A WHOLE NEW WORLD
A Whole New World - Luxury Travel Magazine
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A Whole New World | |||||
| By: Merry Kirkwood, Issue 28 – Spring 2006 | |||||
| (Lexus Review) | |||||
| TAKE A PEEK AT THE FUTURE OF PRESTIGE MOTORING WITH LEXUS’ RANGE OF HYBRID VEHICLES. | |||||
| Firsts, (whether tiny baby steps, or moon-size leaps for mankind), are markers that help define who we are as humans. So it is not surprising that Lexus is swinging from the rafters (or their shiny bumper bars at least), with the recent release of their latest advancement – a true luxury vehicle that is powered with both regular and electric energy. For the notso- mechanically-inclined, it is fair to admit that hybrid vehicles have been around for a while, but never before in the luxury category. And, while Lexus will not be alone for long with other luxe brands hot on their heals, so enthused is Lexus by their technological improvements that they are sharing advances with their traditional vehicle competitors. Which is all good news for the driving public in this time of sky-high oil prices. And even better news – for my money at least – is that the driving performance of the GS450h (as noted by this ‘gal about town’) is very impressive indeed. No doubt a string of petrol heads could tell us all more about its performance. Such phrases as high torque, regenerative breaking, reduced emissions, seamless acceleration, active and passive safety features, AFS (active front headlights – that ‘see’ around corners), and of course, park assist, all form part of the high performance package. Designed for real people with real needs however, this is eco-commonsense luxury that comes in a surprisingly attractive package. And with a minimum of fuss, in true Lexus style: Lexus call it “guilt-free fun”. The fact of the matter is that the drive is smooth, the interior roomy, comfy and elegant, and there is a certain amount of smug driver satisfaction as you watch the dials move from ‘petrol to electric use’ as you vary your driving needs. Six years of research and development have not been wasted. And there is more to come. From a luxury driving point of view, the brave new world starts now | |||||
| Details: | |||||
| Lexus: www.lexus.com.au | |||||
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