New York Auto Show: Lexus LS 500 F Sport teased

Just a few months after making its global debut at the Detroit Motor Show, Lexus’ twin-turbo luxo-sedan, the LS 500, will again grace the floor at a US auto show.

Bound for the New York auto show next week, the LS 500 F Sport will give the large Lexo a more athletic flavour – though you’d be hard-pressed to tell from the single teaser image released of the car’s rump. There’s nary a spoiler or diffuser in sight and it’s clear that Lexus is keeping its powder dry for New York.

But if previous form is anything to go by, we can expect a unique grille treatment with a sportier mesh design, bigger bumper vents, a lower bodykit, dark-hued wheels shod with sportier rubber and a darker, moodier interior with black roofliner and contrast-stitched leather.

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Being an F Sport grade rather that a full-blooded LS F performance flagship, don’t expect many tweaks to the standard LS 500’s 310kW twin-turbo petrol V6. Instead, Lexus hints that chassis and suspension upgrades will be LS 500 F Sport’s key point of difference, saying the F Sport “will capitalise on the responsiveness and agility of the new LS Line,” and that it will deliver “the most engaging LS driving experience yet.”

The F Sport treatment will also be available on the more restrained LS 500h hybrid as well, which uses a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6 and two electric motors to deliver 264kW to the rear wheels.

The second model in the Lexus stable to utilise the brand’s all-new GA-L modular architecture, the 2018 Lexus LS shares much of its structural DNA with the sporty Lexus LC coupe. The LS range is set to go on sale in Australia around the start of 2018.