The current Lexus GS 350, 460 and 450h have faded into the background of the midsize luxury sedan segment, but development of a successor is well underway. We now caught up with a prototype of the next-generation 2012 Lexus GS on the German Nürburgring.
Don't get too hung up on the heavy camouflage. Lexus officials have already said they intend to take more risks (although we use "risks" loosely when talking about Lexus) with the sedan's styling this time around in hopes of reinventing its wallflower image.
Roomier
The wheelbase on this car appears to be longer, which should open up plenty of rear legroom in the 2012 GS – important in this class now that the dominant players, the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E-class, are downright huge.
Sportier
Further, the widened track gives the Lexus GS prototype a more substantial look than the current car. Company officials have also said that the next GS will have more of a performance edge to it. Though we wouldn't want to draw too many conclusions from a couple of photos, widening the track is a good start.
Hybrid
It's a little early to speculate which engines Lexus will use under the hood of the 2012 Lexus GS, though a fuel-efficient six-cylinder engine will be a must in the wake of tightening fuel economy standards. We wouldn't be surprised to see a more powerful version of the current sedan's direct-injected, 3.5-liter V6, perhaps with forced injection. And the current six-speed automatic transmission will almost certainly give way to something with more gears – like an eight-speed automatic. Look for Lexus to unveil the redesigned 2012 Lexus GS in autumn 2011, with sales beginning in 2012.
