Lexus has confirmed that it's working on a new, small petrol-electric hybrid version of the GS saloon. The new car is likely to be badged GS300h and will rival cars like the BMW 520d EfficientDynamics and Audi A6 2.0 TDI.
Speaking to Auto Express, deputy chief engineer Koji Sato, said: "We are working on a number of solutions to offer low CO2 emissions, and these include a small hybrid."
Very few details have been released, but the new model is expected to use a smaller-capacity engine than the 3.5-litre V6 used in the new GS450h.
The 154bhp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine - which is currently offered in the ES300h and Toyota Camry Hybrid saloons in North America, where it's teamed with a pair of electric motors and a CVT gearbox - is a logical choice for the new model.
The GS300h is expected to go on sale late next year, with prices starting from around £30,000. More details are expected to be announced at the Paris Motor Show this September.
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Lexus should realise by now that things like engineering, styling, performance, economy and low emissions are not enough.
You have to have cars made in Europe with the right badge on them, and with a tradition going back thousands of years. Even then, brands like Mercedes, Audi and BMW were building the early sports sedans (which they called "chariots") and SUV's (referred to those days as "bullock-drawn wagons"). Today, you see that rich history in much of the engineering and styling of the cars they build.
I doubt it'll be called the GS300h, since traditionally the 300 has been a 3L engine.
More like 250h to signify the use of the 2.5L one being employed.
Gear lever looks more straight up and down, like the BMW/Honda Legend, so that's a welcome sight.
Nice contrast between the dark carpet and the light leather/head cloth, works well compared to the same colour of carpet, which tends to show the dirt very quickly.
Certainly a better interior feel than the 450h F-Sport as pictured in the article here - it just looks drab and uninspiring.
Maybe the 2.5 litre is a logical choice, but it won't be a straightforward installation of the existing engine and hybrid systems from the Camry and ES. Those have a transverse engine and fwd, while the GS has a longitudinal engine and rwd.
but your reasoning fals short immidiately, because 450h doesnt use 4.5 liter engine , but a 3.5(+plus the electric motor), wich adds to a about equivalent performanse as a 4. normal engine