Toyota is going to prove that green power can be killer power. The company is upping the antes with hot hybrid-powered Lexus models aimed at the performance cars of the German manufacturers.

Lexus LS500 GT will offer super performance


First on the cards is the GS350 GT which was shown at the Detroit Motor Show.

This model will go on sale in August 2005 and will feature a 220 kW 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to a 125 kW electric motor. With a total power output of 345 kW this front-wheel drive Lexus is aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG and Audi S4.

But there is more to come... In 2006 the company will launch the eco-friendly LS500 GT which will have a top speed of about 300 km/h.

It will combine a 296 kW 5-litre V8 with a 147 kW electric unit offering a total power of a whopping 443 kW.

In 2006 Lexus will launch the successor to its popular IS range. The new IS flagship, the IS350 GT, will have a tuned version of the GS model's 3.5-litre V6 engine.

It is still unsure if Lexus will opt to go the hybrid way with this model as well but insiders suggest that it will feature some form of fuel-saving technology.

 

but how much?