Lexus GS 450h – Automobiles Review

2015 Lexus GS 450h

With even more brilliance, 2015 Lexus GS 450h now hits the road with even more speed, style and luxury. This particular model is one of five other hybrids that the company now offers.

The four-door Sedan is equipped with gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack. The engine is a 3.5L V6 with a 338 hp (252 kW) and 254 torque lb-ft (344 Nm); the car uses fuel efficiently with 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined fuel economy. It reaches from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 5.6 seconds.

Looking at the interior, we immediately notice slight blueish lines on the Lexus emblem on the front, with “Hybrid” badges on the side of the car as well.The cabin is really amazing. Lexus’ has added more than their usual luxury accessories. Bamboo pieces are placed for the trim inside in the interior. Another cool and rare feature rare in lots of car brands is the automatic seat cooling and heating systems. There are different drive modes which you can choose from a dial controller on the console. There are two sport settings: Sport, Eco mode and Sport+. One interesting little feature is that the instrument cluster’s interface changes depending on the current mode you are set in.

The infotainment system is controlled by using the “Remote touch”, a computer mouse-like device which you move around the pad to navigate the cursor on the huge 12.3 inch screen which is mounted deep inside the center stack, away from sun glare.

The rear view camera on the Lexus has predictive lines, but those lines are static. Unlike other luxury cars, the predictive back up lines do not move when you are turning the steering wheel.The base price of the Lexus comes around $60,430.

Overall, 2015 Lexus GS 450h is suitable for a city drive but the car can pretty much handle a drive on the highways across a country. With very nice driving feel and very economical with a hybrid system, this Lexus is appropriate for both families and for those who just seek comfort, style, luxury and high speed.

Source: Lexus

September 8, 2014

2012 Lexus GS 450h features 254kW Atkinson cycle hybrid drivetrain

2012 Lexus GS 450h is the most efficient GS ever created by the brand. It includes an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain which will contribute the model to become of the most efficient vehicles in its class.

Thank to its unique hybrid system, the Lexus’ efficient hybrid powerplant consumes just 6.3 litres of fuel per 100km. This means in fact that the new customers will save circa twenty percent from fuel in comparison to the outgoing model. At the same the CO2 emissions have been also reduced significantly to the number of 147g/km.

The performance of this Lexus hybrid vehicle is reassured by a combined power output of 254kW. Thank to it, the 450h can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

What is more here, compared to its predecessor, the GS 450h also offers greater space and onboard technology. This is mainly due to the redesigned chassis. There is also forty-five percent more boot space which now is increase from 320 to 465 litres.

Another interesting fact here is that the GS 450h is actually the first hybrid vehicle, which comes equipped with all-wheel steering. And in particular, it is the first one to include an Atkinson cycle engine driving the rear wheels, and the first Atkinson cycle engine to feature direct and port injection.

In terms of security and safety features, there are some innovations included, such as: an advanced Pre-Collision safety System (PCS), a Driver Fatigue Monitor camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). The latter now operates at all speeds down to 0km/h.

Additionally, the safety suite is enhanced by a Blind Spot Monitor, which now comes as a standard to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes, and an expanded Head Up Display (HUD) unit. This unit shows the road speed, cruise control, gear position, turn-by turn navigation and tachometer.

GS 450h models will be offered in three trim levels: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury, which are expected to be launched in June this year.

2012 Lexus GS 450h Technical Specifications:

Engine
Engine type		2GR-FXE 3.5L V6
Capacity (cm³)		3.456
Cylinders/valves		V6/24
Engine configuration		Atkinson cycle, six cylinders, V-formation, 24-valve, DOHC, four valves per cylinderand alloy cylinder block. Featuring direct and port injection
Bore x stroke (mm)		94.0 x 83.0
Compression ratio		13.0
Max. combined output		254kW
Max. engine output		215kW @ 6,000rpm
Max. engine torque		352Nm @ 4,500rpm
Hybrid battery	type	Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
	voltage	650V
Max. motor output		147kW
Max. motor torque		275Nm
Transmission
Type		Six-step E-CVT (Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddleshift
Steering
Turning diameter (m@body)		11.2, or 10.8 with rear steer
Luxury		Rack and pinion, Electric Power Steering (EPS)
F Sport		Rack and pinion EPS with Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering
Sports Luxury		Rack and pinion EPS
Seating capacity
No of seats		5
Exterior dimensions (mm)
Overall length		4,850
Width		1,840
Height		1,455
Wheelbase		2,850
Interior dimensions (mm)
Front to rear couple distance		945
Front legroom		1,075
Rear legroom		935
Driven wheels
Type of drive		Rear-wheel drive
Wheels and tyres
Luxury		18 x 8J alloy (F/R) Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
F Sport		19 x 8J (F), 19 x 9J (R) alloy Bridgestone 235/40 R19 96Y (F) 265/35 R19 94Y (R)
Sports Luxury		18 x 8J (F/R) alloy Dunlop 235/45 R18 94Y (F/R)
Brake type
		Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-forceDistribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Managementsystem (VDIM)
Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
F Sport		356 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear (Two-piece rotors front with four piston calipers)
Sports Luxury		334 x 30mm front 310 x 18mm rear
Performance
0 – 100km/h (s)		5.9
Max. speed (km/h)		250 (limited)
Fuel consumption (L/100 km)^*
Combined		6.3
Urban		6.9
Highway		5.8
^* Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style,vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle.
CO₂ emissions (g/km)
Combined		147

Source: Lexus

May 15, 2012

Lexus Announces Pricing for 2013 Lexus GS 450h, 2013 Lexus RX line-up and 2012 Lexus IS Sedans

Lexus has just announced the prices for number of its models: for the all-new 2013 GS 450h hybrid luxury sport sedan, the complete 2013 RX luxury utility vehicle line, and a price adjustment to the 2012 IS luxury sport sedan.

The first one – 2013 Lexus GS 450h, comes equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system, and delivers 338 horsepower (245 kW), while achieving 31 combined city/highway mpg.

The model will arrive at dealerships in a month with a starting price of $58 950.

In details the 2013 Lexus GS 450h will complete the GS lineup comprising of GS 350 and GS 350 F SPORT. As mentioned already it has a total system power output of 338 horsepower (245 kW), delivered from the powerful V8 engine. Although it is a V8, it can exceed most V6 engines in fuel economy with best-in-class EPA estimated ratings of 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. That makes the 2013 Lexus GS 450h a certified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV).

Secondly, the new GS hybrid also features Lexus Drive Mode Select which comes additionally to the Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ modes available on the GS 350. What GS 450h does is that it adds an EV mode, which allows the driver to travel a short distance at low speed using only the hybrid battery pack.

Moreover, the vehicle has impressive available options which help improving the occupant safety. They include:

Pre-Collision System, which uses the radar sensors shared with the Dynamic Cruise Control System to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a collision as well as to apply braking force in the case of an impending collision;
Night Vision System;
Heads Up Display;
Blind Spot Monitor
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which provide a small amount of active steering torque to help maintain course and alert the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

There is also included in the GS 450h a Lexus multimedia. It will bring a host of entertainment and connectivity enhancements, including the Lexus Enform® App Suite (one-year trial subscription included) and standard enhanced Bluetooth® capability with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.

Next, comes the 2013 Lexus RX line-up, which will set new standards in terms of design, technologies, engineering, and luxury innovation in the SUV segment. The line-up will be available in dealerships this month with a starting price of $39 310.

What has to be additionally highlighted here is that a model from the range – 2013 Lexus RX450h, offers V8-like performance and fuel economy similar to a four-cylinder sedan
On the other hand the 2013 Lexus RX F Sport includes the inspiring eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension with performance dampers. Of course it was designed especially for driving enthusiasts.

In fact, the RX is the top-selling luxury utility vehicle in the U.S. for fourteen years. The 2013 models now come with upgraded and enhanced interior and exterior.

For instance the 2013 Lexus RX 450h comes also with Lexus Hybrid Drive.
In addition, a bold new face of Lexus is applied to the range: the signature spindle grille, is accompanied by a new headlamp design, LED daytime running lights, distinctive fog lamp bezels, and an aggressive new bumper. The taillamps have been also updated and the rear license plate surround complete the exterior enhancements.

How about the interior enhancements, which the luxurious and spacious RX receives? The steering wheel has been transformed and now comes with sportier design and a more comfortable and relaxing grip. Additionally, a metallic accent enhances the look of the glove box. The center console has been redesigned for versatility and easy accessibility.

The interior is now available in Ebony Bird’s-eye Maple wood trim and Saddle leather interior. In those options, rich, detailed contrast stitching is used on the seats, center console and door-mounted armrests.

Furthermore, four new exterior colors are available for the RX range: Silver Lining Metallic, Claret Mica, Deep Sea Mica, and Fire Agate Pearl, Matador Red Mica and Cerulean Blue Metallic.

The special 2013 Lexus RX 350 F SPORT also comes enhanced. In particular the car was designed with the aim to engage driving enthusiasts with performance and styling. Its upgrades include:

Eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters;
Newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels with dark graphite finish with 235/55R19 tires front and rear;
New and unique sport front bumper with mesh grille;
F SPORT tuned suspension with front and rear performance dampers;
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).

The RX 350 F SPORT is also available with black leather-trimmed seats which have white contrast stitching, black headliner, and aluminum pedals and footrest. What is to be a debut here is the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Model Year	Model Name	MSRP
2013	RX 350 FWD	$39,310
2013	RX 350 AWD	$40,710
2013	RX 350 F SPORT AWD	$47,000
2013	RX 450h FWD	$45,910
2013	RX 450h AWD	$47,310

At last the 2012 Lexus IS luxury sport sedan range which will come with the initial price of $33 795.

Model Year	Model Name	MSRP
2012	IS 250 (MT)	$33,795
2012	IS 250	$34,965
2012	IS 250 AWD	$37,425
2012	IS 350	$40,220
2012	IS 350 AWD	$42,680

Source: Lexus

April 9, 2012

2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport to debut in Geneva

Exclusive news has just arrived from the Lexus brand. It is preparing a great exhibit at this years’ Geneva Motor Show, where it is going to showcase for the first time its “hot” new and exclusive models of 2012 Lexus RX and 2012 Lexus RX F Sport.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any additional information (except for the picture-teaser below), concerning these models, so we have to patiently wait till 6^th of March. However, the main attention in Geneva will be put on the European premiere of the Lexus LF-LC Concept Car. More vehicles to be previewed at the show are the all new Lexus GS 450h and of course – Lexus GS 450h F Sport.

Source: Lexus

March 2, 2012

2012 Lexus GS 450h Full Hybrid

Lexus also exhibits the 2012 GS 450h full hybrid at the IAA Frankfurt, this year. The premium saloon comes with an all-new exterior and interior which reflect development of Lexus’s L-finesse design philosophy. The bold and dynamic exterior design includes a stronger frontal treatment which gives the new GS a commanding road presence that is appropriate for a Lexus performance saloon.

The interior boasts high quality materials and advanced interface technologies to help keep the driver alert and everyone on board comfortable over long periods of time.

2012 GS 450h features a new, energy saving air conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘Nano-e’ technologies; a second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems that offer unparalleled power and clarity.

It is powered by a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine, with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration.

The vehicle also has a new re-engineered bodyshell, new suspension, more powerful brakes and leading-edge technologies such as Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS).

The Lexus Dynamic Handling System provides a world-first integration of AVS, DRS, Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Step 5 of Lexus’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, to co-ordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control and provide agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with more direct response to driver inputs.

The new GS is equipped with the most technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance systems available on the market today. VDIM Step 5 now integrates the new DRS system, while the Advanced Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS) incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control system (ACC). On the new GS, the ACC will function at all speeds down to 0mph.

Additional active safety features include Lane-Keep Assist (LKA), a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), the Lexus Night View system and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.

Source: Lexus

September 12, 2011

2010 Lexus GS 450h

Lexus introduces 2010 Lexus GS 450h at Frankfurt Motor show. The model is freshened up – minor styling changes, new colours, revisions to the Pre-Crash Safety system and more sophisticated navigation and audio packages.

Revised Pre-Crash Safety system and new active headrests

The Pre-Crash Safety system in the Lexus GS 450h has been revised to support the pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions with pre-crash brake technology. Both front seats are fitted with new, inflator-operated active headrests, activated by a signal from the ECU in the event of a rear-end impact. The inflator slides a piston into the headrest, unlocks the mechanism and projects the headrest forwards and upwards to support the occupant’s head and reduce the risk of whiplash injury.

The new Navigation system is now available with 40GB Hard disk drive, which is divided on two parts – 30GB for road maps and 10GB for music storage.

There are also two audio systems included in the GS 450h range: a 10-speaker Lexus premium package and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System giving 5.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. Both systems are now DAB ready and provide USB and audio jack plug connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth with an audio streaming function.

The exterior changes include new front grille, hybrid-blue rear lamp clusters and new 18” wheels. The range of 11 exterior colours has three new shades: Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.

The price list will be announced later this year.