With just a week before its official debut at the New York Auto Show, Lexus->ke47 has unveiled the official details on the LF-Gh concept, a preview version of the next generation GS->ke439 premium grand touring sedan. The concept will be at the Lexus display through May 1, 2011.

"For this concept, Lexus designers studied characteristics that are often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together," said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus Design Division, Toyota Motor Corporation. "The captivating design of the LF-Gh concept examines the possibility of balancing what are normally opposing qualities, such as style and functionality."

The Lexus LF-Gh concept takes the company's L-Finesse design philosophy one step forward and combines style, performance, efficiency, and environmental compatibility with advanced, new technologies. And, as with many other new concepts, the LF-Gh is also a hybrid vehicle.

UPDATE 04/12/2011: This review has been updated with the official details and images on the Lexus LF-Gh Concept. Hit the jump for the full details.

2011 Lexus LF-Gh Concept

Specifications
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  • Model: 2011 Lexus LF-Gh Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

Built on an advanced rear-wheel-drive platform, the LF-Gh concept offers both an amazing exterior design and enough interior room for all four passengers, plus ample cargo area and excellent forward visibility.

Up front, the concept features a boldly designed spindle-shaped grille, unique vertical LED fog lamps, and slim rear outlets that follow the curve of the tail lamps from the rear quarter panel. The modern front grille is not only stylish, it also aids in airflow control and stability for the vehicle.

The design aspect of the Lexus LF-Gh is further distinguished with width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches, dynamic front fenders, a raised hood, a raised center deck lid, wrap-around LED tail lamps, and twin spoke 20-inch wheels.

Interior

Lexus paid extra attention to every detail for the interior of the LF-Gh to make it especially driver-oriented. Lexus chose to add a meter panel with excellent visibility, a console with intuitive operability, and an all-new analog clock with a three-dimensional face. Lexus quality will also be at the forefront with high-quality materials and rich, finely honed details all of which are hidden behind dark tinted glass.

Engine

Lexus hasn't offered any details on the new hybrid system featured in the LF-Gh Concept, but they did confirm that the "rear valance blends sculpted exhaust tips for a very clean, finished look, minimizing the presence of the exhaust system to suggest that the flow of exhaust gas will be substantially reduced." The essence of a hybrid model is also illustarted by Blue LED Lexus Hybrid Drive badges located on the front grille and rear trunk lid.

"Although only a concept, we hope the LF-Gh will resonate with our customers worldwide, and communicate our intention to once again advance ideas about the face of Lexus luxury in the years to come," said Kengo Matsumoto, general manager, Lexus design division.

When Can I Buy One?

The LF-Gh concept itself won't make it to production, but it does preview the design language for the next generation GS premium sedan expected to go on sale in 2012.