Yoshihiko Kanamori, the chief engineer for the new Lexus GS, has revealed to just-auto that Toyota is developing a new, smaller capacity hybrid powertrain.

Kanamori, interviewed at the Russian and European markets’ media launch event for the new-to-Europe GS, said the new powertrain would be launched in the car as soon as 2013. He would not state the engine’s capacity but admitted it would be larger than the 1.8-petrol unit that powers the CT 200h and obviously smaller than the 3.5-litre V6 in the new GS 450h.

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A full interview with the chief engineer of the fourth generation Lexus GS will follow. In it, he speaks about the forthcoming replacement for the IS range, expands upon the GS’ new ‘N-platform’ and its re-engineered drivetrains, and explains why there is no diesel engine for Lexus’ latest E-segment challenger.

Author: Glenn Brooks

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Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

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Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

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