Lexus shows hybrid GS in Melbourne

LEXUS’ growth has been marked by two firsts for the Toyota luxury brand at last week's Melbourne motor show - the LF-A concept and the GS450h hybrid sports sedan.

The LF-A is its first hint at a Honda NSX-style supercar, powering the rear wheels via a mid-mounted V10 producing 373kW for an estimated top speed of 322km/h.

More realistic is the GS450h, a bona-fide production model due here by mid-year and featuring a direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electric motor – Prius-style – for a 300kW combined output.

Lexus claims 4.5-litre V8 performance and 2.0-litre four-cylinder fuel economy – backed up by 6.8L/100km fuel consumption and 0-100km/h acceleration in less than six seconds.