Well Ghost, there's only one reason I can see that any rational person would buy a 450h, which is basically a cramped, rather dated design, but with massive horsepower and hybrid torque giving it one of the best acceleration bangs for the buck in the very competitive sports sedan world.

If raw acceleration is your lust and you are in love with the hybrid thing, then you know the answer to your question already: it's not only "one of the better" hybrids - it's the only truly high performance hybrid sports sedan available. It is a Lexus, so it's bound to be way above average quality-wise.

Or, if you want the ultimate performance hybrid, pony up $110,000 or more for the new Lexus 600h, which beats the 450h and just about everything else on the dragstrip, with sumptuous accomodations and ammenities to boot.

Happy hunting, and please tell us why the 450h is first on your list.

Pete