Lexus Releases 2013 LS Teaser Image

Posted by Kevin on July 18th, 2012

Lexus has released a teaser image of the 2013 LS (click for a larger image):

Unlike with the 2013 GS teaser from last year, this image shows no details when adjusted in Photoshop — instead, let’s overlay the smoke on top of the existing LS:

2013 Lexus LS Overlay

Not to say this is an accurate representation, but there looks to be little difference in the LS side profile.

This brings up an interesting point — looking back on the 2013 ES & 2013 GS press releases, both are clearly referenced as the next-generation model, and the phrase “all-new” is used to describe them. However, that’s not the case with the 2013 LS:

Lexus will hold the World Premiere of the new Lexus LS flagship sedan at a special invitation-only event in San Francisco on Monday, July 30.

The 2013 LS will be available as the LS 460, LS 460 L long wheelbase, LS 600h L hybrid sedan and the all-new LS 460 F SPORT.

“All-new” is only used to describe the LS 460 F SPORT, and there’s no mention that this is the next-generation model. This would suggest that the 2013 LS is not a full model change, but rather an extensive update to the current vehicle — something my crude mockup would appear to back up.

(Of course, this is something that’s been long-rumored on the forums and in the site comments here — however, this is the first public indication that the rumours could be correct.)

The 2013 LS will be revealed at 8:30 PT/11:30 ET on July 30th in San Francisco — the event will be broadcast live on the Lexus USA website and the Lexus Facebook page.

[Source: Lexus Facebook]

F SPORTLexus LS: Fourth GenerationSpy ShotsUSA
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
A
  • A
    Aypues
  • July 18, 2012
sad. the LS is going down if true, and the S class will trounce it when their new model comes out
    D
    • D
      DuDE
    • July 19, 2012
    According to the latest spyshots, the S-class still retains its basic shape, like that of the LS spyshots.
A
  • A
    Alex
  • July 18, 2012
Out of all the elements, the styling will have changed most of all - inside and out. But, unfortunately, it's highly likely that the engines are merely carryovers. So very similar to what Lexus did with both the new GS and ES. Really sad, as Lexus will have a tough time competing with Audi, Merc and BMW's turbocharged offerings.
    G
    • G
      Gtc
    • July 19, 2012
    You talk as if they're bad engines..
L
  • L
    Ljn71
  • July 18, 2012
To my personal tastes the LS only needs the same kind of improvements made to the new GS:sharper steering,handling and throttle response,Atkinson cycle for the hybrid,more luggage space,4ws and new looks. I drove an LS 600h a while back and it was delicious!
B
  • B
    BOSS
  • July 18, 2012
Arg, the LS news a whole new makeover,I mean its not that bad looking even though its aging fairly well...but seriously its 2012 lol, perhaps in 2013 we will see a "all new" LS?
B
  • B
    BlackDynamiteNY
  • July 18, 2012
Man, do I get tired of being right all the time! I defend the strategy.  The current styling is a strong point. Easily looks better than the competition! But the new grille needs to be incorporated..... Add 20 HP to the engine. Use some lighter weight materials to get a couple of MPG to the EPA.  Upgrade the interior.  Get the tech up to date.  Get the hybrid to where it's supposed to be.  Bring out the F-Sport model. The current car is a winner.  You don't need a new platform or new floorpan every five years. The 2012 Toyota Camry was a heavy revision too, not an all-new design.  They can't make enough of them! It's not broke, so just improve it.  This is not the 2005 LS430. Don't throw it away.... BD
    A
    This is what I heard too.  I hope we also see a LS600h F-Sport in Europe.  Though I think the LS460 is making a come back, high CO2 or not. What would interest me is an LS450h, but I expect we'll have to wait at least a year before we see the downsized hybrids coming in (GS300h and LS450h).
    A
    • A
      Alex
    • July 18, 2012
    Regarding the Camry, that's just because mindless sheeple don't bother checking the many - better - alternatives out there.
    T
    • T
      tinhinnh
    • July 18, 2012
     Like what?
    K
    So you really think that hundreds and thousands of people out there spend 25k and don't even bother to check out something else? They check out catalogues, buying sales item, check for cheapest fuel price, compare grocery prices to save hundreds and when come to spending 25k they just walk into Toyota and buy a Camry? Seriously? 
C
  • C
    Crux
  • July 18, 2012
An extensive update to the current vehicle.#boring 
M
  • M
    Matt
  • July 18, 2012
Well the words Lexus used with this pic were "The bold new 2013 LS is taking shape." it's going to have to be something more radical than Audi where you tend to play spot the difference.
B
  • B
    blkpantha
  • July 18, 2012
People it will be a new design not the same one that's out now damm ... Even tho the current design is the best in its class next to the S Class I can't wait to see that bad ass spindle grille LExus to the world and I agrees they dont need no turbo charge are a new engine every 5 yrs there's nothing wrong with the current LS nothing
L
  • L
    long do
  • July 18, 2012
I for one still have hope. the only thing in that teaser that is crushing it is the flat roof line i wish it was more dynamic.
D
  • D
    DillonD
  • July 18, 2012
The LS is way overdue for a redesign. They just can't update this. I think that maybe Lexus feels that the shape is fine; unneeded for change. They even say "The 2013 Lexus LS is taking its shape" so it can't just be an update. And think about how fast we saw the updated RX without teasers like this. It has to be a full redesign.
B
  • B
    Bobby
  • July 18, 2012
I hope its a lot more radical than just a refresh. Im looking into a new LS, hopefully this one. The silhouette looks the same but maybe everything else looks different? Who knows, guess well have to play the waiting game.
A
  • A
    ALL RIGHT GIGGITY
  • July 18, 2012
please dont be a letdown...
F
  • F
    Flipside909
  • July 19, 2012
LS > S Class. No bias. :D
J
  • J
    Jake
  • July 19, 2012
Has anybody thought that this might be just a "mere" refresh before getting the full model change scheduled for the next two years? We all thought that the IS (a car which was first launched in 2005) by the end of 2010-2011 we were expecting a complete restyle, but it didn't happen it just had a facelift for the new DRL, minor updates and F Sport version. This LS is going on the same way, just a "major refresh" with the spindle grille, F Sport, etc and two years later (as we gonna see with the 2013 IS) there will be a full model change labeled maybe as 2015 LS.
    W
    • W
      wasapasserby
    • July 19, 2012
    Yikes!  An 8 MY long generation?  I hope not.
    C
    • C
      Carmaker1
    • July 19, 2012
    The original IS(XE10) was actually introduced in October 1997 and first went on sale in 1998. That went out of production after 7 to 7 1/2 years. The current IS XE20 will end production after 7 to 7 1/2 years, so I don't know why anyone was expecting a new IS back in 2010/2011.
D
  • D
    DuDE
  • July 19, 2012
New headlamps, taillights and interior should do it for me!
M
  • M
    mrxandthexfactor
  • July 19, 2012
The front of the existing LS won't match the front of the 2013 LS. From the spy shots and the video teaser, the new car has a bold spindle grille. Observe the front of the 2013 GS, it's straight. So I think Lexus just used the current LS for the photoshoot. But, if I'm wrong, and Lexus keeps the same exterior, I'll be absolutely gutted.
M
  • M
    Mohammed Taha
  • July 19, 2012
The reason why the wind tunnel smoke fits the current model is because the size is probably exactly the same but what is really interesting is the smoke around the sides of the car. The one coming out from the top left of the wheel arc and then moves around the mirror. Looks like the new LS will have bolder lines, maybe even a side vent. You can see that at the rear as well. It looks like we're looking at the LS F-Sport. The all new LS is not due till next year at least .. but I'm surprised they still haven't released a new IS yet. They must really be working hard on getting it right.
    C
    • C
      Carmaker1
    • July 19, 2012
     It makes plenty of sense why they haven't released the 3IS(XE30), as it's still on schedule. It took 7 to 7.5 years for the 2IS to go into production in 2005 after the very first IS in late 1997/1998. Some people have confused traditional Lexus product cycles of 5-6 years with the IS, as well as the fact that the IS was 2.5-3 years old when it debuted in the U.S. in 2000(by that time the current model was in early development). The LS will be treading on thin ice if the W222 comes better equipped and is more significantly changed..
    M
    • M
      Mohammed Taha
    • July 19, 2012
    The reason why I'm surprised is because the current generation IS and last GS were launched at the same time so you would assume the new ones would get launched around the same time. However, the delay could be due to multiple factors: They wanted to perfect it and make it a drivers car. They didn't want it to outshine the new GS They allocated more time and focus into the new GS since there was a chance it would get scrapped They wanted to launch all the flavors at the same time. IS 350, IS F, IS C, IS CF and the F sport package I also think the IS or atleast IS F is getting launched with a new quick engine with possibly DSG. Why? The dashboard will be digital because the engine revs extremely quickly, like the LFA. "In fact, product planner Ben Mitchell confirmed that the dash of the 2014 IS will take inspiration from the brand’s LFA supercar" Source autoguide
    C
    • C
      Carmaker1
    • July 21, 2012
    Oh you're definitely right about that. Their prerogative was to fix the GS first and then implement such work on the IS.
T
  • T
    TLU
  • July 20, 2012
The overlay is misleading.  The spy shots show new profile.
T
  • T
    Thomas
  • July 20, 2012
Perfect! The current LS has a perfect style! Dont change what is allready perfect.
O
If you notice at the top of the LS page, there is a pattern.  The 1st generation was from 1989 to 1994, 2nd generation 1995 to 2000, 3rd generation 2001 to 2006, 4th generation 2007 to ?  How about 2012?  The 5th generation should logically begin with the 2013 unless there has been a big change in conventional thinking at Lexus which is highly unlikely.  My local dealer is saying a refresh but Lexus is being very secretive so I for one am hoping for a major update even though we love our 2007 LS.  Stylewise it is great but the rest is long in the tooth especially on the technology front.  Just drove a 2013 Audi A8 and all I can say is WOW!  Lexus better step up to the plate!
    C
    • C
      Carmaker1
    • July 26, 2012
     What happened to my post of the leak? Anyway, I am done concerning the LS. Six months of teasers for this? I apologize to anyone who I accused of making up rumors about a facelift as I'll now focus my attention on the next IS which will be a contender (along with the '14 G37) for replacing my '08 G35S next year.

C