Upgrades for the 2014 Lexus IS F and GS have been revealed for North America ahead of updates for the local market due in the coming months.
Still based on the outgoing-generation IS, the 2014 Lexus IS F gains a new carbonfibre rear spoiler, and remains mechanically identical with power continuing to come from the existing 311kW/505Nm 5.0-litre V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission.
Minor interior upgrades include ‘F’-embossed headrests, black Alcantara door and centre console trim and optional leather seats â€" black semi-aniline or red with black Alcantara inserts.
The GS350 (pictured top) headlines the luxury sedan’s list of changes, equipped from 2014 with a new eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters rather than the previous six-speed unit.
Debuting on rear-wheel-drive variants in the US, the Japanese manufacturer claims the continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers an identical combined fuel consumption figure from the carry-over 233kW/378Nm 3.5-litre V6 of 23mpg (10.2L/100km) as the 2013 model, but a 1mpg improvement for highway driving.
For 2014, the GS350 also receives a tweaked intake and exhaust system, and both it and the GS450h (pictured below) now feature a full-colour head-up display and Apple’s ‘Siri Eyes Free’ system that allows drivers to use their iPhone’s Siri voice assistant simply by a button on the steering wheel. Oddly, Lexus has discontinued the use of its Night View infrared camera safety system.
A spokesperson for Lexus Australia told CarAdvice the mild IS F changes would most likely be seen before the end of 2013, while the GS’s new eight-speed gearbox was still awaiting confirmation from Japan on if and when it will arrive.
Lexus Australia is also preparing for the arrival of the new GS300h unveiled at the Shanghai auto show in April, expected to land locally by late 2013.
Full pricing and specification details will be announced closer to the 2014 models’ release.
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