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The 2016 Lexus GS facelift has just been unveiled at Pebble Beach, during the Monterey Car Week. It's quite a major update, both visually and under the skin.

Its signature spindle grille has been updated, and now features elegant satin chrome trim. The distinctive bi-LED headlight set-up first introduced on the high performance GS-F model has now been adopted for the standard GS range too. The same goes to the rear, which gets revised taillights and a new lower bumper.

Under the hood, Lexus' 2.0 litre petrol engine finally makes its debut here, to form the new GS 200t model. This new base variant makes 241 hp and 350 Nm, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels.

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Further up the range, the naturally-aspirated GS 350's 3.5 litre V6 now offers 311 hp and 380 Nm, up from 306 hp and 376 Nm from before.The GS 450h hybrid remains unchanged, with a 338 hp petrol hybrid set-up that can get to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.

As before, an F Sport package can be specified on all variants, which features exclusive exterior and interior design add-ons, stiffer, track-tuned suspension and staggered tire sizes. The sport package offers Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) too.

Inside, the 12.3-inch central display screen now has a new full-width map capability, while the Remote Touch Interface controller gains new shortcut buttons and a more user friendly interface. A Siri Eyes Free Mode has been added for iPhone users too.

For the US, the Lexus Enform system gets some minor tweaks too. Owners would be pampered with the Lexus Enform Service Connect that together with the MyLexusandBeyond mobile app (for iOS devices) or LexusDrivers.com to set push-reminders and alerts for maintenance and service issues. Lexus Enform Remote, meanwhile, allows users to remotely view and control certain aspects of the GS that include remote door lock/unlock; remote start/stop for the engine and climate control; vehicle finder and guest driver monitor.

In terms of safety, the 2016 Lexus GS facelift gets the Lexus Safety System + which combines Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam (IHB) and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.