LEXUS BRINGS WORLD FIRST TO BRISBANE (03 March 2006)

Lexus Australia has previewed the world's first luxury hybrid sedan at the Brisbane Motor Show, running from 3 to 12 March.
The Lexus GS450h will lead a high-performance hybrid charge in 2006, redefining the breakthrough technology when it goes on sale in May of this year.

The luxury marque also showcased the next generation of its most successful local model ever, the new RX350 luxury SUV.

The performance GS450h, based on the successful GS Line introduced to Australia last year, marries an alloy direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 engine with a powerful electric motor.

The world's first luxury rear-drive hybrid vehicle will deliver 4.5-litre engine performance, with the fuel economy of a 2.0-litre engine.

"The GS450h is a first for performance cars," said Scott Grant, divisional manager, Lexus Australia.

"The backbone of Lexus' hybrid strategy is improved performance, with fuel consumption far below its petrol and diesel peers, and with virtually no harmful emissions."

"Our research showed our customers want luxury style and performance. That is what GS450h , and in fact our emerging future hybrid line-up , is centred on."

Lexus' other Brisbane motor show star is the RX350, the next generation of three-time Australia's Best Luxury SUV winner, the RX330.

With an all-new dual VVT-i 3.5-litre V6 engine, the RX350 offers improved power and torque over the current and highly popular RX330.

The RX350 is due to go on sale later this month.

Also on display are Lexus' all-new IS250 , which has caused a stir in medium luxury car sales since its launch late last year , and the GS300 that debuted Lexus' new styling and engineering in early 2005.

Lexus' newly restyled hardtop convertible, the SC430, and flagship LS430 are also on display at the Brisbane show.