Report: Lexus working on smaller hybrid powertrain for GS
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
