EXTERIOR

Sharing numerous L-finesse design cues with both the new Lexus LS and IS luxury sedan ranges, the GS 450h's strong, purposeful design achieves a unique harmony of simplicity and complexity through the dynamics of contrast. It marries the incisive simplicity of powerful, sweeping lines with the intriguing elegance of natural but sudden contrasts in form allied to convex and concave shadow surfacing, to reinforce the central tenets of this design philosophy and subtly convey the power and dynamism of the new hybrid luxury sedan.

To the front, a trademark, vertically latticed grille is placed on a lower plane than the headlamps to emphasise the GS 450h's dynamic stance. This carefully considered disposition of the key frontal elements is a unique characteristic of L-finesse design, focusing the eye at the very apex of the vehicle to strengthen the impression of speed and agility.

The headlight clusters are shaped by the incisive simplicity of a strong arrowhead motif which itself generates the powerful coachwork lines of the bonnet and the upper surface of the front bumper.

This key L-finesse motif expresses dynamism through a rapid, yet fluid change in direction, creating an analogy to Japanese calligraphy, and is further evident in both the sculpting of the tail-light clusters and the sling-shot motif to the rear of the side glazing.

In profile, the incisive simplicity of the dynamic, sling-shot window graphic motif is emphasised through a blacked-out B pillar, whilst the proportions of the GS 450h's long cabin - unique to the new L-finesse design philosophy in spacing both windscreen and rear window bases proportionally equidistant from their respective wheel hubs - reinforce the generous interior dimensions of the new hybrid sedan. The intriguing elegance of natural but sudden contrast is expressed both in the juxtaposition of crisp, bonnet character lines with sweeping, curvaceous front wings, and the convex and concave shadow surfacing of the new luxury sedan's side panels.

Astern, intriguing elegance is identified by an harmonised combination of simplicity and complexity; the overall simplicity of the broad, muscular design enriched through the detailed complexity of the arrowhead motif shaping the lamp clusters, the strongly sculpted rear bumper and sporting, twin exhausts.

The GS 450h may be identified as the high-performance flagship of the GS range by the addition of a rear spoiler to the boot lid and discreet "Hybrid" badging to the rear of the rocker plates.

Allied to smooth, flowing bodywork boasting exceptionally narrow panel gaps and minimal protrusions, the addition of numerous aerodynamic under-body elements further promotes vehicle stability and helps reduce wind noise to a minimum. These include three engine undercovers, front and rear tyre farings, front, centre and rear floor covers, fuel tank side covers, as well as an aerodynamic differential cover plate. As a consequence, GS 450h evidences one of the lowest drag coefficients in the segment - 0.27.

The GS 450h will be available in a range of 11 colours, including White Pearl, Glaciar Blue and Morello Red multilayer finishes which employ aluminium for the first base coat and artificial mica for the second, resulting in highlight brilliance and a greater change of colour intensity from highlight to shade.


INTERIOR

The creation of a unique spatial perception within the passenger compartment is also central to the L-finesse rationale. The incisive simplicity and intriguing elegance inherent in the new design strategy combine proportion, architecture and surface to achieve a bold, "one motion" solution offering a seamless fusion of luxury and dynamic style. Structural elements such as instruments, centre console, air vents, handles and armrests have been painstakingly integrated within material finishes of the highest quality to create a modern design graphic which emphasises the continuous, three-dimensional qualities of the interior space.

The transfer of the front grille image to the instrument panel centre console screen surround reflects the synergy of interior and exterior elements within the GS 450h, whilst the surface composition of the interior expresses a richness of craftsmanship fundamental to the Japanese artistic tradition. High quality wood, elegant metal highlights and leather accents are combined with unprecedented, precision management of fit and finish throughout the cabin.

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