Being that Toyota wants Lexus to compete against its German rivals not only in North America, but all over the world, along with the U.S. test drive event of the 2013MY GS in California, the Japanese automaker also coordinated a similar happening for European media at a proving ground in Belgium.
The journalists were invited to drive heavily disguised versions of pre-production 2013 Lexus GS models while the company's Chief Engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori, was in attendance from Japan to gather feedback from the participants. After the event, Lexus' European Vice President Andy Pfeiffenberger, issued this statement: “By introducing a new bolder design, higher level of driving dynamics and improved comfort for all occupants, the new GS will open a new chapter in the history of Lexus’’.
As a quick reminder, the new Lexus GS will be closely modeled after the LF-Gh Hybrid concept study displayed at this year's New York Auto Show.
It will be offered at launch with two powertrains, a gasoline-only 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a hybrid system comprising of a V6 and an electric motor. Lexus has said that it has no plans for a successor to the V8 model.
The official presentation of the GS350 will take place at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California on August 18, and the GS Hybrid at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
