Lexus LF-Gh Concept revealed

Lexus LF-Gh Concept - a 'New direction'. Apparently.

Lexus has revealed the Lexus LF-Gh Concept ahead of New York which seems to be a new Lexus GS with a big grill. And probably a plug-in hybrid.

Toyota had a little tease with the Lexus LF-Gh concept. They sent us some photos that showed us a bit of the front and a bit of the back of the LF-Gh.

They even tormented us with the idea that the LF-Gh was a Grand Tourer of some description. They teased us with a website set up just to announce the launch of the LF-Gh at the New York Motor Show. They lead us to think – or perhaps hope – that the LF-Gh was a big change in direction for Lexus.

We were hoping for a swoopy, two-door coupe version of the GS; a proper Grand Tourer. Yes, it would have to be a hybrid because that’s about the only direction Lexus seem prepared to go. But the GS 450h manages to use its hybrid gubbins to bash B roads in to submission, so we had hopes the LF-Gh might build on that. But it seems not.

Lexus revealed the LF-Gh this afternoon and proclaimed it “…as a redefinition of the luxury grand tourer, with a “clean sheet of paper” approach to design.” But to us, at least in the photos, it looks like an update of the GS with a big new grill.

The interior, say Lexus, has “…a new analogue clock with a three-dimensional face serves as a focal point for the cabin and represents another shift in Lexus’s design philosophy.” The hybrid powertain is a given, made clear by the blue Lexus badges.

Lexus don’t tell us what the hybrid lump is, but they say that “…sculpted tailpipes blend with the rear valance minimise the visual impact of the exhaust system, suggesting that the flow of exhaust gases will be substantially reduced.” Which probably means a plug-in hybrid.

We wanted to really like the Lexus LF-Gh, but we’re a bit underwhelmed. Perhaps that’s the problem with a tease that raises expectations beyond what common sense tells you is likely to be the reality.

Mea culpa.