Lexus chose the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event in California to give the much-hyped GS saloon its world debut before going on sale in 2012. Little was revealed about the new car's drivetrain, though it is likely that the only model imported to Ireland will be the GS 450h hybrid - no diesel alternative has been announced.
What we do know is how the new Lexus GS will look. And it's no disappointment. The showroom model follows on closely from the design of the sharp LF-Gh concept displayed at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, yet it looks less like the BMW 5 Series it will rival than the concept did. That's no bad thing, as Lexus has managed to inject a little of the LS and even the LFA into the shape of the new saloon. Large alloys and some sunshine help the car in the press shots so we'll reserve final judgement until we've seen it for ourselves on a grey November day in Urlingford.
Still, we can't help but be impressed by the interior of the new GS. It builds on the promise made by the CT 200h's cabin, where there's a high sense of quality and some real creativity to the design. The GS's centres on a stylish clock and an impressive looking infotainment screen. Lexus promises the latest in audio and connectivity, though how much of it is standard has yet to be revealed. Likewise, state-of-the art safety technology will be optional.
As before there are no plans for a diesel engine, but you'd hope that Lexus has made the GS 450h version even more efficient if it has a hope of competing in Europe. We'll know more when further details are announced at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show.