Lexus GS450h: Frankfurt Motor Show 2011
by
Huw Evans
Published: September 13th, 2011
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Making it’s world premier at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2012 Lexus GS450h Hybrid follows its conventional counterpart, first seen at Pebble Beach last month.
One of the most highly anticipated Lexus models in recent time; this latest GS450h aims to build on the foundation laid by its immediate predecessor. Although outwardly similar to the standard GS350; embodying what Lexus calls it’s L-Finesse design philosophy, the new 450h is a full hybrid, in this case sporting a two-motor hybrid system and Atkinson Cycle V-6 gas engine, the first time this combination has been fitted to a rear-wheel drive vehicle. Fuel economy is claimed to be some 30 percent better than the old GS450h.
Other features of the new GS450h include specific headlamp treatment with the high/low beam LED headlights and turn signals aligned in a single row, plus an energy saving air conditioning system shared with other GS models that includes S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies, the latter designed to ‘clean’ the air onboard when the system is turned on.
Also featured is a second generation Remote Touch Interface that’s linked up to the world’s largest on board multi-display screen, as well as a new Mark Levinson sound system, for those that care about that sort of thing.
Thanks to a re-designed rear suspension setup and repackaged battery; trunk volume has increased on the new GS by some 23 percent versus the outgoing GS and Lexus says the new version was conceived as a more fun to drive luxury hybrid sedan, thanks to changes to the suspension and steering, as well as incorporating a more driver focused cockpit with improved ergonomics and seating.
Gallery: 2012 Lexus GS450H
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