THE new Lexus LS430 - the replacement for the range-topping LS400 - was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and will go on sale in Britain in October. Lexus is aiming to be 'the world's leading luxury brand'.

On unveiling the new car, Bryan Bergsteinsson, Lexus Group vice-president and general manager, said: 'To be successful on a global scale, we must produce global products.' That will see the Lexus range dramatically increase and in the UK the launch of the new flagship car will be accompanied in the autumn by the launch of the RX300 sport utility vehicle, which is already on sale in other countries, including the USA.

In addition a GS430 - featuring the same engine as the new LS430 - will join the range and Fleet NewsNet understands that the 215bhp 3.0-litre IS300 - a larger-engined counterpart to the IS200 launched last year - which was revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, could also go on sale in the UK alongside a production version of the sports coupe concept unveiled at last year's Tokyo Motor Show.