The world's first luxury hybrid saloon is to go on sale in the UK in May, Carpages reports.

The Lexus GS 450h offers performance similar to regular 4.5-litre V8 models, but fuel consumption and emissions are much lower.

Hybrid cars cut harmful emissions by reducing the amount of fuel needed to power them.

Batteries are able to reclaim energy while the car is braking, and to power the car when accelerating.

The Lexus is capable of returning 35.8mpg in the combined cycle, with emissions levels at 186g/kg. Fuel consumption is similar to that of a 4-cylinder 2-litre vehicle.

Meanwhile, combined power output exceeds 335bhp, and the car accelerates from 0-62mph in under 6.2 seconds.

The hybrid marks the latest effort from car manufacturers to tap into luxury-end goods, while retaining an environmentally-friendly approach.

The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is among those policymakers keen to promote cleaner vehicle technology and is even reported to be considering converting his famous luxury hummer road vehicle to cleaner hydrogen fuel technology.


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