2009 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus Press Release

The world's first performance hybrid sedan has won the luxury category of Australia's Best Car Awards for the third successive year.

A panel of nine judges from the Australian Automobile Association awarded the Lexus GS 450h ahead of two diesel luxury sedans from German manufacturers.

Lexus GS 300 petrol sedan was judged fifth in the strongly contested category ahead of another three diesel sedans from Germany and the UK.

Two other Lexus vehicles, the RX 400h hybrid SUV and the IS 250 prestige sedan were finalists in their categories.

Judges from the motoring clubs of each Australian state assessed a record 280 vehicles against 19 criteria under the headings of Value For Money, Design, and Road Performance.

Safety and operating economy were given strong consumer weighting in the year-long evaluation.

The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) rated the luxury category for vehicles from AUD$80,000 to AUD$170,000 as one of the most highly debated segments.

It said "the technically innovative" Lexus GS 450h had "locked horns with the clinically efficient" diesel models.

"In a category where opulence and ability are paramount, GS 450h delivers everything that you might want in a luxury car, and then some - social responsibility for instance," it said.

"The petrol-electric hybrid delivers miserly fuel consumption and class leading green credentials."

Lexus Australia's Andrew Caie accepted the award from the Executive Director of the Australian Automobile Association, Mike Harris, and Australia's Best Cars chief judge Ernest Litera.

"It is testimony to the relevance and acceptance of hybrid technology that GS 450h has taken a hat trick of awards over "fashionable" diesels," Mr Caie said.

"Petrol-electric technology is a foundation of Lexus' future success."

"This award only serves to reinforce the relevance of hybrid technology for today's motorists," said Mr Caie.

Technical Specifications
Engine: 3.5 litre V6 petrol electric hybrid
Aspiration: Natural
Maximum Power: 254 kW (combined petrol and electric power)
Maximum Torque: -
Transmission: Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT)
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive

Source: Lexus Press Releases