2013 Lexus GS 450h

With a five vehicle hybrid line-up, Lexus reinforces its commitment to hybrid technology with the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 450h.

Today, the Lexus GS 450h is the world's first premium performance sedan to be equipped with a V6 Atkinson cycle gas engine and two-motor hybrid system, in a front engine rear-wheel drive vehicle.

The hybrid version of the 2013 GS 350 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

Lexus GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance.

With a total system power output of 338 hp, the Lexus GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector.

That means we could be seeing a combined gas mileage of around 30 mpg for the 2013 Lexus GS 450h, which, while still impressive, fails to beat the efficiency of many diesel rivals sold overseas.

As a result, Lexus is now reportedly developing a ‘downsized’ hybrid system for the GS, which will allow it to compete with more fuel efficient diesel models. The Lexus exec also reiterated the automaker’s stance of backing hybrid technology rather than diesel when it comes to economy.

The fact that Lexus wants to boost the appeal of its 2013 Lexus GS luxury sedan is no secret.

In Autocar’s words, the GS “would offer the M5 a genuine rival for both performance and dynamic ability given the driver-focused developments in the all-new GS’s chassis.”

According to an earlier report, the LFA’s 552-horsepower V-10 would indeed fit in the GS engine compartment, but there’s no clear indication as to how much the 10-cylinder would be detuned for sedan duty.

It’s harder to pin down the handling and “feel” parts of a car without seat time, but early impressions of the base GS appear to be favorable (stay tuned for our First Drive of the new 2013 GS lineup this Friday).