2013 Lexus LS On Sale In Australia From Early 2013, New F Sport Revealed

Lexus has revealed its new 2013 LS flagship this week, five months since the first unofficial teaser hit the web as part of a wider branding campaign. 

Arriving as a major overhaul of the current model, Lexus says the 2013 LS benefits from more than 3000 new components and improvements. Among them, the brand says, are three world-firsts and 14 Lexus-firsts. 

On the styling front, the 2013 LS picks up the brand's new "Spindle" grille design, while both ends benefit from new bumper designs, most obvious at the front. 

In new F Sport form, the LS picks up larger wheels, a lower ride height and the familiar chrome-framed mesh grille first seen on the new GS F Sport.

The face of the new LS also gains new GS-inspired headlights, featuring a unique perforated panel beneath the bi-xenon projectors.

At the rear end, the 'new' LS gets updated lights with a new design for the internal LED layout.

The part of the tail-lights that reaches into the boot lid has also been reshaped, now angled toward the top right instead of the bottom right.

Mechanical Package

The new LS will be offered in the same LS 460 and LS 600h grades as the current model. The current model's engines carry over, both bringing improvements to power and fuel consumption.

The LS 460 is driven by a 4.6 litre V8, producing 288kW and 497Nm of torque - up from 280kW and 493Nm.

Matched with an eight-speed auto, the 460 promises a 0-100km/h time of 5.6 seconds.

In hybrid 600hL (long wheelbase) form, the LS pairs a 5.0 litre V8 with a pair of electric motors to deliver a combined 326kW. Lexus promises a 0-100km/h time of 5.5 seconds.

Lexus has also detailed changes made to the body and driving dynamics of the big LS.