IAA 2011: New Lexus GS450h Full Hybrid Sedan

Lexus GS 450h Hybrid Sedan

Having revealed the new gasoline-only GS 350 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, Lexus chose the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt for the unveiling of the hybrid variant that we will come to know as the GS 450h.

The full hybrid model is based on the fourth generation body style and it uses a 290-horsepower, 3.5l-itre V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine, in conjunction with a two-motor hybrid system.

The total system output is 343-horses [DIN] at 6,000 rpm and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of peak torque at 4,600 rpm. Power is channelled to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential-shift E-CVT.

The Japanese company says it has made improvements to every aspect of its second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, achieving both substantial reductions in fuel consumption, CO2, NOx and PM emissions, while also promising performance that is on par with comparable V8-powered rivals.

In European specification, the GS 450h completes the sprint from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250km/h (155mph).

In the European driving cycle, average fuel consumption has been reduced by 18% to 6.3lt/100 km (equal to 37.3mpg US or 44.8mpg UK), while CO2 emissions have fallen to below 145g/km.

Notable new technologies making their debut on the GS 450h include an energy saving air conditioning system that is said to be 10 times more powerful than the previous system while significantly reducing power consumption and a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to a gigantic 12.3-inch multi-information display screen.

Compared to its predecessor, while keeping the same overall length, the new GS has a 10mm shorter front overhang, a 10mm longer rear overhang and is 30mm taller. Furthermore, the front track has been increased by 40mm and the rear track by 50mmm while the overall width has increased by 20mm.

The repackaging of the hybrid battery into a stacked format helps increase the GS 450h’s luggage capacity to 465 litres (55% increase over current GS 450h).

Exclusive styling features to the hybrid GS 450h include a different headlamp design that aligns the turn signal and the high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row, hybrid-specific, front rear and side blue badging and hidden exhaust pipe apertures. Inside, the differences over the GS 350 include a real bamboo-finish for the steering wheel and a bespoke hybrid monitor display.

Video:

Photo Gallery:

IAA 2011: Lexus Takes the Wraps off the 2013 GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h

While Lexus has already shown us the gasoline-powered versions of its all-new GS luxury sedan up until today, the Japanese company had only provided teasers of the hybrid version. But now, less than 24-hours before the Frankfurt Motor Show opens its gates, Lexus officially revealed the 2013 GS 450h. The GS 450h replaces the Japanese firm's hybrid luxury sedan by the same name that entered the market in 2007. Like its predecessor, the new model is based on the gasoline-powered GS 350, combining a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive system that includes an electric motor.

The gasoline engine and the electric motor deliver a combined maximum output of 338HP that drive the rear wheels through an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT).

Lexus says the GS 450h accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 5.6 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 131mph (210km/h). At the same time, average fuel economy is said to have been improved by more than 30%, with Lexus targeting a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification in the US.

Like all Lexus hybrids, the GS 450h can operate using only its electric motor, its gasoline V6 or both. The driver can also select between four driving modes: Eco, EV, Sport S and Sport S+.

The hybrid model sports some exclusive styling features such as the three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and the high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row, while the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

Notable interior differences between the GS 350 and the GS 450h include a bamboo-finished steering wheel and the hybrid monitor display.

“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package”, said Lexus vice president and general manager in the US, Mark Templin. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”

Photo Gallery: