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The Lexus LF-Sh previews the new-generation LS luxury saloon, and follows on from the LF-S concept (Lexus Future Saloon, Tokyo 2003).
The softer, less angular styling will remain little changed for the production car, though there will be more conventional engines to choose from - this show car has a hybrid petrol-electric powertrain. This comprises a V8 petrol engine with auxiliary electric motor, and Lexus promises spectacular acceleration.
Though the company is remaining secretive as to precise details of the drivetrain, this hybrid is thought to be four-wheel drive and it could also feature the new automatic transmission system Toyota is developing in partnership with Aisin - with as many as eight speeds.
Other features likely to make an appearance are new night-vision and lane departure warning systems.
The LS bears a clear resemblance to the latest GS and IS models, and although it is larger than its predecessor - two inches longer, with a wheelbase one inch longer - it actually looks a little more compact, thanks to its more elegant curves.
The hybrid version will no doubt be positioned more as a high-performance car with added boost rather than as a money-saving economy-oriented model, as with the upcoming GS450h. While it's not expected to sell in vast numbers in Japan, where the Lexus brand is newly launched and the market for huge saloons is relatively small, it's bound to be very successful in the US, where hybrids are making a strong fashion statement - even if they're not proving to be quite as fuel-efficient as the original hype had promised.
