Among the nine upgraded Lexus models set to debut in 2012, the dramatically enhanced GS range includes three of the year's exceptional standouts. The latest lineup presents an exciting new direction for the luxury brand, positioning Lexus as an industry leader.

The upgraded GS range ? comprised of a boldfaced 350, a green geared 450 hybrid, and a high-performance F SPORT ? has so far exceeded the expectations of car show enthusiasts around the world.

On the heels of its official launch, the highly anticipated GS family is poised to set a new standard in luxury vehicle design, performance and technology. The future of Lexus was first revealed in Pebble Beach with the world premiere of the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350. It was here, at the Parc du Concours, where Akio Toyoda, President Toyota Corporation, admitted that he initially did not want to proceed with the project. Fortunately, Toyoda followed the advice of the world markets, who all had so nicely called him crazy, he joked.

"So I agreed, but on one condition. The car had to be improved much more. It needed to be designed, engineered, and manufactured without compromise. I told our engineers that we are not moving ahead unless we do it right from the start. And since the design of the GS was going to be seen on future Lexus vehicles, it had to be bolder, stronger and more confident," Toyoda said.

The crowd soon fell silent as the new face of Lexus parked itself center stage. In the months following the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance debut, Lexus continued to tease us, revealing new models at each subsequent auto show.

As the world's first rear-drive full-hybrid vehicle, the GS 450h received international acclaim at the Frankfurt Auto Show last September. Featuring a customizable drive mode selector ? ECO, SPORT S, SPORT S+ and EV modes ? and delivering a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS hybrid can hit 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and is expected to improve fuel consumption by more than 30 percent.

Introduced at this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the 350 F SPORT Package delivers high performance and an aggressive attitude.

Inspired by the IS lineup and CT 200h, the F SPORT presents distinct exterior details, including a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging.

The buzz quickly accelerated as the all-new GS family made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

With luxury models designed to accommodate personal driving preference, as well as access to next-generation Lexus Enform® with Safety Connect, the 2013 Lexus GS collection proudly leads the way as the new face of Lexus .

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