Lexus' other sporty hybrid
Before the CT 200h, there was the GS 450h. Lexus' original sporty hybrid has just gotten a 2013 model year refresh that includes a new, more aggressive look.
Improved fuel economy
The GS 450h doesn't get a power boost to go with its new mean mug. (In fact, the new 338-horsepower, Atkinson cycle V-6-based Hybrid Synergy Drive system is down two ponies from the current generation.) What Lexus is expecting is a 30 percent bump in fuel economy when the sedan finishes EPA testing. The 2009 GS 450h rolled a combined 23.2 mpg when we tested it, so we're guessing the 2013 will reach a combined 30.
Suspension tech
The new GS benefits from a bevy of lighter materials and new Lexus suspension technologies. Lexus employs new aluminum control arms, a stiffer vehicle platform, and an updated rear multilink setup with improved geometry. New technologies include the Lexus Dynamic Handling four-wheel steering system that also rolls in the alphabet soup of Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM).
Dynamic rear steering
Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) works in tandem with the electric power steering to turn the rear wheels up 1.5 degrees to boost stability at speed (by turning them with the front wheels above 50 mph) or to reduce the turning radius (by turning them against the fronts below 50 mph).
Interior
All new Lexus GS models will receive an updated remote touch interface and an array of driver safety features, but only the hybrid will be available with a bamboo-finished steering wheel that, according to Toyota, "reinforces the sustainability of the GS 450h."
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?