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Lexus to reveal new concept in Geneva

When Lexus rolls in to the Geneva Motor Show this year, it will have some exciting metal to show off to the Old World crowds. Both the GS F performance sedan and the LF-C2 concept will be marking their European debuts at the Swiss expo. But it will have a new concept to showcase, as well. Just what form that concept will take is anyone's guess at this point, and Lexus isn't saying. The Japanese luxury marque's lineup consists primarily of sedans and crossovers, with the RC coupe and CT hybrid hatchback thrown in for good measure. The likelihood is that we'll be looking at either a new compact model or a large crossover, but that's all up in the air at the moment. Recent show cars from Toyota's upscale brand have included the RC F GT3 racer, the aforementioned LF-C2 convertible, the LF-LC sports coupe and the LF-NX concept that previewed the new NX compact crossover. Watch this space for more. Related Video: 03 Feb 2015 LEXUS AT THE 2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW • European Premiere of the new Lexus F-performance model, the 477PS GS F • European Premiere of the LF-C2 concept • World Premiere of a new Lexus concept Brussels, Belgium - The 2015 Geneva Motor Show will host a European introduction of the recent addition to the Lexus high-performance F-brand, the new GS F. World Premiered at this year's Detroit MS, the GS F is a refined four-door coupe with the speed and agility of a premium sports car. Equipped with a normally-aspirated 5.0l V8 engine, the GS F produces maximum power of 477PS and maximum torque of 530Nm. The GS F is the first Lexus to include the new comprehensive Lexus Safety System +. World Premiered at 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, the LF-C2 concept will also have its European Premiere at this year's Geneva MS. The concept is a design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster that explores key styling themes involved in the Lexus brand's future, bolder styling direction. The LF-C2 is a luxury Grand Touring concept inspired by Lexus' passion for driving. Its open-air design derives from a pure sports coupe idea. Finally, during the Lexus press conference, a new Lexus concept will have its World Premiere. The Lexus Press Conference will take place on March 3, at 12:30 at the Lexus stand (number 4211) in Hall 4.

Lexus gets new boss, and he's a designer

A reshuffle in the uppermost ranks of Lexus could see the Japanese luxury brand further energize its recent focus on design. Tokuo Fukuichi, Toyota's global design boss, is the new head of Lexus International.
Fukuichi will retain his role as the overall head of design for Toyota, Lexus and Scion, and will assume his new position at the head of Lexus and on its board on April 1 (no fooling). This is going to be an interesting move for fans of design to watch, as Fukuichi has repeatedly been mentioned as a designer that enjoys pushing the edge of the envelope and experimenting. He is, after all, the man responsible for designing the most awesomely odd minivan of the 1990s, the mid-engined, rear-drive Toyota Previa, and more recently, he signed off on the controversial Lexus LF-NX concept, which is said to presage a new production small crossover.
"Regarding changes in design, no one has 100 percent confidence," Fukuichi told Forbes back in January 2013. "No one can really say with pure certainty that, 'In two years, this will sell well.'" As Akio Toyoda continues to demand more assertive, edgier designs, it's that point of view that should make Fukuichi a valuable addition to Lexus, as it continues to challenge the competition from Germany.

Online Find of the Day: Lexus-engined Mercedes pickup is a vintage hybrid

You have to love someone who gets incredibly committed to a very weird idea. What you see for sale here is a right-hand drive 1971 Mercedes-Benz 220D in South Africa, but this old Mercedes is now converted into a pickup, complete with bed cover, and there's big secret under the hood, too.
The pickup conversion appears well done based on seller Sedgefield Classic Cars' photos. Even the tonneau cover fits well. You could almost believe that this Mercedes lived its life as a Chevrolet El Camino-like pickup from the very beginning.
However, the rear-quarters conversion might not be the weirdest thing about this Mercedes. The original diesel is gone from the engine bay in favor of a Lexus V8. It seems really odd to pop the hood and find a Japanese mill in this German car, but the photos make it look like a fairly well performed swap. So, bravo to the crazy thinking. According to the seller speaking to Autoblog by email, "as far as we can establish, this was done a few years ago, with all Lexus components."