is just plain cool and getting cooler.
Templin would of course agree to that, and according to recent rumors, certain Germans known for building cars are -
ach - once again looking at this hybrid thing. Here's hoping that they don't build one that's hard to use and understand like iDrive.
Lexus GS 450hBuilt to add to the GS's growing reputation for power and technology, the 2007 Lexus 450h is a hybrid luxury sports sedan and the first such vehicle to use a hybrid powertrain. It is also the first rear-wheel-drive vehicle to use a hybrid powertrain. Mated to three electric motors is the same V6 engine that's found in the RX 400h - but in this rendition, bored out to 3.5 liters so that the powertrain delivers maximum acceleration for superb performance. According to Lexus, the GS 450h beats even the new eight-cylinder
Lexus GS 430, and the company likens its performance character to a 4.5-liter V8. Reports indicate that the 2007 Lexus GS 450h will be available sometime next spring. The year-long wait is forced by that fact that the company's other hybrids are unable to meet demand, so Lexus must find a way to boost production of the Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain and the required battery packs. Waiting lists for the RX 400h are already long at Lexus dealers, so don't be surprised if there is a slight delay in the timetable for the GS 450h. But go ahead and put your name on the list anyway, as this latest Lexus vehicle is sure to be a smash hit.
Mercedes-Benz R-ClassOf course, those Germans - and many other fine European automakers - are known for a few things more than iDrive. Mercedes-Benz, for example, is established around the globe as a builder of premium luxury vehicles. And though recent sub-par results in a variety of quality surveys would indicate that this is a slightly tattered legacy, like Mark McGwire, they're still the Big Mac of the lux-club - and all it takes is a solid connection to make people forget about cheap plastics and confounding "command" centers. The folks at DaimlerChrysler are hoping that their latest New York City darling, the crossover R-Class, will be a shot out of the park and into suburban driveways. On looks alone, this crossover - ahem, "sports tourer" - may well pique quite a bit of interest. It looks exciting; sporty with a retro feel, and the interior feels extremely spacious and well-appointed. Though much of its parts are shared with the new M-Class, the R-Class looks sufficiently different enough to warrant a close look. According to Mercedes-Benz officials, the R-Class will offer three rows of adult-friendly seating. Judging from the exterior design, those last two adults better be pretty short people. Originally introduced at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show as the Vision Grand Sports Tourer (GST) concept, the R-Class has come full circle and will debut in the US and Europe in the fall of 2005. Pricing was not announced.
R-Class DetailsThe
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class is a luxury
crossover vehicle offered in two trims, the R350 and the R500. Originally debuted at the 2001 North American International Auto Show as the Vision GST (Grand Sports Tourer) concept vehicle, the R-Class will be built on the same platform as the new M-Class, and manufactured in Alabama on the same assembly line as the M. Mercedes-Benz will initially offer the long-wheelbase edition in the United States, and will later add a short wheelbase version. Dealerships should get delivery of the R-Class this fall, and production will be limited to around 25,000 vehicles in the US with another 25,000 destined for Europe. The new R-Class is expected to cost $72,000 for the R350 and $80,000 for the R500. AMG-massaged R55 and R63 models are rumored to be in the pipeline as well.Designed for a smooth, cushy ride, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class features a 7-speed automatic transmission, an Airmatic suspension system with air springs and variable ride height and 4Matic four-wheel-drive as standard. Power comes from either of two gasoline engines; a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 245-horsepower or a 5.0-liter V8 with approximately 305-horsepower. The upcoming R55 AMG should produce about 370 horsepower, and the R63 AMG could generate as much as 500 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz will also offer a diesel model, the R320, with a 224 horsepower engine, but it's unclear if this version will be sold in the US.
The 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class will surely perform in the way that every luxury crossover is intended: make rich people feel comfortable on their way to the store, work, or the country club.
Photos by Erik Hanson
