It's only been a few weeks since Lexus->ke47 unveiled the new generation Lexus GS350, and now they are rounding up the crowd again with the debut of the GS 450h at the Frankfurt Motor Show. A relatively young model on the market - it was first unveiled in 2007 - the GS 450H is now the world’s first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system.

The hybrid system combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. They both deliver a total of 338 HP and will sprint the GS 450h from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel economy has also been improved by 30%. The model will be equipped with a Drive Mode selector that will allow the driver to choose between Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.

UPDATE 06/29/2012: Lexus has unveiled a new video presenting the technology behind the new GS 450h. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the new Lexus GS 450h.

2013 Lexus GS 450h

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Lexus GS 450h
  • Engine/Motor: Hybrid
  • Horsepower: 338
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Lexus' new GS 450h will be immediately recognized as a new generation Lexus GS, but it will be distinguished from the standard GS model thanks to a unique three-lamp design that aligns the turn signal and the Lexus-first high and low beam LED lamps in a single horizontal row. The rear bumper covers the exhaust pipe apertures and there is a special Lexus’ signature blue hybrid badging.

As for the interior, the GS 450h offers many of the items found on the gas-powered model. It includes the next generation Remote Touch, an analog clock with LED indicators, and a new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow. A unique feature for the hybrid model is a bamboo-finished steering wheel and hybrid monitor.

Hybrid Powertrain

The Lexus GS 450h's hybrid system combines an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine with a two-motor hybrid system in a front-engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. This setup provides a total output of 338 HP, allowing the new Lexus GS 450h to deliver impressive performance numbers for a hybrid model. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 131 mph.

The GS 450h comes equipped with the Lexus Dynamic Handling system and an integrated four-wheel steering system that monitors vehicle speed, steering direction, and driver inputs. By doing so, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) to the front and DRS to the rear, the system can independently control both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle stability and overall agility when cornering.

Prices

Prices for the new GS 450h will be announced closer to its market launch.

Competition

The upgrades provided for the Lexus GS 450h were the next logical step for Lexus, especially considering that Infiniti is now offering a very serious competitor in the M35 Hybrid. The Infiniti model combines a naturally aspirated 3.5 Liter V6 and an efficient electric motor for a total of 350 HP. It also delivers a fuel economy of 27 mpg and is on sale at a starting price of $53,700. We're just hoping Lexus will announce better numbers for the GS 450h.