TODAY 19 JUN Exclusive Lexus News

...two-motor hybrid system - driving through the rear wheels. The drivetrain remains true to Lexus' performance hybrid credentials, combining significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and PM emissions, while offering performance on par with comparable V8-powered rivals. Combined, the system will offer 252kW of power and will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds. Aided by a 0.26 coefficient of drag, the GS 450h efficient hybrid powerplant will consume just 6.3L of fuel per 100km - 20 per cent less than the outgoing model. CO2 emissions are expected to be below 150g/km**. Aiding in occupant comfort is a new, energy saving air-conditioning system with S-Flow and 'nanoe' technologies.

With significantly enhanced heating and cooling performance than the previous generation GS, the all new climate control systems actively monitors which seats are occupied and shuts down unused vents to conserve power.

Furthermore, the S-Flow system allows for external and recirculated air to be used at the same time, with fresh air used to demist the windscreen while internal air is recirculated in the foot wells.

Also appearing in the new GS is the innovative new 'nanoe' technology.

It works in conjunction with the climate control system, releasing 20-50nm (nanometre) particles which purify and deodorise air within the vehicles cabin.

The system is also said to have a moisturising effect on occupants skin, given the 1000 times greater moisture content of nanoe particles compared to ordinary ions.

Also debuting on new GS is the second generation Lexus Remote Touch interface (LRT) linked to the world's largest on-board multi-information display screen, at 12.3 inches.

The second generation LRT allows users to select functions by simply pushing down on the joystick style controller.

The GS 450h can also be specified with the Lexus Dynamic Handling system (LDH), becoming the world's first hybrid to feature all-wheel steer.

LDH integrates advanced features such as Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus' unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system.

VDIM Step 5 coordinates every aspect of front and rear wheel control to provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with a more direct response to the driver's actions.

The advanced Pre-Crash Safety system^ (PCS) incorporates a Driver alert Monitor camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC), which on the GS 450h, now functions at all speeds down to 0km/h.

GS 450h's safety suite will also be boosted by a Blind Spot Monitor, to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and an expanded Head Up Display (HUD) unit that now displays road speed, cruise control, turn-by turn navigation and tachometer.

Further aiding comfort and convenience is a dramatic increase in the hybrids boot space.

At 464L, the next Generation GS 450h's boot capacity*** has increased by 45% over the previous generation vehicle, thanks to repackaging of the hybrid battery into a stacked format.

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Tony Cramb said that the new GS demonstrates Lexus innovative spirit and Kaizan approach to engineering.

"GS will be a rolling showcase of new technologies," said Mr Cramb.

"Lexus engineers always strive for improvement or Kaizan and with new GS 450h, they have certainly improved through innovation,

"With its diesel rivalling power and fuel efficiency combined with its innovative features, new GS will certainly give consumers something to think about when it arrives in 2012," said Mr Cramb.

*Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/02 combined cycle.

^Details based on pre production vehicles, final specification and features may change from model to model to those stated above.

**Emissions will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories.

***Calculated on the VDA method using Australian specification vehicles.