Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Lexus

What's the star of the stand?
Want to drive a luxurious saloon without the feeling that you’re slowly killing the planet? Then the new petrol-electric GS450h executive saloon could be the car for you.

Having already brought the first hybrid 4x4 to market, with the RX400h, Lexus has again proved that big cars needn’t be bad for the environment, or your pocket.

The GS450h goes on sale next year and combines a 3.5-litre V6 with a high-output electric motor. It claims to deliver a maximum output of 340bhp, and is capable of powering from 0-62mph in less than six seconds.

The new Lexus IS compact executive is also a big draw on the Lexus stand, prior to going on sale in December. Key to extending its appeal to company car drivers is the introduction of Lexus’ first diesel engine, a four-cylinder common-rail unit which packs a hefty 175bhp and arrives next March.

As well as having 10 airbags, it's also the first car in the world to feature a twin-chamber front passenger airbag, which Lexus claims provides greater protection to the head and shoulders in a crash.

They say
The GS450h’s highly efficient hybrid system means that fuel consumption and carbon dioxide exhaust emission levels are comparable with those from saloons with conventional four-cylinder, two-litre petrol engines.

We say
The arrival of the GS hybrid and Lexus's new diesel in the IS confirms that the company is aiming to pick up company car sales – an area where it has been overlooked.

Anything else?
Yes, there’s the remodelled SC430 coupe-cabrio, which goes on sale in November. It has had some styling tweaks and received a higher-than-ever level of spec, including Lexus’s Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), which adjusts the headlamps for cornering.

The obligatory concept car on the stand takes the form of the LF-A Sport Concept supercar, which Lexus claims combines compact design, high performance and balance with perfect front-to-rear weight distribution.

Any gossip?
An all-new Lexus LS, which is almost certain to use a petrol-electric hybrid engine and go on sale in the next 18 months.