Last week they teased it; this week, they took the covers off it.

In this case, "it" is the Lexus LF-Gh Hybrid Concept car that will be the centerpiece of the Lexus display at next week's New York Auto Show.

The LF-Gh concept car is a styling exercise that "sets out to redefine the premium grand touring sedan," according to Lexus. In reality, it's an evolution of the longstanding L-Finesse design language that previews the next midsize Lexus GS sedan line.

The current GS has been with us since the 2006 model year and is due for replacement. The hybrid part of the equation highlights the next version of what's currently sold as the 2011 Lexus GS 450h, although its sales are miniscule compared to the RX 450h hybrid crossover.

Oddly, Lexus quotes the general manager of its design division, Kengo Matsumoto, saying some of the LF-Gh's design themes are "often considered contradictory and difficult to execute together."

Nonetheless, they will "migrate" into future Lexus vehicles--not only the next GS, we presume, but models yet to come as well.

The hybrid identification on the concept car includes the blue badges on the trunk and grille, used on most Toyota and Lexus hybrid models. It also sports efficient LED headlamps and fog lights.

That aside, though, Lexus isn't providing any details on the Hybrid Synergy Drive system it will fit to the future GS. Possibilities include electric motor-generators with higher output power, and perhaps even the brand's first lithium-ion battery pack, replacing the nickel-metal-hydride used in all Lexus hybrids to date.

Stay tuned for those details, which we'll bring you next week from the 2011 New York Auto Show.

[Lexus via MotorAuthority]

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