Lexus GS 300h Trademark Registered in Australia

Posted by Kevin on March 19th, 2012

Lexus has registered GS 300h as an Australian trademark, which may indicate that a second hybrid option for the fourth-generation sports sedan may be offered in the future.

Mirroring a similar IS 300h trademark discovered late last year, a GS 300h would likely be built around a four-cylinder engine focused on fuel economy rather than power — one possible fit is the 2.5L 2AR-FXE four-cylinder engine from the new Toyota Camry Hybrid, which puts out 200 bhp (149kW) with a combined fuel economy of 41 mpg (5.7 L/100 km).

With both the IS & GS being registered with this 300h trademark, it would suggest this is a real possibility, and regardless of the exact powertrain, it would be a very smart move by Lexus — especially in the European market where engine options are a very important consideration.

I’m in favor of a four-cylinder GS hybrid — what do you think?

[Source: ATMOSS] (Thanks Matt!)

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Comments
B
The GS weighs about 300 lbs more than the Camry.  0-60 should fall to around 8 seconds. Probably won't get 40MPG with the weight either. Problem is it would compete with the ES Hybrid, which should sell for around $40k, so I don't see it here...... BD
  • Anonymous
  • March 19, 2012
Could possibly be a 2.5L V6
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      emptystreets130
    • March 19, 2012
    We have the 2.5 V6 here as well. I highly doubt the Camry hybrid system will make its way in the gs300h.
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    Thomas
  • March 19, 2012
I think you need to get your head checked if you really think Lexus could have a four-cylinder engine.  It cant. It shouldnt. Cheap engines are for cheap cars!
    • Anonymous
    • March 19, 2012
    Before you leap too far ahead of yourself check this out: http://lexusenthusiast.com/2009/07/02/lexus-es-240-to-be-sold-in-china/ It may be oldish but gives sufficient evidence that it is possible for Lexus to use a four-cyl engine
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      Brendan
    • March 19, 2012
    The CT 200h and HS 250h have had 4-cylinder engines since 2011, and 2010, respectively.
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    Ljn71
  • March 19, 2012
I think a GS 300h would make a lot of sense in some markets. In Norway we won't get the GS 250 because non-hybrid models are not very popular,so a 300h would be a perfect addition to the 450h here.
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    Jake
  • March 19, 2012
I've been saying this since the very first moment Lexus decided to offer hybrid cars. They should focus more on what it's fuel efficiency and downsize their engines. The majority of the people who want a hybrid car it's just for fuel saving, not for having fun, so a GS450h doesn't make any sense at all. The GS 300h, and even GS250h fit well for buyers who are looking for an alternative option to the diesel in Europe and a good way to save fuel for the US and Asia.
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      Thomas
    • March 19, 2012
    The GS 450h really does make sense. It's purpose is to be a low emission vehicle without the drawbacks of a tiny engine. Low emissions also means less taxes on the car itself in most parts of the world which means you can have a very powerful car with an engine that uses the only fuel that should be used in cars(not diesel) at a price that no one can beat. A four cyl engine dont belong in a luxury car, period.
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      Jake
    • March 20, 2012
    GS450h as a performance car it's great, but we are talking about fuel saving, not about 0-100. You may indeed pay less taxes due to its low carbon emissions but does it make any sense to pay, let's say 2000 euro less for a car which is priced at 65.000 - 75.000 euro? No, it's completely pointless, at least for fuel saving. I can just buy a 520d for 40k-50k and I still have almost 20k for gas.I also agree that four cylinder cars should not exist for luxury cars, but they do and they are the best-selling model so far.For instance, they majority of the cars you see in Europe are all 2.0 liters engine 4 cylinders (A6 2.0 TDI, 520d, E220 CDI, etc). Not to mention that there's even a S250 CDI.
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      LexusLVR
    • March 20, 2012
    Thomas said: "A four cyl engine dont belong in a luxury car, period." Really? Is there a written rule that states this? Because the last time I checked, there were many GREAT LUXURY cars that had 4-cylinder engines like the Citroen DS/CX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Lancia Aprilia/Beta, Peugeot 504 and 505, various 1970s Mercedes diesels, various BMWs etc. Even a Toyota Cressida, which was a luxury/premium car in many markets, had a 4-cylinder engine. Even Porsche started out building 4-cylinder engines for their production and race cars. 4-cylinder engines were common and accepted in many luxury and sports cars outside of North America. Most Americans are still living in the stone age with their views on 4-cylinder engines (and diesels). Modern 4-cylinders are refined and offer performance and fuel economy. A GS with a 4-cylinder engine would be great for sales, and Lexus badly needs sales outside of North America. It's time Lexus adapts to other markets rather than trying to sell American-style luxury in them. You also said that "cheap engines are for cheap cars". Since when is a 4-cylinder a cheap engine? A 4-cylinder motor requires balance shafts and other technological applications to achieve smoothness. That costs. And it works. I've driven some of the newest 4-cylinder motors in Europe in rental cars from Audi, Mercedes and Volkswagen - and I was impressed. Smooth, agile and responsive. Not to mention good performance and great fuel economy. 4-cylinder engines have their place - even in luxury cars. Perhaps now more than ever.
K
I'm doubtful of 2.5L 2AR-FXE simply because it would make an ES 300h pointless. And the 2AR is a transversely mounted engine for a FWD application. It would be easier to develop Lexus Synergy Drive system for the 4GR from the 2GR-FXE and engineer it with a smaller displacement motor and similar drivetrain. 4GR-FXE.
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      Alantjai
    • March 19, 2012
    I agree! 2,5 v6 would output less than 120g/km co2
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    Sv6
  • March 19, 2012
GS350 for me.. Performance is important
B
The GS450h is an outstanding vehicle.  Over 300HP with 30 MPG combined?  Where else are you gonna get that?  The only problem would be pricing.   Price should stay within $5k of the base car.  The 2012 was $12k over the base GS350?  That dog won't hunt.  I've actually e-mailed Lexus directly about the pricing of this model..... BD
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      Thomas
    • March 19, 2012
    I'll bet your e-mail hit the trash pretty instantly...
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    Ljn71
  • March 19, 2012
Perhaps the GS 300h is for markets that don't have the ES?
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    mw
  • March 19, 2012
The CT has a four cylinder engine but it doesnt seem that economical or powerful. Whats the point apart from a cheap lexus. Maybe a smaller capacity petrol turboed engine should be considered... (a smooth one) The new plug in prius sounds better - sure its tech will filter into Lexus soon.
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    Wooski
  • March 19, 2012
I've heard from many different sources in the UK that this is exactly what Lexus is intending to do.  Now it may just be for ourside the US, but I bet if they do it plenty of US buyers will want it.  Expect launch next year when the new IS comes out.  The last I heard, it will have some outstandingly low CO2 figures as well (i.e. well under 120g).  This is all about taking the GS to the 520d's and E200's of this world which are by far the biggest sellers in this segment in Europe.  IMHO Lexus have to do this.
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    Brendan
  • March 19, 2012
The more engine/ drivetrain options the better.
  • Anonymous
  • March 19, 2012
so BMW should not sell 520d and 320d? But they do! Get over yourselves, car companies in Europe offer 10 engines for single model, including Toyota... there will be GS300h just like 1, 3, 5, X1, X3 series share engines.
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      Jake
    • March 20, 2012
    I completely agree with you. If people want to see hybrid cars as an alternative to diesel powered ones, Toyta and therefore Lexus, must offer low engine cars with great MPG and price at the same or even lower than the diesel ones.
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    Erich Kerner
  • March 20, 2012
it is out of question that Lexus have to offer more hybrid cars across there lineup. The RX needs a second hybrid model (my opinion), same with the LS. So the GS 300h makes a lot of sence to me...
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    MT
  • March 21, 2012
It will be the 4 cylinder eingine. A 2,5 litre V6 would have a hard time competing against four cylinder diesels. Just the numbers of cylinders scares people off here in Europe. But it wont help anyway. I just heard that the rear seat of the hybrid don't fold down. So they can throw in whatever magic engine they want. It won't sell. Even if they sell it for the price of a 3 cylinder Yaris.
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    Dunraven77
  • March 21, 2012
The seats on any Lexus sedan do not fold down. It is not ideal but realistically we only lose a very small percentage of sales over it. I have also heard that this car is definitely coming, mainly for the European market (which doesn't get ES) I would doubt the NA market would take this car.

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