Next-Generation Lexus LS Teased!

Posted by Kevin on March 19th, 2012

A teaser of the next-generation 2013 Lexus LS was released in a most unlikely fashion when it was included in a Lexus UK video interview with RX chief engineer Takayuki Katsuda.

Used as an example of upcoming models that will feature the new Lexus spindle grille, the LS was one of four teaser images were briefly displayed:

1-lexus-gs-teaser
2-lexus-ct-200h-teaser
3-lexus-es-350-teaser
4-lexus-ls-teaser

(My guesses in order: the GS 450h, the CT 200h F Sport, the next-generation ES, and the next-generation LS.)

Normally I wouldn’t be so confident about discerning a mostly hidden model, but my suspicions were confirmed by the Mungenast Lexus dealership blog — let’s take a closer look at the LS (click for a larger version):

2013 Lexus LS Teaser

The new LS has adopted the brand’s spindle grille with perhaps the boldest interpretation yet — although it could just be a trick of the lighting, it appears the LS may have a full chrome hourglass shape around the grille.

The only other discernible detail are the headlights:

Next-Generation Lexus LS Headlight

Almost certainly what Kiyotaka Ise, the head of Lexus, was referring to when he mentioned “significant developments where the headlamps are concerned”, the LS headlights are different than any I’ve seen before, and would certainly bring a distinctive look to the Lexus flagship sedan.

Lastly, here’s the video that had the four teaser images:

Update: As jruhi4 points out in the comments, there’s also a teaser of the LX in the video that I missed.

[Source: Lexus UK]

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Comments
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  • L
    LoveLexus
  • March 19, 2012
Ehhhh. Im feeling this Swindle Grille was a mistake. All Lexus models look the same and thats what I hate about BMW and Audi, the all look the same. At least Lexus had some differences within models, now its like Swindle Grille, same headlights, not body sculpture on the sides, rear that kind of looks the same in each now. 
    A
    • A
      afarraher
    • March 19, 2012
    At first, I was with you on the grille...not a huge fan. However, working for a Lexus dealership and seeing them on a day-to-day basis its really growing on me. It gives the line a much more aggressive look and is just one way Lexus is trying to appeal to a younger demographic; its not your everyday town car anymore...Sunday drivers beware. Also, just on a side note, it is being referred to as a 'Spindle' grille in an effort to show the history of the company which started as a loom company. 
    L
    • L
      LoveLexus
    • March 19, 2012
    Thats true. I know what they are doing and I love it, I guess I dont really mind it because each grille is still different. To tell you the truth, the headlights bother me! There is no style in them! They ALL have the same headlights. Also there is no body sculpting (if thats the correct term). I hate the Hyundai Sonata but that body line that goes down the side that the door handles sit on is just gorgeous and awesome! I wish Lexus would do that, if they did it would be 10x better than Hyundai's. 
    T
    • T
      Thomas
    • March 20, 2012
    If you like the moronic side sculpting of the Huyndai, then you should buy the damn Huyndai instead of whining on Lexus!!! Whiners like you could ruin the brand incase Lexus would listen to some of you. Some of the ideas some of you whiners have, are som dumb that I dont know what to say!
    K
    • K
      krew
    • March 20, 2012
    One more comment like this and you're banned. Final warning.
    T
    • T
      Thomas
    • March 20, 2012
    The trend of having to filli every square inch of the cars body with a crease or a line is just bad design work. It's more to design than just form. People are so uninformed it hurts.
    T
    • T
      Thomas
    • March 20, 2012
    The "no body sculpture on the sides thing" is a good thing. Lexus shouldtn start to mimic Huyndai, Kia or Bmw.
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • March 20, 2012
    I do like that. Lexus need a corporate image, and they got it with the spindle grill.
    J
    • J
      Jdaugherty
    • March 20, 2012
    ****spindle
J
  • J
    jruhi4
  • March 19, 2012
Kevin: Look carefully at the video again, and there's a fifth teaser grille image, which is clearly and obviously the just-launched facelifted LX. Interesting that a Lexus UK video would feature teasers for the ES and LX models that aren't even sold there...
    K
    • K
      krew
    • March 19, 2012
    You're right -- I was too distracted by the ES & LS teasers! I've updated the post.
R
I think I'll hold onto my 2010 LS it looks just fine to me
B
I'm liking what I see so far of the new LS The ES is a nice improvement, but they have to fix the hood/grille relationship up front.  The rest works nicely. BD
L
  • L
    Ljn71
  • March 19, 2012
The perforations around the headlights onthe LS have been hinted at in several photoshop speculations in the last few years. Seems they were onto something.
Y
I was like ... Lexus GS ? XD
D
The chrome seems a bit intense here.
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  • T
    TAZGS350
  • March 19, 2012
I think it looks great, I hope the did the full hour glass and its just not a play with the lights like the photo's for the GS.
    M
    • M
      Mike DeLorca
    • March 19, 2012
    I  agree...the full outline in chrome on the spindle grill would be outstanding and not like each other model just partially captured....the LX looks really good I think with the refresh. the grill is outstanding.
4
  • 4
    416hp 5.0L V8
  • March 19, 2012
The "perforations" are most likely just LED turn signals.  (It's about time Lexus started that...)
    M
    • M
      Mike DeLorca
    • March 19, 2012
    I too thinnk the "perforations" are likely to be LED turn signals----would be quite a change from current and not like anyone else.....agreed LEXUS needs to start that.....the rear blinking as well.  i wonder what type of fog light treatment might be down there darkened...do you think the fog lights might be taken away?
    K
    • K
      krew
    • March 20, 2012
    Good call!
P
  • P
    PG
  • March 19, 2012
 Judging by the mesh grill, this could be an LS F-Sport.
M
That second image is definitely not the CT 200h F Sport, unless you're thinking of a facelift?
    J
    • J
      jruhi4
    • March 19, 2012
    I think Mike Stevens is right. Seems to me that changing the "(My guesses in order: the GS 450h, the CT 200h F Sport, the next-generation ES, and the next-generation LS.)" sentence to "(My guesses in order: the CT 200h F Sport, the GS 450h, the next-generation ES, and the next-generation LS.)" would correct the photo/caption alignment.
    K
    • K
      krew
    • March 19, 2012
    The North American CT F Sport has a different bumper than Australia: http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/09/30/2012-lexus-ct-200h-f-sport-special-edition/
    M
    Cripes, so it does! I had no idea. Thanks Krew, that's cleared things up for me a little.
    K
    • K
      krew
    • March 19, 2012
    My pleasure. :-)
M
Nah. In order of those four thumbnails above the bracketed comment, I see: GS, CT 200h F Sport facelift (mostly the lower grille, but the headlight internals are different to the Australian CT F Sport), ES, LS. Frankly I'd love for the supposed LS shown here to be the new IS, but my colleagues disagree. 
D
  • D
    darkride
  • March 19, 2012
With the updated RX/LX fronts with spindle grill, the new CT/GS/ES, I'm very interested in seeing the next-gen IS. They have a lot of great elements they could use in the IS, and could come up with some new and exciting ones. I think if the IS and LS are huge improvements. Then BMW/MB have to worry as this is looking to be a deadly lineup of style, performance, and green-vehicles.
0
  • 0
    05rollaxrs
  • March 19, 2012
The way the spindle grille has stirred so much controversy, I think this could end up being like the. Acura chrome grille fiasco.
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • March 20, 2012
    That's not what the sales of US and Japan demonstrate. I was like "wtf?" the first time I saw the spindle grill, but the more I see it, the more I like it. And this is just about the exterior, the interior is just gorgeous, outstanding.
S
  • S
    Samy
  • March 19, 2012
The first from left is the New GS then CT,ES and the last is the LS
D
  • D
    David G.
  • March 19, 2012
The new CT looks great! (if that is indeed the second one) The grill looks more pronounced like the 13 GS and the headlights are different. They are the LED headlamps but the led DRL strips look like they are L shaped now and they extend across. I cant wait to see it. Also, werent these sneak peaks out before?? Like the background picture of some of the LF-LC displays, or are they different?
    D
    • D
      David G.
    • March 19, 2012
    The ES picture also shows that the spy shots from china were correct with that hood line above the grill.
    K
    You mean this? 
    D
    • D
      David G.
    • March 26, 2012
    Yes both of them seem to show this picture and the other models. These have been out for months. Why is it just catching attention now?
    C
    • C
      Carmaker1
    • March 27, 2012
    I also wonder why no one did see them in January, but most importantly is this one is a large individual image and I believe no one expected Lexus to quietly provide teasers the way they did. They could post a new video tomorrow and it would take us days to spot something out of ordinary. I also am wondering no one has seen more photos, as they exist and I've seen them in full color of this particular car. They are angled shots though. The headlights are very triangular like the current IS. I think I have also spotted the new IS for real and not the CT F Sport like before. I also have images of the generic 2013/2014 LS and previously uploaded the new non-F Sport/F model LSh, which I hope some of you saw already.
B
Regarding the whole spindle grille on every car thing, I am all for it, as each car's grille has it's own distinct flavor, but from a distance, people will say "That's a Lexus!"  instead of "That's a ES300" Companies want the brand to be the standout, not the car.  They want you to say, think, feel the brand first, then worry about which car in that brand it is.   The car is SUPPOSED to be secondary to the brand.  That's why Acura abandoned their very successful Integra/Legend names.   "I drive a Legend." "Who makes those?" That's not how you build a brand..... BD
    0
    • 0
      05RollaXRS
    • March 20, 2012
    Problem is, most of the people I have heard hate the spindle grille.
    B
    Looks infinitely better than Audi's gaping hole, or Mercedes new corporate grille that has recently marred the new SL, or the epic failure of the Acura beak.  People hate change.  But the GS, LX, RX have all improved their styling from before. It's not even close..... BD
L
  • L
    lexusfan
  • March 19, 2012
I have no doubt this could be the next gen LS, but I wouldn't doubt it being the next gen IS either. Lexus is focusing more on performance and judging by the mesh grille, it's obviously an F-sport model. We might also be starring at the next gen IS.
    F
    • F
      FooFoo
    • March 21, 2012
    From the proportion of the grille and the headlights, I think it's the LS.
D
  • D
    David G.
  • March 19, 2012
It could be an IS but it has the LED headlamps that i believe are only on hybrid models. I may be wrong though. But if thats true its either an LS or a IS 350h f sport
    D
    • D
      David G.
    • March 19, 2012
    This is a hybrid. It has the LED headlamps and the Lexus emblem has blue saturation
E
  • E
    Eddie
  • March 19, 2012
If Lexus made a 4 door coupe based this+LF-LC = AMAZING. LS 600h C :D; or a variation of the next SC just like bmw's 6 series: coupe, convertible, 4doorcoupe 
    T
    • T
      Thomas
    • March 20, 2012
    There's no such thing as a "4 door coupe"! To be a coupe the car has to be a two-door. Its an essential part in the defenition of a coupe. Learn what a coupe is before you post!
    B
    • B
      Bobby
    • March 20, 2012
    its not just him, the automotive world has brainwashed buyers and enthusiasts that there is such thing. it started with Merc CLS 4- door coupe. Its a complete oxymoron but i guess thats what theyre striving for. 
    E
    • E
      Eddie
    • March 20, 2012
    haha I know that, it was just easier to say. I just like those particular fast back, sleek coupe like shaped four door sedans. There's need to be so serious and brusque. Sorry if I "offended" you (including Bobby), but I did not mean any harm. I guess if those kind of cars is not you're style, i'm fine with it. Lexus design has always been amazing with contrasting elements of smooth and sharp, especially lately (LF-LC). I feel that Lexus is very capable and has great potential in creating a "4 door coupe" or a sedan with a coupe like silhouette that could look absolutely gorgeous and also undoubtedly beat out the Germans.
R
  • R
    RAL
  • March 19, 2012
I have been dubious about the spindle grill.  But I love it as it appears on the LF-LC with the complete metal hour glass surround.  So it seems this will also appear on the next generation LS.  It definitely has more of the refined look I prize. 
T
  • T
    Travis
  • March 20, 2012
IDK about everyone else.... but I CANT FREAKIN WAIT !!!!!!!!!!!!! The new GS has grown on me and total stands out in a crowd of 5,E, and A6. I really want to see the next gen IS.. next gen IS means Next gen ISF ... mmmmm
C
  • C
    Crux
  • March 20, 2012
I'm really hoping the hour glass shape and the spindle grill will be much more aggressive and pronounce on the new LS. Everyone one that said they know people who hate it. I know as much people that love it. That cancels that out. LS needs to stand out its the flagship so I am hoping Lexus goes bonkers. Excited can't wait to see the new flagship
B
  • B
    Bobby
  • March 20, 2012
this is for sure a new LS right and not a refresh with the grille since theyve already done a midlife refresh? car's headlamps look similar. Im excited and awaiting these new models as lexus pulls em out pretty quickly. The exterior should be impressive but i reckon the interiors gonna be amazing considering this is the LS. I really love the new GS now. seeing one in my office parking lot, the lines are a lot crisper and better looking in person. Cant wait for these new models!
S
  • S
    Sd
  • March 20, 2012
I've yet to see the new GS in flesh, but I'm sure it will look nice.. The LS is all about interior
    K
    GS is all about the interior as well. You should definitley check it out in person.
    D
    • D
      darkride
    • March 20, 2012
    I've seen the new GS at the Detroit Auto show, but they compared nothing to the GS F-Sport in Obsidian I saw in daylight. The natural lighting make the car beautiful. Made my jaw drop and head turn as I drove by as it was parked
T
  • T
    Thomas
  • March 20, 2012
Not the LS.
    B
    • B
      Bobby
    • March 20, 2012
    ok.
L
Good spotting Kevin! How do you do it? :)
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  • F
    FooFoo
  • March 20, 2012
The second one should be the new IS.
    J
    • J
      Jake
    • March 21, 2012
    No, it's the F Sport CT.
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  • B
    brock k
  • March 20, 2012
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
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  • C
    Carmaker1
  • March 20, 2012
I actually found this 3 days ago and other than the St. Louis Lexus dealer, no one posted about

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