The GS 450h replaces the Japanese firm's hybrid luxury sedan by the same name that entered the market in 2007. Like its predecessor, the new model is based on the gasoline-powered GS 350, combining a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive system that includes an electric motor. 

The gasoline engine and the electric motor deliver a combined maximum output of 338HP that drive the rear wheels through an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT).

Lexus says the GS 450h accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in just 5.6 seconds and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 131mph (210km/h). At the same time, average fuel economy is said to have been improved by more than 30%, with Lexus targeting a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II) certification in the US.

Like all Lexus hybrids, the GS 450h can operate using only its electric motor, its gasoline V6 or both. The driver can also select between four driving modes: Eco, EV, Sport S and Sport S+.

The hybrid model sports some exclusive styling features such as the three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and the high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row, while the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

Notable interior differences between the GS 350 and the GS 450h include a bamboo-finished steering wheel and the hybrid monitor display.

“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package”, said Lexus vice president and general manager in the US, Mark Templin. “With its dynamic exterior styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”

Article From: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

P R E S S  I N F O R M A T I O N

All-New 2013 GS 450h Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show

GS 450h Features Second Generation Lexus Hybrid Drive System

Fuel Economy Improved by More Than 30 Percent

New Atkinson Cycle V6 with Gas Engine

FRANKFURT – Sept. 12, 2011 - With a five vehicle hybrid line-up, Lexus reinforces its commitment to hybrid technology  with the all-new 2013 GS 450h. When it was introduced for the 2007 model year, the GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to enter the market. Today, the GS 450h is the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.



The hybrid version of the 2013 GS 350 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance. With a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra  Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II).




The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.

“The all-new GS 450h will provide our customers with an exciting blend of performance and precision in a new hybrid package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager in the U.S. “With its dynamic exterior  styling, roomy interior and advanced technology features, the
GS 450h further demonstrates Lexus’ mastery of the luxury hybrid.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

As with all Lexus hybrid  vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in gas- only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system features an ultra-smooth running, Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in
tandem, as needed.



In addition to the gas engine and electric motor, the new GS 450h’s hybrid drive system a generator; a high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery; a power split device which, via planetary reduction  gears, combines and re-allocates power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to operational requirements; and a compact power control unit to govern the high speed interaction of the system components.

Adapted specifically for the hybrid powertrain  and a first for premium performance sedans, the
3.5-liter V6, DOHC engine benefits from several technical improvements including the adoption of the
Atkinson Cycle engine design to optimize the fuel-efficient benefits of Lexus Hybrid Drive.

Compression is delayed  in an Atkinson Cycle engine, because  the intake valves close late. This creates a high expansion ratio for less compression, reducing intake and exhaust energy losses and converting combustion energy to engine power more effectively.

A high compression  ratio of 13:1; a new, mid-port intake tumble generator; and the adoption of the latest evolution of Lexus’ four-stroke, direct injection technology, D-4S, help the GS 450h achieve better fuel consumption.

With one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port, D-4S combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realizing optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque across the rev range, while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The D-4S system features new slit-type injector nozzles with a modified port shape, a higher fuel pressure for more efficient combustion, and idle port injection for improved NHV characteristics.
Engine noise, vibration and friction have been lowered through the adoption of lightweight chain technology.

The cooling performance of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit (PCU) helps reduce fuel consumption and has been improved through the adoption of dual cooling paths and a single-piece, integrated AC/DC converter.

System control has been enhanced. The PCU boosts motor drive voltage to a maximum 650V in Sport  mode  and limits it to a maximum of 500V in Eco mode under normal driving conditions where maximum output is not required.   The motor is driven at lower voltage to provide a more environmentally– advanced driving performance to help enhance fuel efficiency.

The electric motor features lighter mounts and reduced friction. The system’s regenerative
braking operation range has been expanded, contributing to further improvements in fuel efficiency. In

addition, the battery layout has been redesigned. A new stacked configuration maximizing luggage space allows the 2013 GS 450h to have more cargo area than the previous generation gas model.

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

All second-generation GS hybrid models have a new platform that is designed to be more rigid compared to the previous models. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number  of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track works in combination with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance.

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements  in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers includes the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and control.

The standard 17-inch alloy wheels are paired with 225/50R17 tires while the optional 18-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 235/45R18 tires. The GS 450h’s Electronically Controlled Braking
(ECB) system characteristics have been modified to provide greater responsiveness from the first touch of the pedal.

Safety/Security Features

Like the GS 350, the GS 450h will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both driver and front passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats that reduce the space between the occupant’s head and headrest, to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance safety include a pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system to provide early warning of upcoming  objects that might result in a collision. The system also uses a Lexus first infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes to check on driver status. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate light braking intervention up to two seconds prior to impact, designed to help to lessen the severity of the collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). LKA provides a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Exterior Design

The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around  it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency.
Exclusive to the hybrid model is a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and Lexus- first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. The improved illumination and beam range provided by LED lamps offers better visibility even under low beam driving conditions. In addition, the rear bumper of the GS 450h covers the exhaust pipe apertures. The GS 450h can also be distinguished by Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car steady. Finally, air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.

The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined  with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps  and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider
stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion.
Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic
presence.

The rear bumper features centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped  LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS line-up will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Mica and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS will be the first Lexus to adopt  this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.

Interior Design

The GS 450h will share the same luxurious and technological amenities as its gas counterpart, including next generation  Remote Touch; analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot; and a new energy-saving  auto climate control system called S-Flow that focuses airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated. A few notable differences include a bamboo-finished steering wheel which reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h, and the hybrid monitor.
“There is no other mid-luxury hybrid like the new GS 450h,” said Lexus’ Templin. “The handling,

acceleration, and design of this Lexus hybrid are impeccable. We can’t wait for customers to drive one.”

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 450h

GAS ENGINE

Number of cylinders and arrangement                V6

Displacement                                                      3.5L

MOTOR GENERATORS

Motor type                                                          Permanent magnet synchronous motor

HYBRID BATTERY

Battery type                                                       Nickel-Metal Hydride

TOTAL SYSTEM OUTPUT

Net Horsepower                                                338 hp

TRANSMISSION

Type                                                                   Rear Wheel Drive

Gearbox type                                                     Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable 
                                                                          Transmission (E-CVT)

SUSPENSION

Front                                                                 Double wishbone
Rear                                                                  Multi-link STEERING
Type                                                                  Rack and pinion Power steering type Electric EXTERIOR
                                                                         DIMENSIONS (in.)
Overall Length                                                  190.7

Overall width                                                     72.4

Overall height                                                    57.3

Wheelbase                                                       112.2

Driven Wheels                                                  Rear

Curb weight (lbs.)                                            4,190

Brake type
Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)

Wheel size                                                      17 x 7.5 in. (standard)
18 x 8 in. (optional)

Tire size                                                          225/50/17 (standard)
235/45/18 (optional)

0 – 60 mph                                                      5.6 seconds

Top Track Speed                                              131 mph (electronically limited)


Article from: http://www.lexus.com/

How much will it cost?
I was told that there was not a price yet.

When will it be available?
Spring (May 2012)