Lexus revealed the new entry-level GS 250 today at the China International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou.
The GS 250 is the third model in the new GS lineup which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 delivering 306-ponies and the GS 450h top-end model that links a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V6 to the Lexus Hybrid Drive for a combined system output of 338-horsespower.

At the heart of the new GS 250 lies Lexus’ 2.5-litre V6 gasoline engine with D-4S direct port injection and Dual VVT-i intelligent valve timing. It produces a maximum output of 209HP at 6,400rpm and 253Nm of peak torque at 4,800rpm, accelerating the GS 250 from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 8.6 seconds en route to a top speed of 230km/h.

The 2013 Lexus GS 250 returns a combined fuel economy of 8.9lt/100 km with CO2 emissions of 207g/km. The new 2.5-liter V6 is hooked up to a standard ‘6 Super ECT’ close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission that features a sequential manual shifting mode.

Lexus said that the new GS 250 would be available in several markets around the world including China, Japan and Europe, with more specific details to be released nearer the time of launch next year. No word yet if the base GS will make it to North America.

The Lexus GS production model was caught today at the Nürburgring circuit. The Lexus GS test mule is covered in plenty of camouflage.

Aside from the body proportions, details like the protruding side sills, the high rising belt line, the “dotted” LEDs and large grille up front, and even the alloy wheel designs, appear remarkably faithful to the concept.

We expect the production model’s exterior dimensions to remain close to those of the prototype, which measured 192.5-in. long, 73.6-in. wide and 57.1-in. tall, meaning that the new GS should be a hair larger than the current model.

No word about potential engine choices yet but chances are that Lexus will stick to a similar lineup to today’s model with 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder gasoline units plus of course, a hybrid version equipped with a gasoline-electric drivetrain.

A more powerful model wearing the F-badge may also be in the cards for the next generation of the GS.

Lexus has issued a safety recall for some 245,000 units in the U.S. because of a potential defect that may cause fuel leakage. The cars affected by the recall include the GS300 and GS350 from the 2006-2007MY, the IS 250 from the 2006-2009MY, and the IS 350 from the 2006-2008MY.

Lexus said that due to insufficient tightening, the connection between the fuel pressure sensor and a certain fuel line could loosen over time, resulting in a possible fuel leak. No accidents related to the problem have been reported to date.

According to statement from Toyota, the dealers will inspect the vehicles and if no leakage is found, will tighten the sensor with the proper torque. In case of a confirmed fuel leak, the gasket between the fuel sensor and the delivery pipe will be replaced and the sensor tightened. As expected, all operations will be conducted free of charge.

Lexus plans to arrive to the U.S. market with the first IS-F Convertible on next year. A diesel IS-F model has not yet been ruled out but Lexus has confirmed that it will not produce a drop-top 416-hp IS-F.

The Lexus IS Convertible will have a folding fully electric hardtop roof like the SC with an IS250 C and the IS 350 C badging on the back. The Japanese automaker says that it just doesn’t make business sense for it to offer a convertible IS-F.

Lexus no plans to build a GS-F – a high performance version of its GS mid-sized sedan. However, a lightweight IS-F is in the works. The model is currently undergoing testing and engineers have applied a lot of weight-saving techniques to the model.

Lexus is planning a host of new models to help keep the momentum going. First up is the replacement for the RX crossover, but after this comes a host of new ‘F’ performance models including a production version of the LF-A supercar concept as well as a new entry-level model.

Lexus will expand its F range to include a performance version of the GS sedan and possibly the full-size LS limo.

In addition to the performance range, Lexus will add a model below the IS to rival the BMW 1-series and Audi A3 models but stated that it was still a few years away. In the meantime, Roca explained that Lexus will concentrate on its hybrid technology and is planning to add a hybrid option on every model as well as debut a new dedicated hybrid concept at next year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Next year will see the launch of the next-generation RX crossover, based on the LF-Xh concept, as well as a new coupe-cabrio version of the IS complete with a folding metal hardtop.

The LF-A supercar is destined for production and hinted at a 2011 launch date.