Lexus Reveals 2013 Lexus GS 450h at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show
We knew the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS would be getting hybrid and high-performance variants, and today, the luxury carmaker revealed details on the new GS 450h hybrid.
The model is powered by a revamped hybrid system that will improve fuel economy by 30% over the regular GS 350, and it will do so while increasing performance. The current GS 450h gets 22/25/23 mpg city/highway/combined. A 30% improvement would move the combined figure to nearly 30 mpg.
The 338-horsepower hybrid system has two electric motors, one for each rear wheel, and they can power the GS using electric only or in tandem with the 3.5-liter V-6 motor. Overall, the GS 450h should hit zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds slower than the 2011 GS 450h but 0.1 seconds faster than the 2013 GS 350.
The new model will have different selectable driving modes (much like the Lexus CT 200h or Toyota Prius); here, there are Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.
The hybrid model gets high- and low-beam LED headlamps and LED taillamps standard. The cabin has a standard climate control system, a bamboo-trimmed steering wheel and a hybrid monitoring system.
The original Lexus GS was the first rear-wheel-drive sports sedan equipped with an available hybrid system, but it was a poor seller for the brand. Time will tell if the GS 450h’s new styling and improved gas mileage can turn the tide.
