STIG

but i dont think other consumers would think the same way as you do. they only know 250 is smaller than 300, so we are getting less for same amount of money? IMO

Gojirra99

Keep in mind that C230 & 325 at 30K is the base price with no options. With Benz & BMW, with options comparable to competing Lexus models & other Japanese brands it could easily add a few grand's more. That's always true across the board. e.g. A base S430 is not much more than a Loaded LS430 UL, but with options can add $20 K or even more.

Vladi

Not necceseraly. People do their homework before they go spending 30K on a car. They will know what they can get from those 2.5l. So I don't think an issue of "it's seem less" is a problem at all.
As a matter of fact we can be sure that 2.5l/6spd manual would be introduced at no lower than $28K flat, while 3.0l/6spd manual combo would be at just below $32 or even. For auto trannies add another $1000-$1200 on the price. The pricey one will be 3.5l/6spd auto starting probably in high 30s

IS250 will be a great seller for Lexus cause people will know that they get MORE for less. It will not affect Lexuses image at all. As a matter of fact it will blow TSX out of the market and do some severe damage to sales of upcoming 325i that will porbably start at $30+ due to crazy Euro/Dollar ratio.

You will be surprised by the popularity this car will get.

biker

Like the GS, when compared to the dismal current sale rate, 2K/mo will seem like a huge success. But compared to the competition, TSX , 325, A4 it will just be barely keep up at that rate.
As much as Lexus will want to raise prices it can't - none of the manufacturers can - there's just too much competiton. BMW will have a bit of pricing latitude now that it can spread the cost of the 3 series manufacturing to the 1 series.
The 06 lineup will be: TSX 27K fully loaded except NAV, IS250 good base package 28K, A4 most things will be optional 28K, E90 325 better equiped than current E46 (HID will be standard) but still lacking things in the base that others have 29K. The last three will be brand new models while the TSX will be on its third year. All of the above assumes a 6 MT.
The wining formula for the new IS will be the combination of right size with the right features. I think the current demise of many coupes and two seaters is telling manufacturers people want a 4 door sedan with a useable back seat and trunk. BMW got the message and improved in those areas with the new E90 3 series - I trust Lexus will do the same with the IS.

XeroK00L

ES350 and LS460 now registered as well.
http://www.auto-report.net/index.html?tm200501.html

Infiniti's coming up with a new RX fighter, the CX25/35, it seems.

EDIT: On the second thought, Infiniti already has an RX fighter, the FX, so the CX could really be an HPX fighter.

xioix

very good news, once the new LS460 has arrived, the GS460 should be arriving soon

BrickHead

Do you think we will see the LS460 next January in Detroit? Any word on the LF-X-based SUV? I don't see a registration for it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very possible imho. the new LS will probably come end of nex yr, and it should have the 460 engine. damn

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Everything seems to be shaping up pretty nicely! Still wondering what a "JX 470" will be though.

jrock65

2004-11-01/US JX470 Toyota Jidosha K.K. Sequoia-based Lexus SUV

So I guess they're getting rid of the Land Cruiser based LX470? Maybe get rid of the Land Cruiser too?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

wow, so an even bigger suv from lexus? that might be a good idea, put more margin between gx and the new jx

biker

Memo from GM and Ford: The days of the big SUV are over. Sales will flatten or decline and it has nothing to do with how nice they are or who sells them.

Apparently the estimate for 2K/mo sales for the new IS is way low. Lexus plans to sell 4K/mo. I still can't see who the loser in the category will be.

STIG

trust me, they will NEVER EVER get rid of landcruise,imo. Landcruise has been like toyota's halo car for over 50 years now. why would they want to do such thing. Landcruisers are so strong and so awesome.

Gojirra99

Good to see the LS460, but still no news of the V8 hybrid on the next LS that Liz had talked about . . .

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

It will be interesting to see if the LX sticks around after this vehicle comes out because if it's Sequoia based, it should be bigger and more powerful, and I don't think there's room in the Lexus lineup for an $80,000 bohemoth SUV, especially with SUV sales in general flatlining.

If they plan on dropping a Land Cruiser-based Lexus SUV, would it not make more sense to just switch the platform and keep the "LX" name? It's a trusted and respected monkier and they'd have no reason to do away with it.

Also, there has been talk about the 4.7L V8 staying as the base engine for the next Sequoia and Tundra with an upper level, optional 5.4L V8. I would think that the Lexus would get the upper engine...not the 4.7L.

Lots of speculation thats all useless at this point...