Next-Generation 2013 Lexus LS Spotted in Southern California?

Posted by Kevin on May 23rd, 2012

A camouflaged car looking to be the next-generation Lexus LS has been spotted in Southern California:

Of course, with the now standard Lexus camouflage covering up everything, there isn’t all that much to look at — here’s a zoomed-in look at the front-end:

Lexus LS 2013 Zoomed In

Along with the hint of the L-LED daytime running lights, we can see the basic shape of the spindle grille — given the slats in the grille, it would appear this is the standard or hybrid LS, not the F Sport version that’s already been teased:

Lexus LS F Sport Teased

With this prototype out on public roads, this is sure to be the first of many photos out there — hopefully we get a closer look shortly.

What do you think? Did I miss anything?

[Source: Club Lexus Facebook]

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Comments
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Sprinter Grille ... oh you , broke the cover !
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    LexusGSF
  • May 23, 2012
Yay! That has to be it! I cannot wait to see this after the long needed redesigned GS and ES! Lexus is doing great and this is their flagship LS, it has to be amazing! So far so good!
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    DillonDasLovesLexus
  • May 23, 2012
Okay so when you look at the very bottom one (the one we've all seen before) the lights may be the future of Lexus F. Not F-Sport. This could be a Lexus LS-F and remember that modified Lexus LS TMG Edition testing? Here's the link http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/09/22/video-of-the-lexus-ls-tmg-edition/ Well what if it was the LS-F mule testing? 
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      Carmaker1
    • May 23, 2012
     You're right about that. I mentioned something similar in March about the lower valance grille. Do you notice how the lower valance grille of TMG Edition is shaped like the spindle grille?
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      Carmaker1
    • May 23, 2012
     This is what I noticed: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/7099366-post30.html
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Now all we need is the next gen IS
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      F1
    • May 24, 2012
    I have a feeling the next-gen IS will debut with a new engine.. Expect about 350HP from same 3.5L V6
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    Altezza
  • May 23, 2012
I bet for these things: - GS style dashboard with the new round clock. - 12.3 inch screen - Spindle grill (it is not a big risk...)
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    What about TFT Gauge on Lexus LS too ? Also 14-inch screen .
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      krew
    • May 23, 2012
    I'd say those are all pretty good bets.
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      Alex
    • May 24, 2012
     Hopefully the dashboard is even better in terms of style and design than the GS - after all, it'll be going up against the new A8, new S-class and refreshed 7.
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    Guestguy
  • May 23, 2012
I don't think there will be a hybrid until it is offered as a V6 hybrid. So A safe bet would be to say that this is just the standard model. Hopefully they make an LS in a V6 hybrid. 
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      darkride
    • May 23, 2012
    From the rumors, it will be come with a V6 Hybrid. http://lexusenthusiast.com/2012/05/21/next-generation-lexus-ls-to-be-offered-with-v6-hybrid/  Something like a LS450h which can be offered in multiple markets. With this focus on fuel efficiency and small engine, this leaves a void in performance, possibly where LS-F can sit. But there also nothing wrong with offering a LS450h and LS600h (that they already have).  On a side note. Is it just me or does the images from Lexus LS TMG edition have LED DRLs. I thought the LS never got this upgrade, and it is on all new models/mules. 
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      Guestguy
    • May 23, 2012
    Well, the 2012 models do have LED DTRLs but its only a small strip under the main HID
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      Guestguy
    • May 23, 2012
    So yes, the 2012 does have the same LED DTRLs as the LS TMG 
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    Carmaker1
  • May 23, 2012
Well I think you are missing one important photo of this particular tester. Here is a link as well: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/7099401-post31.html
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      Guestguy
    • May 23, 2012
    Ah yes, I can see the blue around the Lexus emblem. Hopefully its a more affordable/ practical V6 though.  
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    I thought it's just Lexus GS450h , but after saw high res picture of Lexus GS450h again , I confirm that's a Lexus LS . http://www.autotribute.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2013-Lexus-GS-450h-hybrid-front.jpg 
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      krew
    • May 23, 2012
    You're absolutely right -- I was waiting for the perfect time to post that photo, and it looks like it's passed me by. Next on my list.
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      Carmaker1
    • May 24, 2012
     Not too many noticed that photo, but only the F Sport/F version in silhouette.
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      Bobby
    • May 25, 2012
    I see theyve made the grille appear more as one large grille rather than the split done on the GS. Personally like it better that way! Cant wait to see how it looks! My only fear being that every Lexus begins to look like a CT...but I have faith in Lexus! 
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    BlackDynamiteNY
  • May 23, 2012
This is what I expect to see out of The New LS: 400HP 5.0 V8 LS500 (0-60 in 5.2) $75k base price to $80k for LWB Turbo-charged 500-550HP LS600 model $120k (0-60 in 4.2) Modest styling changes, outside of the spindle grille, with same basic platform and design cues Greater Use of aluminum and CFRP to knock 100-200 lb off per model.  Base LS weighs 4125. LS450h getting 29 MPG combined pushing 350HP (no AWD) LS500 EPA 24 MPG combined LS600 EPA 20 MPG combined F-Sport model  Lighter AWD system Deeper color palette/interior material upgrade package available for the interior Stretched length and wheelbase of two inches BD
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    I really hope for Forced Induction model , because it would have smaller displacement with big power , good for country that have taxes .
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      F1
    • May 24, 2012
    I think Lexus will hide a tiny high tech turbocharger under the hood.. They make 385HP from only a 4.6L V8 which is very impressive since 4.6L is very small for V8
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      F1
    • May 24, 2012
    Look at the engine of the current LS460; tell me that isn't some high-tech stuff http://www.indiandrives.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012-Lexus-LS-460-engine.jpg
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     LS460's engine is cleaner , unlike IS-F's engine , messy under the cover .
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      Alex
    • May 24, 2012
    Let's hope for a mid-range, twin turbo 4.5-5L V8 with 450hp to take on the 750i and S550.
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    Travis
  • May 24, 2012
Ughhh wassup with those small tiny wheels ? Come on Lexus get the factory wheel game right ! Stop putting huge side walls and small width on big sedans. But beside that im sure the body of this is going to look nice and so goes for the inside.
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    High side walls & smaller width made better fuel consumption with a much better ride comfort , not to mention it's also lighter for the engine to pull ... if there's a model like LS350 or LS400h , it would be ideal .
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    Crux
  • May 27, 2012
Will it be as big as the Merc S Class & 7 Series??? I hope it matches it lb. 4 lb. cause that was a big issue for a lot perspective owners.
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    Carmaker1
  • May 28, 2012
Can one really call it a 2013 model? It's likely Lexus might play the skip-a-year game, like they did with the LX facelift and call it a 2014 model. If not that, sell the current gen as a 2013 model this fall and then usher it out in the first quarter of 2013/second fiscal quarter.

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