Lexus announces more affordable GS hybrid

Lexus has announced its new GS model will be available in a second, more affordable hybrid variant by the end of 2013. This would join the range alongside the existing GS450h hybrid and the conventional petrol GS250 model.

President and Managing Director of Toyota Lexus GB, Jon Williams, confirmed the new “low displacement” GS hybrid during a press conference at the European launch of the fourth-generation car.

Lexus GS450h hybrid at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

Although he refused to reveal exactly what engine would power the lesser hybrid, it would certainly be smaller than the 3.5-litre V6 of the GS450h, and possibly even smaller than the 2.5-litre V6 of the GS250 – relying on the electric motor to make up the resulting power deficit.

The new hybrid would be more affordable than the GS450h, which is priced from £44,995. It would also improve upon that car’s already impressive 137g/km CO2 figure – with the intention of giving eco diesels such as the 119g/km CO2 BMW 520d EfficientDynamics a hard time.

Expect more details perhaps as early as the Paris Motor Show in September. There remain no plans for a GS turbodiesel.

Lexus has also confirmed two entirely new cars are in the pipeline. One of these will be an all-new IS replacement, but the other is currently a mystery. A smaller SUV model to compliment the RX is one possibility, but we’re hoping for a production version of the stunning LF-LC sports car.

A full first drive of the 2012 Lexus GS is coming to MSN Cars very soon.

Lexus GS450h hybrid at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

First Drive Review: BMW 520d EfficientDynamics

Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports car revealed