LexFather

Awesome! We have speculated and suggested that Lexus needs to offer hybrids in multiple power trains in a vehicle instead of just one hybrid model. This is a fantastic move and will help the growing sales in Europe.

FYI Audi just introduced an I-4 hybrid A8 so an I-4 GSh wouldn't be scoffed at. The A6 hybrid is also an I-4.

Hate to say it but I can only see the GS 300h (or whatever) sell really well and the GS 450h doesn't and they eventually can the GS 450h. Then they are back to one hybrid model

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

yup - hybrid's main market is tree huggers (and people who drive way too slow in the left lane ), not enthusiasts.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

good idea. i mean, i actually want them to bring over the gs250... so i am all for a smaller hybrid. cheaper, "greener", and better market

flipside909

GS 300h is my best guess for what it would be called. Now the question is, 2.5L V6 4GR-FXE (which would make a lot of sense, would cost less to retool) or the use of the 2.5L 4cyl 2AR-FXE (which is transversely mounted for FWD applications).

spwolf

well i hope it is 4cly actually...

UpSideDown

My dealer has confirmed that the new redesigned IS will be released next year is a hybrid with 4cyl engine. So I think the new GSh will have same engine as the new IS hybrid. Just like the GS250 has the same engine as the IS250.

Big Andy

Good news and makes total sense. The GS250 is taxed too heavily for company car drivers and the GS450h is just too expensive.

spwolf

we europeans wouldnt mind even 180hp hybrid IS, right? Maybe they make two options - 2.0l and 2.5l powered... Since I drive a lot in the city, smaller displacement would be better.

Sulu

There are plenty of engines smaller than the 3.5-litre 2GR that Toyota could use for a smaller-engined GSh. There are smaller engines in the GR V6 family: 3.0-litre 3GR and the 2.5-litre 4GR. There is also the AR family of 4-cylinder engines: the 2.7-litre 1AR used in the Venza, Highlander and Sienna, and the 2.5-litre 2AR used in the Camry and RAV4 (which has already been hybridized). The AR engines are currently transverse-placement FWD engines but that should not preclude them from longitudinal-placement RWD use. The 2GR is available for both transverse and longitudinal placement.

Big Andy

Right - they need to benchmark they BMW 520d auto. If they can produce a 2.0L GS hybrid (and that engine could transfer over to the new IS) which delivers 180-200 bhp, sub 120g/km CO2, real world average of 45mpg+ (UK gallons), when petrol is already cheaper than diesel, then they could be onto a real winner.

The 320d and 520d are great cars, well equipped and cheap to run, so many user choosers just don't look elsewhere. A smooth and quiet Lexus petrol hybrid for similar money and with no tax penalties would be very appealing.

LexFather

Will it come stateside.....