Lexus GS 450h Hybrid Sports Sedan Whirs Into Frankfurt

Just a few weeks ago, Lexus unveiled its new GS 350 sedan with a 306hp, 3.5 liter V6. Now it is time for its hybrid sibling to see the light of day. At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Lexus has debuted the GS 450h that uses a modified version of the same 3.5 liter V6 with a hybrid powertrain to make 338hp. 

The GS 450h's V6 uses an Atkinson cycle what keeps the intake valves open longer than in an Otto cycle engine to increase efficiency. The downside of this type of engine is that there is a loss in overall power but an increase in fuel efficiency. To combat this, Lexus is using its newest, water cooled electric motor. In total, the package makes 338hp, which is actually 1hp fewer than the previous generation GS 450h. However, Lexus is claiming that the new GS 450h will be about 30% more efficient than the old model. It did not release exact numbers but this should mean about 32mpg on the highway (7.3l/100km) and about 29mpg in the city (8.1l/100km). Lexus is claiming a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds. 

The fourth generation GS sedan has a completely redesigned rear suspension, but the GS 450h gets a few special  pieces of tech as well. Lexus Dynamic Handling is a four-wheel steering system that integrates Adaptive Variable Suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management all of which work together to sharpen steering response. 

Like the GS 350, the GS 450h gets the smart air conditioning system that Lexus calls S-Flow. The system senses where occupants are seating and only directs air at those people. For the interior the GS 450 gets a few other small tweaks. The steering wheel is finished in bamboo and like all of Toyota's hybrid models, the GS 450h has a hybrid monitor. 

Lexus did not reveal a price or release date for the GS 450h, but in its previous press release, Lexus said that the GS 450h would launch in 2012 after the GS 350.