Lexus GSh: 1st Generation

I have a great love for the Japanese Lexus GS with the Passionate Black interior, so I was excited to discover its commercial on Youtube today. Too bad it's just recycled footage from a previous advert:

This is a stark reminder of the cultural differences between Japan and North America, no way this commercial would fly stateside. The Passionate Black interior, though, is a different story altogether, and I'm continuing to cross my fingers that it makes a North American appearance.

While Lexus may need a huge advertising campaign to bring awareness to their hybrid model range in the US, it couldn't be any different in Europe, where hybrids are accounting for a major percentage of vehicles sold.

In 2007, 38% of all Lexus sales in Eastern Europe were hybrids, up from 26% in 2006, and it's even more impressive when broken down model by model. Hybrids made up 86% (!!) of the total RX sales and 55% of all GS sales. And even with its mid-year introduction, 56% of LS sales were for the LS 600h.

As a point of comparison, only 17% of RX sales and 10% of LS sales in the US were hybrids, though the LS is a special case, as the non-longwheelbase version of the LS 600h is available in Europe.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Sure, the Japanese Elegant White Interior edition of the Lexus IS was nice, but this new special edition of the GS with its "Passionate Black Interior" almost rocked my socks right off:

This interior is a limited run of 500, and there's a choice of any GS, including the 450h. THe upgrade costs ¥780,000 ($7,300 USD) more than the regular GS, but in my mind, it's a price fully justified. This is simply stunning, from the two wood trims to the blood-red carpeting.

(I wonder why these special editions are limited to such a low number?)

[Source: Lexus Japan]

I'm not sure how much stock you can put in an award given to an unreleased vehicle, but that didn't stop WealthTV viewers from awarding the 2008 Lexus LX 570 "The Most Luxurious SUV" award. There wouldn't be much to see here if the Lexus spokesman Paul Williamsen hadn't pull the engine cover off :

The award given at the end is a hoot, as well. I can't say I'd ever heard of WealthTV before this, but one thing's for sure, they don't skimp on their trophies.

The GS 450h was also recognized in the Most Advanced Use of Hybrid Technology category, but really, what kind of category is that?

[Source: The Automotive]

The winners of Australia's 2007 Best Car Awards have been announced, and Lexus was well represented, taking first place in two categories.

For the second year in a row, the IS 250 was named the Best Prestige Car. The GS 450h placed first in the Best Luxury Car category, also for the second time in as many years.

The GS 450h went up against some stiff competition, with the Audi A6 TDI Quattro and another Lexus, the LS 460, taking second and third spots, respectively. The reasoning? :

Lexus GS450h is the future: a high performance luxury car whose green credentials are second to none. It has set a benchmark for other manufacturers. This is especially true as those corporate leaders who are cashed up enough to be able to afford a $100K+ vehicle are increasingly being looked at to set an example in responsible motoring.

In comparison, the IS 250 went up against the Honda Legend (the Acura RL in North America) and the Suburu Liberty (Legacy).

The awards, which are handed out by a panel of the continent's top motoring experts, was started as a joint initiative in 2000 by Australia's Auto Clubs.

[Via: The Australian]

G Living, a lifestyle magazine/net show dedicated to living green, has posted up a very complimentary video review of the Lexus GS 450h:

It's hardly an analytical review, with host Sarah Backhouse declaring she has a crush on the car, "If this car was a bloke, it would be a stock broker, or a talent agent, or some other kind of cocky go-getter." The car ended up with a 28/30, losing points for its gas mileage.

A little different than usual, that's for sure, but it's a quick watch and review from a non-traditional source, which is always interesting.