Melbourne show: Lexus unveils luxury bookends

THE star exhibits on the Lexus stand at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre are at opposite ends of the Lexus spectrum.

The Lexus LF-A Roadster and the RX450h hybrid – both on display to the Australian public for the first time – are destined to appeal to different audiences.

The Lexus LF-A arrived at the show after starring at the 2008 Detroit and Tokyo motor shows.

Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca said that while the LF-A had not been signed off for Australia, he was “confident” it would be sold here, albeit in small numbers.

“There’re buyers for that car – if Australia receives that car,” he said. “The maximum volume would be five for us anyway, and at that, it’s very saleable.”

Left: Lexus RX350.

Mr Roca said that for the brand, the LF-A was “taking it to the next level, from a ‘halo’ point of view”.

“The fact that there’s only five will help the car more than anything else,” he said.

Meanwhile, the RX350-based hybrid SUV, the RX450h, receives its first public airing alongside its petrol V6 sibling at Melbourne, with Lexus announcing the Australian RX450h specification peak power output as 220kW. The mid-size hybrid SUV, unique in its segment, is not due here until mid-year.

Lexus said that on early estimates, the RX450h would be between eight and 12 per cent more fuel-efficient than the RX400h it replaces.

Also at the Lexus stand were the IS250, IS250 Sport Concept, IS-F, GS and LS ranges and the hybrid sedan range including the GS450h, and LS460h.

Read more:

Detroit show: Lexus chops LF-A top

LF-A two years away

Lexus to contest Nurburgring with LF-A

First drive: Lexus overhauls RX – at a cost

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