- The gasoline-electric hybrid companion to the new Lexus GS 350 makes its world debut in Frankfurt.
- Like the standard GS 350, the new Lexus GS 450h gets all-new sheet metal and cabin.
- The hybrid drive system has been extensively revised and upgraded.
FRANKFURT, Germany — On the heels of last month's launch of the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan, Toyota's premium brand has unveiled its new Lexus GS 450h hybrid. Like the standard GS 350, the new GS 450h gets all-new sheet metal and cabin, and its hybrid drive system has been extensively revised and upgraded. The 2013 Lexus GS 450h is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2012.
The full hybrid driveline in the new GS 450h employs a front-mounted V6 Atkinson-cycle gas engine and twin electric motors to drive the rear wheels. Lexus said the revised powertrain achieves "significant reductions" in fuel consumption and emissions, while delivering the performance of a conventional V8 gasoline engine.
As it did with the new GS 350, Toyota has re-engineered the chassis of the Lexus GS 450h, improving the car's driving dynamics through such advanced technologies as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).
Other cutting-edge systems available on the GS 450h include the Lexus Dynamic Handling System, which integrates AVS, DRS, variable gear-ratio steering and the latest iteration of the company's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management. Also offered are an advanced pre-crash safety system, Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), blind-spot monitor, Lexus' Night View system and a head-up display.
Inside Line says: More high-tech stuff here than you can shake a hybrid at.
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bmac023 says:
10:01 AM, 09/25/2011
Yawn, as always, the concept version gets you really excited and then this. Interior looks nice but very IS.
300zxguy says:
05:19 PM, 09/19/2011
The head and taillamps are less distinctive than the old GS. I know they want to have all their cars share a common design language, but I don't get it. Because it's easier to confuse with an IS makes it better? At least the profile is recognizable as a GS. I think the Japanese see the German car companies doing it, and they think they need to do that too. At least they don't take as far as the Germans "one sausage, different lengths" philosophy. Can you tell the new 5 series from the 7 at a glance? A Jetta from a Passat? An A4 from an A6?
jmnyc1177 says:
08:48 AM, 09/14/2011
I'm wondering why lexus did a 180 on it's interior designs. If you had showed me this interior, sans the lexus logo and not told me what it was, I'd hvae no idea waht interior I was looking at and that's not a good thing. I admire them for changing things up (the last GS had a plastic ocean on its dash), but this although technically "nicer" has very little appeal. Maybe I have to sit in the thing to change my tune, but for right now, I'm very disappointed -- as a life long Lexus fan who is slowly leaning toward Audis.
peakarach1 says:
08:54 PM, 09/13/2011
The only thing I don't like the new GS is the rear end.
mce63 says:
06:33 PM, 09/13/2011
I'd like the looks better if it didn't come with NYPD pusher bars and a last gen VW grill.
damaje says:
03:58 PM, 09/13/2011
Well doesn't that just make my naughty parts tingle! Another exciting new product from Toyota, at least this exciting new Lexus doesn't look like the last generation Celica like the much hyped LFA.
kaidan33 says:
11:25 AM, 09/13/2011
Why aren't they releasing EPA numbers?
aston_dbs says:
11:24 AM, 09/13/2011
The more I look at this new GS, the more bland it becomes...
I think the hype needs to be slowed down for now... Otherwise, interests are rapidly lost.
blackdynamite1 says:
10:15 AM, 09/13/2011
The 3rd picture reeks of awesomeness!
BD
calspecial68 says:
10:10 AM, 09/13/2011
That sixth picture: This car's worst angle. Perhaps the worst angle for any car ever. Lexus, take it down if you don't want to lose customers.