Lexus set to reveal Mk4 GS sedan

LEXUS has announced it will reveal its highly anticipated fourth-generation GS sedan on August 18 at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the United States.

Based on the LF-Gh concept car that appeared at the recent Melbourne motor show, the new large Lexus sedan will be revealed in GS350 form – fitted with a new 3.5-litre V6 engine driving through a six-speed automatic transmission.

A hybrid version is expected to follow soon after at the Frankfurt motor show in mid-September.

An F Sport variant fitted with beefier brakes, a more dynamic handling system and 19-inch wheels is also expected to debut at the SEMA automotive trade show in the US in early November, but overseas reports suggest the rumored GS-F is becoming increasingly unlikely.

The rear-wheel drive BMW 5 Series competitor is said to introduce a more “defined and emotional” design philosophy, featuring a more distinctive front grille and styling cues that will be seen on all future Lexus vehicles.

The hybrid concept car certainly created plenty of interest at Melbourne’s exhibition centre, topping a poll of show-goers to be named “Car of the Show” at the Australian International Motor Show ahead of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept.

It reportedly captured 13 per cent of the 28,000 votes in the poll.

Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said the forthcoming GS has been engineered to provide a more engaging and dynamic driving experience and the highest levels of refinement.

Mr Cramb also believes the all-new GS symbolises a turning point in the brand’s history.

“GS has always symbolised the beginning of something new for Lexus, from the debut of the first iteration of ‘L finesse’ design to its innovative hybrid driveline,” he said.

“The entirely new GS has been designed to engage all the senses, offering an all-new design, innovative on-board technology and enjoyable driving dynamics.

“Judging by the reaction Lexus Australia had to the recent showing of the LF-Gh concept, new GS will definitely be worth the wait.

“With LF-Gh, the Lexus design team wanted to captivate people’s imagination with a vehicle that was bold and innovative, yet functional in true sports touring style – and they’ve certainly achieved that.

“The Car of the Show award also reinforces Lexus’ long-held belief that hybrids can be more than just efficient. They can be stylish, powerful and, most of all, desirable.”

The front fascia of the electrified concept was dominated by an aggressive black Darth Vader Audi-style grille – described by Lexus designers as “a spindle-shaped grille that projects a resolute look” – that Lexus promises will be a key feature of future Lexus models.

Although Lexus has released no technical information ahead of the GS’ California debut, reports from the US suggest it rides on an all-new chassis with a sportier suspension and a wider track (up 25mm at the front and 30mm wider at the rear).

That fits with the dimensions of the 40mm-longer concept car, but the LF-Gh has the same 2850mm wheelbase as the current car, suggesting it might employ essentially the same platform.

Inside, the cabin is slated to feature premium leather upholstery, a number of new colour choices (beyond the usual black, grey and beige) and a massive 12.3-inch infotainment system controlled by a touch-sensitive mouse.

With a new model on the horizon, Lexus GS sales are down 61 units or some 61.6 per cent in the first half this year.

Overall, the Toyota luxury brand’s sales are 408 units lower than for the same period last year, a decline of 12.4 per cent to 2870 units.