Lexus F Sport range expands

Lexus will launch seven new performance oriented variants Down Under in 2012. The models to wear the brand's new F Sport badges will encompass a range of vehicle categories.

Lexus Australia confirmed the luxury brand would launch the additional F Sport models in Australia next year at the local launch of the company's LF-A super car today.

Currently the F Sport range is limited to versions of the CT 200h hybrid hatch and the IS midsize sedan. It's understood the new models will include versions of the RX softroader and the all-new GS.

Images of the new Lexus GS 350 F Sport (pictured) have emerged from the Johannesburg motor show, displaying an aggressive new look with restyled front and rear aprons. It also appears to ride on larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

First mentioned by motoring.com.au early in September, the glammed-up Lexus remains something of a mystery as the company is yet to release any details of the car's mechanicals.

The new GS executive saloon is expected to spawn two F Sport models -- the direct-injected V6 350 and 450h Hybrid. The hotted-up GS models will also gain the appropriate suspension and braking modifications to help justify the F Sport appellation.

The RX will also offer both V6 and Hybrid F Sport variants across three trim levels and the LS limo is expected to account for the remaining three F Sport launches next year.

The first new-generation GS models go on sale Down Under in March 2012.

Lexus offers F Sport customisation across all grades and engine options of the IS. It says it will continue this strategy on future models.

The popularity of the F Sport versions of the CT and IS are such that they now account for 30 per cent and 48 per cent of sales respectively.

Lexus Australia Corporate Manger Marketing told motoring.com.au that F Sport's popularity Down Under had made the local operation a "test case" for F Sport rollouts around the globe. Each month Lexus Australia reports back to head office regarding the success or otherwise of the performance offshoot.

That leaves future F Sports additions in the wind. A higher performance version of the CT hatch is still the subject of speculation but at this stage is far from a sure thing.

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