AIMS: Two world debuts for Sydney show

Mazda and Lexus will stage world debuts at the Australian International Motor Show, in Sydney on October 18.

Lexus this week confirmed it had chosen Sydney to reveal a “further development” of the LF-LC hybrid coupe concept, first seen at the Detroit Motor Show in January, in what he company says constitutes a global public premiere.

The Japanese luxury car maker said its motor show stand will “centre exclusively” on the LF-LC concept, a teaser image of which was released this week. This follows Lexus’ decision to stage the local debut of its new LS600h F Sport super-limousine at November’s Melbourne Cup.

The revised LF-LC concept, which Lexus Global Product Planning General Manager Karl Schlicht recently said was a good chance to reach production “as is”, could simply be updated cosmetically over the Detroit show version. Alternatively, it could gain a V6 petrol-electric drivetrain to replace the original concept’s V8 hybrid system.

Either way, the 270kW-plus all-wheel drive concept will step out in Sydney sporting blue livery ¬– rather than the bright red paint it appeared in at Detroit.

The car should also provide an indication of what to expect from Lexus’ first direct rival for the Porsche 911, scheduled for production in 2015.

“We've pulled out all stops this year to secure a world first for Australia,” said Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb.

“The Lexus concept is an absolutely stunning vehicle and is set to be one of the drawcards of the show.

“The concept will highlight Lexus’ design and engineering expertise – marrying design with function to deliver a glimpse into the future of supercars.”

Meantime, Mazda remains tight-lipped about its 2012 AIMS plans, but motoring.com.au has learned it will stage a world debut of its own, although details of what will be revealed remain a mystery.

Mazda has a history of staging world debuts in Australia, including the global unveiling of its BT-50 at the last Sydney motor show in 2010.

Significantly, the man who unveiled the BT-50 back then – Mazda Motor Corporation chairman, president and CEO Takashi Yamanouchi – will again attend the 2012 AIMS.

Speculation that the secrecy-shrouded Mazda will be; third derivative of its new Mazda6, possibly a sleek coupe or ‘shooting brake’ variant, appears wide of the mark. The redesigned Mazda6 made its global debut in sedan guise at the Moscow Motor Show this week and will appear in wagon form for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in September. However, motoring.com.au sources have ruled out a world debut in Sydney for further derivatives of the Mazda mid-sizer.

Similarly, the next-generation Mazda2, Mazda3, and the company’s first hybrid model, using Toyota technology and likely to be based on the new Mazda3, are not likely to be shown in Sydney.

One Mazda that is certain to appear, however, will be the new-look MX-5, which was revealed locally this week and confirmed for Australian release in late October.

Other models confirmed for the Sydney show include the all-new Range Rover, which will be revealed in London ahead of its world premiere in Paris late next month; and Mitsubishi’s redesigned Outlander and all-new Mirage, which will be unveiled by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation chief Osamu Masuko.

Toyota’s AIMS stand will be headlined by the ninth-generation Corolla hatch, fresh from its Paris world debut. Cross-town rival Ford, meanwhile will stage its biggest ever outdoor interactive exhibition, while also revealing the new Focus ST hot-hatch, FPV GT RSPEC, and, possibly, the next-generation Escape.

Australia’s other car-maker, Holden, is tipped to showcase its range of new models including the Volt plug-in hybrid, Malibu mid-size sedan, Colorado 7 SUV, Trax compact SUV and, possibly, the new Cruze wagon.

Nissan will host the local debut of its new Pulsar small sedan and hatch, as well as its Almera light sedan, redesigned Patrol 4WD and, possibly, the Juke compact crossover, which is now odds-on for Australian release.

Hyundai’s Sydney show limelight will be reserved for its third-generation Santa Fe mid-size SUV and a new SR model line led by the Veloster SR Turbo, while Kia will display the Santa Fe’s opposite number, the upgraded Sorento.

A facelifted RCZ and production 208 GTI direct from Paris will headline Peugeot’s stand, while Proton will debut its new Preve, which replaces the Persona Elegance sedan.

Adding some supercar spice in the absence of Ferrari and Maserati, Lamborghini has confirmed the ‘Oceanic debut’ of its new entry-level Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder, alongside the flagship Aventador LP700-4, and a third model not seen before in Australia.

Making hay while its direct rivals stay away will be Mercedes-Benz, showcasing its performance bent via a number of unique-to-Australia special-editions in the German brand’s largest ever AIMS exhibit.

Volkswagen is unlikely to airfreight the redesigned Golf 7 from its Paris world debut three weeks earlier, but should showcase three models due in the next few months: the all-new up! micro-car which launches next month; the new Passat Alltrack wagon, due in November; and the redesigned Beetle, which launches in February.

In breaking news, Jaguar has announced it will unveil the new F-Type sports car in Sydney, just weeks after its global debut in Paris.

"The all-new F-TYPE is guaranteed to amaze the world's automotive industry and its unveiling is certainly a momentous occasion in Jaguar's illustrious history," said Russ Tyrie, Show Director, welcoming the news from Jaguar.

"As Jaguar have stated, the F-TYPE will break new ground by delivering stunning sports car performance while demonstrating its cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence."

As has been the case with every Australian motor show in recent years, the list of brands not exhibiting is extensive. Brands staying away include: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Chery, Citroen, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Great Wall, Jeep, Lotus, Mahindra, Maserati, Mini, Renault, Rolls-Royce, SsangYong, Tesla and Volvo.
 
However, about half of Australia’s 50-odd automotive brands will be present at Darling Harbour, including: Ford, FPV, Holden, Honda, HSV, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu Ute, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

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