Though Toyota used to make small diesels for BMW, they aren’t even remotely interested in making little diesels to compete with the diesel powered E-Class/5-series/A6; they have elected to develop a small hybrid powertrain for the Lexus GS instead.

Lexus’s Koji Sato, deputy chief engineer, product planning suggested that “We are working on a number of solutions to offer low CO2 emissions and these include a small hybrid.”

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Sato also hinted at the potential, though no official plans for an M5 fighting F-series GS, saying “The GS has an all-new chassis with wider tracks, double wishbones at the front and a mulit-link rear set-up. It would make a very good base for a performance car.”

Sato also suggested that economy would be on par with the 520d, so expect somewhere around 50 mpg.

Refresher: The 2013 Lexus GS 450h Hybrid is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as needed. Together, the unit produces an nice 338 horsepower, allowing for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 131 mph.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: AutoExpress