Lexus shrinks hybrid to battle diesels

Lexus is developing a small petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the new GS to compensate for the absence of a diesel in the range.

The new car goes on sale next month as the GS 250 with a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine, or the GS 450h hybrid powered by a 3.5 V6 and an electric motor.

The fuel consumption and emissions of the hybrid are up to 23 per cent better than those of the previous model, but at 46.3mpg and 141g/km they are still way above those of the four-cylinder diesel cars from other manufacturers which dominate sales in this class.

However, Lexus admits it is working on another hybrid which will be more competitive for economy and emissions – and therefore company car tax – with small diesels. It will be introduced in 2013.

The 2.5-litre V6 engine is likely to be paired with an electric motor and be sold as the GS 300h. This combination is offered in another Lexus, the ES 300h – a model sold in Russia, the Ukraine and Azerbaijan, but not in western Europe.

Words by: Headline Auto