The gasoline engine only turns a generator, which charges the battery and sends electricity to two electric traction motors that drive the car.

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Because peak power arrives at different rpm for the gas engine and the electric traction motor, peak system horsepower nets out to be an even 200 hp at 5, 600 rpm, which is the rated redline.

WSJ: 2013 Lexus ES 300h Review: A Smooth, Elegant Guilt-Eraser | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

In another sign that electric car startups are struggling to gain traction, Coda Automotive has laid off 15% of its staff.

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The Lexus' whirligig is familiar from the Toyota Camry and Avalon hybrids: a lean-burning Atkinson-cycle, 2.5-liter in-line four-cylinder (156 hp) coupled with two electric motors, one a 141-hp traction motor, the other a starter-generator.

WSJ: 2013 Lexus ES 300h Review: A Smooth, Elegant Guilt-Eraser | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil