THE NEW Lexus IS has its world premiere at the Lexus press conference on March 1 at 12.15pm. The car will feature the first ever Lexus diesel engine. Pictures and information about the new car will be revealed at the time. The fourth successive LF concept vehicle to explore Lexus' revolutionary new design direction, the LF-A combines the luxury refinements of a true Lexus with the performance and driving dynamics of a high performance, two-seater supercar. It features a power plant capable of developing more than 500 DIN hp from a cubic capacity of less than 5.0 litres.

A radical approach to component sizing and packaging has created a compact design with very short front and rear overhangs and the perfect front/rear weight distribution essential to optimum high-speed handling and stability. Deliveries of the new GS will begin in the UK on April 15. Within elegant, aerodynamically superb coachwork, it integrates class-leading technical achievement with unparalleled interior luxury, ergonomic excellence precision fit and finish.

It will be offered with a choice of either a 4.3-litre, V8 (283 DIN hp) or an all-new, 3.0-litre direct injection (249 DIN hp) V6 petrol engine mated to a new, close ratio, six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. Adaptive Variable Suspension offers a choice of two damper settings; Normal Mode for everyday comfort and Sport Mode for improved handling.