This isn't the first hybrid that's geared at least as much to performance as it is to economy. The Accord Hybrid was the first 'tweener on the block, with good performance but worse fuel economy than one would expect after having paid the hybrid premium.

It's true that a hybrid drivetrain offers a greater PERCENTAGE gain in a gas guzzler than in an economy car, but the market isn't looking really hard at fuel economy when considering $50k+ luxury and performance sedans, so the GS450h hasn't been a big seller.

I've seen quite a few of the RX400h crossover hybrid thing (ugly spud that it is.) I guess someone who'd buy something that repulsive is telling themselves it's practical.

The Accord Hybrid should have had the economical 4-cylinder with a hybrid drivetrain to boost performace to V6 levels while getting Prius-like economy and then someone might have bought one. If I wanted a GS, I think I'd go for the tried-and-true all-gas drivetrain. I can't pretend to be thinking about economy when I buy a $55k sedan and keep a straight face.