Lexus LF-Gh noses in

By Paul Bond

11th April 2011

The hybrid saloon just got someattitude! Lexus has revealed a major styling departure in the form of the LF-Gh – a car that will preview the next hybrid-only GS when it stars at the New York Motor Show towards the end of April.

Moving away from the firm’s ‘L-finesse’ design language, the saloon has an aggressive front end, dominated by a gaping grille. The bold look aims to tempt buyers from premium German rivals, but the changes are more than cosmetic – the wide grille improves aerodynamics, while a pair of sculpted vents in the front bumper help feed cooling air to the brakes.

Lexus have released this official video ahead of the show, showing off the new design in all its detail, skip to the end for some on-road driving shots too:

The concept is also longer and wider than the current GS saloon, but the roof has been lowered by 20mm for a more purposeful look. Blistered wheelarches and side sills give the hybrid a strong, low stance.

At the rear, wraparound LED tail-lights and a curved boot spoiler finish off the visual tweaks.

A dimly lit teaser shot gives a faint glimpse of the cabin, but Lexus promises a more driver-oriented design, boasting high-quality materials and luxury detailing throughout. While nothing has been revealed about the drivetrain yet, the company claims that the GS will sit on “an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform” and use hi-tech materials to cut weight.

Under the bonnet, the car should offer the power to match its looks in the form of a battery-assisted six-cylinder engine. A four-cylinder hybrid unit similar to the engine from the CT 200h is also being considered.

Although it’s currently a concept, insiders at Lexus tell us the car is “very close to production spec” – with a showroom-ready version due to make its debut later this year. Sales will start in early 2012.