TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Lexus LFA, GS

Designed to pay respect to the car responsible for so much of its development, and indeed credibility, the Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package is a limited run version of the brand's flagship car aimed at recognising the car's efforts at the Green Hell in Germany.

Slated for production in 2012, the 'Ring edition LFA features enhanced carbon fibre reinforced plastic front spoiler and rear (fixed) wing, revised "circuit racing" suspension and custom made wheels claimed by Lexus to improve manoeuvrability and stability.

Engine output is raised 8kW to 420kW by bumping up the compression ratio (we're not told what to).

With a price tag of "if you have to ask...", the Lexus LFA and LFA Nurburgring Package are restricted to 500 units, all of which are now sold out.

Also on the slipway for launch in 2012 was the new-generation GS 450h hybrid with a refined, "next generation" Atkinson cycle 3.5-litre V6. The hybrid also addresses the bugbear of luggage capacity with a redesign of the boot, via battery pack and rear suspension changes, to provide 465 litres of load space, which rivals conventional petrol-engined GS models.

Then there was the 234kW GS 350 F Sport, which grabs the "F" badge and runs - no, walks - with it via VGRS Variable Gear Ratio Steering, DRS Dynamic Rear Steering, an asymmetric, 19-inch front-rear wheel and tyre combination, reworked brakes using a two-piece aluminium hat rotor at the front, and "specially designed features" including the grille, front bumper and rear spoiler. Inside, there are model-specific seats, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, and an aluminium ornament panel. 

The base GS 250 was also on hand, fleshing out the display with its 158kW/260Nm 2.5-litre V6, six-speed Super ECT auto transmission and 18-inch alloy wheels.

- with staff

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.