2010 Lexus GS 450h is a performance hybrid

It's the car that makes you scratch your head: the 2010 Lexus GS 450h.

The reason it comes across as confusing is because this rear-wheel-drive sedan is one of the most fun Lexus cars to drive. It's all sport on the highway.

The pickup is phenomenal. It boasts nearly 300 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V-6 and on the open road, it's library quiet. The steering is crisp. While heavy, the body remains stiff through turns and its adaptive variable suspension holds the car nicely to the road.

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Oh, and, it's a hybrid.

But this is a hybrid for enthusiasts, one that uses electricity for power and not just efficiency. What other mainstream hybrid goes 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds?

Of course, boosting a V-6 to provide V-8 type power is nothing new (the GS 450h has a combined 340 horsepower). It's the wave of the future as carmakers around the world look to provide power and fuel economy. Already, other carmakers are talking about four-cylinder turbos replacing V-6 engines and others have said three-cylinder engines could replace fours.
Amazing highway ride

The GS 450h shies toward the power side, which takes away from the efficiency, enabling 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Great mileage numbers for a V-8, so-so for a six-cylinder engine.

And while this hybrid can drive on electric motors only, it rarely does. Instead, the electric motors seem to act as a boost for the car, pushing it quickly forward and inspiring the driver to push the accelerator a little harder.