A new generation of the flagship Lexus saloon will go on sale later this year. There will be two engine options: the petrol LS460 and hybrid LS600h. There will also be the option of an F-Sport version with a 10mm reduction in ride height, more aggressive styling, a Torsen limited-slip differential and Ferrari-style blipping of the engine when changing down – although a Lexus LS is so quiet that it may not be too obvious.

There are the inevitable class leading comfort features. Lexus claims a word-first with automatic control of the temperature of the heated and ventilated front and rear seats as well as the heated steering wheel. The new satellite navigation system includes internet connectivity and a huge 12.3-inch screen, while the audio system has 19 speakers and a Blu-Ray player.Lexus has not yet released performance figures, but there is only one number that really matters. The old model was killed off in the UK by its appalling CO2 figure of 217 g/km of CO2 – more than 40 g/km behind the class leaders. Tax conscious corporations would not accept that, so the new models will need to make huge strides in this area.