Lexus GS Coupe could arrive in 2013

US website Inside Line says a rear-wheel-drive GS Coupe, which would be a natural competitor for luxury sports coupes like the Audi A5 and S5, BMW 6-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, is “likely” to hit international markets late in 2013.

Earlier this year, Lexus global product planning chief Karl Schlicht told industry journal Automotive News the Japanese luxury brand needed a sporty coupe following the discontinuation of the SC430 in 2010.

The head of Lexus USA Mark Templin has previously said he wants a coupe priced around US$60,000-US$70,000 and positioned near the top of the GS sedan range. In Australia, a comparative model would likely be priced between $100,000-$110,000.

The question of what engine would be fitted to the performance coupe remains a mystery at this stage. The much-rumoured but so-far-unconfirmed Lexus GS F sedan could answer that question if it steps out in production form as expected in the near future.

Earlier reports suggested a Lexus GS F sports model could be powered by a detuned version of the Lexus LFA’s 4.8-litre V10, potentially with a revised 4.6-litre displacement and approximately 335kW of power.

Lexus Australia launched the all-new Lexus GS250 and Lexus GS350 in Australia earlier this month.