Good Lord! Lexus cars are now not just good looking but extremely eco-friendly too. They have unveiled this, the GS450h, at the recent New York Auto Show "� the world's first hybrid luxury saloon and the first full hybrid vehicle with a front engine and rear wheel drive. |
Lexus says there's no compromise whatsoever in performance, as the GS450h manages 0 to 96 kph in under six seconds, yet offers the fuel economy of a 2000cc four-cylinder compact, plus of course, the lowest emission ratings ever. |
The magic is thanks to a hybrid powertrain that combines a 3500cc V6 with a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor. |
Between the two, the powerplant manages an output similar to what a 4500cc V8 would develop "� an excess of 300 bhp. Lexus also assures power-mongers that there's more than adequate torque available instantly on demand. Amen. Shelby date |
Take a legend called Carroll Shelby, introduce him to the folks at the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) and give them the new Ford Mustang to play with. |
The result is the most powerful factory-built Mustang of all time, the Shelby Cobra GT500. Yup, a proper modern interpretation of Eleanor from Gone In 60 Seconds. |
The V8 develops over 450 supercharged horses, and they pound the road thanks to a six-speed manual transmission. Other SVT bits come from a specially tuned suspension plus aerodynamic aids, 19-inch wheels, titanium-faced gauges, and of course those Le Mans racing stripes. |
Time to make a third remake of that classic movie again, if only for the new Eleanor. |