Lexus at 2006 Geneva Motor Show

Arriving at European showrooms towards the end of 2006, the fourth generation of the marque’s flagship, the Lexus LS 460, features an all-new 4.6-litre engine generating around 375bhp. In addition to power, the LS offers one of the most economical petrol V8s on the market, returning 26.2mpg in the combined cycle (preliminary figures). For quick yet smooth acceleration, the V8 is mated to the world’s first eight-speed automatic transmission, fully exploiting the car’s performance potential.

Premiering at the Geneva Motor show with several world and segment firsts in the area of safety, the all-new LS 460 sets new standards in the protection of both occupants and pedestrians. Further details will be announced during the on-stand press conference.

GS 450h – The world’s first hybrid luxury sedan

On sale throughout Europe from early summer 2006, the GS 450h features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine coupled to a high-output, permanent magnet electric motor. Combined power output is in excess of 335bhp accelerating the new GS 450h seamlessly from 0-62mph in less than 6.0 seconds.

The new powertrain, the first rear-wheel drive hybrid, equips the GS 450h with performance characteristics equivalent to conventional 4.5-litre V8 engined models with fuel consumption on a par with that of a 4-cylinder 2.0-litre engined vehicle.

Proving to be substantially more frugal than comparable sports saloons, the GS 450h is returning 35.8mpg in the combined cycle; moreover, the new Lexus returns CO2 emissions of just 186g/km, markedly less than rival, premium sector saloons with similar engine power.

RX 350 – European Premiere

On sale throughout Europe in April, the Lexus RX 350 further refines driving pleasure through the class-leading performance of a new 3.5-litre V6 petrol powerplant. Equipped with an ultra-smooth, 5-speed automatic

transmission, this outstanding powertrain offers increased power and torque (272bhp at 6,200rpm and 342Nm at 4,700rpm) whilst reducing fuel consumption by some eight per cent over the previous RX 300.

Enhanced noise and vibration reduction measures result in even lower noise levels at all vehicle speeds. The new luxury SUV also features a new Mark Levinson Premium audio system, as well as a new, high-definition and fast response Lexus Navigation System.

The Lexus press conference will take place on Tuesday 28 February at 14.30, Hall 4.