Lexus To Introduce A "Budget" 4 Cylinder GS Model?

The Lexus GS executive car range will expand to include a new, more affordable petrol-electric hybrid, the manufacturer has revealed.

Lexus hasn't released many details, but it says the new model will use a smaller-capacity engine than the 3.5-litre V6 in the GS450h – a four-cylinder unit seems most likely.

Due in the second half of 2013, the new hybrid will be an addition to the range, rather than a replacement for the GS450h. The smaller-capacity engine will make the GS more competitive against rivals, and is expected to account for the vast majority of sales.
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thetruth01 - 6/11/2012 4:18:07 PM

+3 Boost

Wonder if this is for America too? In Europe, Lexus is hampered by too few engine choices. Europeans seem to have no qualms about buying these big cars with small engines, so it's a no-brainer. And to make it a hybrid is perfect for their Europe strategy. I hope Lexus feels that the US would go for it too. After all, BMW sells a 4 cylinder 5 series, and is selling quite a lot of them too. With all the V6s putting out over 300hp, a smaller engine would likely still be sufficiently powerful, a small sacrifice for the sake of lower entry price, better fuel economy, CAFE compliance, and just general competitiveness with the field.

LexSucks - 6/11/2012 4:29:14 PM

-1 Boost

This will be the greatest 4 cylinder luxury car ever created!!! Watch this space. Lexus builds the best vehicles in the world!!!!!

enthusiastx11 - 6/12/2012 12:49:38 PM

+1 Boost

hahahahaha!

Designer1 - 6/11/2012 4:52:00 PM

+1 Boost

Hopefully it will remain to be a rear wheel drive though.

HughJass - 6/11/2012 10:03:08 PM

-1 Boost

Strange, budget entails cheap which I wouldn't call something that's probably going to be in $40,000. What would one call the BMW 5 series that gets the nice 4 banger turbo? Discount perhaps?

As long as its a good engine, someone who calls themselves a driver will enjoy it.

cidflekken - 6/11/2012 10:06:01 PM

0 Boost

I have seen all of 2 GS' since their intro. Not a good sign being that I live in an area filled with luxury cars and exotics. E Class, 5 Series, A6s, even M35s are a dime a dozen in this class. Not sure if a 4-cylinder hybrid is going to help that. Not to mention the completely anonymous styling of this car which could easily pass as a competitor to the Accord/Sonata/Camry/Altima, just on styling alone.

enthusiastx11 - 6/12/2012 3:54:14 PM

+1 Boost

hey now. it looks just as exciting as any acura. in fact, that rear shot pretty much is an acura.