All-New Lexus GS to Debut at Pebble Beach

[AutoGuide.com]

Infiniti won’t be the only Japanese luxury brand with something to unveil at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Our source inside Toyota let slip that the all-new, fourth generation Lexus GS luxury sedan will break cover at the world’s most prestigious historic car show.

When asked for confirmation, Lexus Communications Manager Ming-Jou Chen was coy in her response. “We haven’t made any announcements… but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep an eye out during Pebble Beach.”

Easily one of the most important product launches in the company’s history, the GS is heading to market to compete with recently-launched rivals from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Starved for new product and hurt by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Lexus has seen slumping sales over the past year. The right product at the right time could help Lexus regain its spot at the number one luxury brand in America when the new GS goes on sale next year.

While Lexus is expected to offer several versions of the GS, including conventional gasoline powered models and a high-performance F version, look for the Pebble Beach car to be a hybrid. The design of the car will also point towards the future of the Lexus brand, inspired by the LF-Gh concept (above) first shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year.

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