THE 2010 LEXUS GS 450h

Lexus has introduced a series of styling, technical and equipment revisions that further strengthen the full hybrid GS 450h’s appeal in the premium saloon market. It has rationalised the model line-up into two equipment grades – SE and SE-L – and introduced new exterior colour choices, alloy wheel designs and interior trims.

The GS, powered by a smooth and ultra-efficient combination of a 3.5-lire petrol V6 and a compact 650V electric motor, delivers sharp performance with fuel economy and emissions that are unmatched by its conventional petrol-powered rivals.

Revised Pre-Crash Safety system and active headrests
The Pre-Crash Safety system in the GS 450h has been revised to include pre-crash brake technology to support the established pre-crash seatbelt and brake assist functions.

Both front seats have new, inflator-operated active headrests, which are activated by a signal from the ECU should the car suffer a rear-end impact. The inflator slides a piston into the headrest, unlocks the mechanism and projects the headrest forwards and upwards to support the head and reduce the risk of whiplash injury.

Navigation and audio upgrades
In common with its sister Lexus models, the GS 450h has a new 40GB hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system, giving Europe-wide coverage with traffic information data capture in each country. The

HDD also provides 10GB of storage space for owners to create their own on-board sound library of digital audio files – room for around 2,000 music tracks.

Two audio systems are featured in the GS 450h range: a 10-speaker Lexus premium package and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System giving 5.1-channel surround sound on selected CDs and DVDs. Both systems come with a USB port and audio jack plug for full connection and integration of portable music players. The Bluetooth, provided as standard, includes an audio streaming function. As an option, owners can upgrade their audio system to receive DAB digital broadcasts.

Styling
The 2010 GS 450h has a new front grille design that features a series of horizontal bars. The hybrid-blue rear lamp clusters have been modified to incorporate larger, transparent outer lenses and a new 18-inch alloy wheel design has been introduced for the SE-L model. The SE version rides on 17-inch alloys, with five-double-spoke 18-inch wheels available in a combined package with parking sensors.

In the cabin there is a new hybrid-blue backlit stop/start button and the choice of a new Venaro Grey semi-aniline leather upholstery option, with contrasting black stitching and grey bird’s eye maple wood grain trim.

The range of 11 exterior colours includes three new shades: Vanilla Mist, Richmond Green and Atlantic Blue.

GS 450h pricing, VED and insurance groups