At 345 DIN hp/254 kW, combined power output reaches the 100 DIN hp per litre barrier, accelerating the GS 450h from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) - benchmark figures in the world of hybrid cars.

Equally impressive is the potent low to mid range torque afforded by the system's powerful electric motor, which works as an electric supercharger in assisting the engine when urgent acceleration is required. Unachievable in a combustion engine, the electric motor is capable of delivering a maximum torque of 275 Nm (203 lb.ft) from a standstill. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in acceleration and mid-range performance during overtaking manoeuvres. The Lexus GS 450h will accelerate from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) in just 4.7 seconds.

Thanks to the close co-operation between both power sources, acceleration is uninterrupted and continuous, conserving momentum up to the top speed, a sensation impossible to experience in conventional cars.

Besides the performance aspect, the new Lexus Hybrid Drive system provides a level of refinement and silence that is, once again, difficult to match with a conventional V8 combustion engine. Depending on the battery's state of charge and throttle operation, the GS 450h can drive for up to 2 kilometres relying only on the electric motor and battery, reaching speeds up to 40 km/h while still enjoying climate control operation. In this situation, interior noise levels are cut to half those of the GS 430, itself already a segment benchmark for cabin quietness. Even at 100 km/h, interior noise levels are at least 3% lower on board of the GS 450h.



ENVIRONMENTAL AND RUNNING COST BENEFITS

Conversely, the GS 450h also proves substantially more frugal than comparable sports sedans, returning 7.9 l/100km (35.8 mpg) in the combined cycle; fuel consumption on a par with that of a petrol car two segments below. Moreover, fuelsaving performance is not limited to urban driving - internal measurements reveal the GS 450h to be 8% more fuel efficient than a GS 430 at a stabilised speed of 120 km/h.

Having the combined fuel consumption figure as a reference, the new GS 450h offers a range of over 800 km on a single tank of 95 octane fuel, far outstripping any other vehicle with a sub-6 second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) capability.

Moreover, the Lexus GS 450h returns CO2 emissions of just 186 g/km - on par with the economy oriented, 4-cylinder diesel vehicles of the premium E segment.

The GS 450h's ability to match the CO2 emissions of frugal 4-cylinder diesels contributes to significantly lower rates of taxation in several European countries (Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and UK). For instance, GS 450h owners in the UK will pay less than half the monthly company car tax of those driving a V8 powered competitor of similar performance.

In addition, the value of NOx and HC emissions combined (approximately 0 g/km and 0.01 g/km, respectively) is the lowest of any internal combustion engined car on sale today.


Body and Chassis

Within an all new, third generation GS platform of significant torsional stiffness, the new high-performance Lexus GS 450h integrates the world's first purpose-developed rear wheel drive hybrid powertrain with a range of state-of-the-art technological innovations designed to realise the ultimate in sporting driving dynamics.


BODY STRUCTURE

The GS 450h platform comprises a highly rigid body structure featuring a weight saving aluminium bonnet. Extensive bracing within the floor platform offers enhanced torsional stiffness to significantly improve driving dynamics.

Unique to the high performance model of the GS range, the carefully considered positioning of various Lexus Hybrid Drive components within the GS 450h platform awards the new Lexus luxury sedan a 50:50 weight distribution between front and rear axles (including driver).

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