New Lexus LS here from November

Lexus has announced its heavily facelifted LS limousine line-up will make its Australian public debut at the Melbourne Cup in November.

The Toyota luxury brand has also confirmed the Australian LS range will for the first time include F Sport and short-wheelbase hybrid versions. To highlight that fact, the short-wheelbase LS600h F Sport will be revealed for the first time Down Under at Lexus Australia’s exclusive Melbourne Cup Birdcage marquee November 7.

The most powerful Lexus F Sport model ever will be joined on sale here early 2013 by the short-wheelbase LS460 and LS460 F Sport models – both powered by a 280kW 4.6-litre petrol V8 – and the long-wheelbase LS600hL hybrid. Both the latter and the SWB LS600h F Sport are powered by a 5.0-litre petrol V8 backed by an electric motor, delivering a total output of 327kW to all four wheels. As such, the LS600h will be Lexus’ first all-wheel drive F Sport sedan, and is claimed to sprint to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.

As we reported when the revised LS range was revealed in California a month ago, F Sport models are differentiated by unique sports bumpers, an F Sport mesh grille, exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, 10mm lower ride height, unique fog lamps and F Sport badging.

Inside, LS F Sport buyers will have the choice of two exclusive colour schemes, 16-way power-adjustable sports seats with embossed F Sport logos, a perforated leather-clad steering wheel and a matching gearshifter, and sports aluminium pedals and scuff plates.

F Sport models will come with more aggressive handling as well as styling, via unique sports-tuned air suspension, larger six-piston Brembo front brake package and a new five-mode Drive Mode Select system that varies the vehicle’s powertrain and chassis settings. Lexus says the LS600h F Sport will also be the brand’s first Australian model to receive active anti-roll bar technology, which aims to enhance body control and steering response and precision.

In addition, F Sport models are claimed to come with a huge 60 per cent increase in body rigidity, following the adoption of new body bonding techniques, additional body bracing and the use of stronger cabin steels. Combined with changes to steering hardware and software, Lexus says the stiffer body delivers a 20 per cent improvement in steering feel and response compared to the LS it replaces.

“The LS F Sport models enhance vehicles recognised as the world's best, adding greater driving dynamics to vehicles synonymous with being comfortable and quiet,” said Lexus Australia Chief Executive, Tony Cramb.

“What better way to launch the new LS range than at the Melbourne Cup Carnival - it encapsulates everything LS stands for; design, innovation, performance and most importantly, best of breed.

“LS600h F Sport becomes the flagship of our F Sport range and continues our march towards offering 11 F Sport models by the end of this year,” said Mr Cramb.

This will be the 10th consecutive year Lexus has sponsored the Melbourne Cup, which attracts 350,000 visitors over four days. The 2012 LS600h F Sport will be on display for the duration of the carnival in the Lexus marquee , which will host close to 1000 guests, customers and business partners on Derby, Cup, Oaks and Stakes days.

The new LS460 F Sport and LS600h F Sport models will join the CT200h F Sport, IS250 F Sport, IS350 F Sport, GS250 F Sport, GS350 F Sport, RX350 F Sport and RX450h F Sport models on sale in Australia.

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