THE Tesla Model S has helped shape Lexus’s new luxury flagship, the Japanese luxury carmaker has revealed.

LS chief engineer Toshio Asahi name-checked the Tesla liftback as one of the products influencing what the fifth-generation limousine would look, drive, and behave like – particularly in terms of its sleeker design and newfound dynamic athleticism, as well as future semi-autonomous driver-assist technology yet to be announced for the range.

Asahi, speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, said the new LS that will replace the decade-old current series in the first quarter of next year was also shaped by the usual benchmarks since its development program kicked off in 2011.

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“We also benchmarked the Tesla’s autonomous technology for that, as well as the Mercedes E-Class’ system.

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“We also wanted to incorporate more emotion and excitement – not only in terms of driving pleasure, but also in the design… that will put it beyond its competitors.”

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So far, Lexus has only confirmed the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 for the 2018 LS, delivering 310kW and 600Nm to the rear wheels via a class-first 10-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

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“As you know, the GA-L platform was initially used for the LC, and now with this LS, so it does have flexibility,” Asahi said.

“Strictly speaking, from a platform point of view, that (the LC’s V6 hybrid and V8 fitting into LS) would be feasible.”

More information on the new LS will be revealed closer to its Australian launch