BigVIPness

Can't load pics for some reason:

http://forums.autoweek.com/thread.js...threadID=11274

I see this and I think one of 3 things:

1. That is the new LS that takes styling from the crown.
2. That is the crown.
3. The crown is the new LS.

And also, #4 that Einhorn is Finkel.

What do you think?

GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

i think that's just a crown. nothing else. soon when Lexus starts in Japan, LS will be exclusive to Lexus, and Crown will stay Toyota.

jet864

Agreed. Also this spied model carries no resemblances to Lexus' movement towards the "LF" protoypes. Think of the new GS and multiple renderings on the IS. I'm sure there will be more continuity between Lexus models once all of the new generations come out.

James

-J-P-L-

I very much doubt that this is the new LS. Lexus is promising much more. As dramatic as the 1990 LS at the time. Plus, this car seems a little small. The new LS should be bigger than the current model.

STIG

that's the CROWN.

flipside909

Yep, that's the Toyota Crown Majesta. Nothing new. It's turning 50 years old!

http://toyota.jp/T/crown50/

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

tho it has nothing to do with the images, has anyone considered the Toyota Century as the next high class LS? i mean, it is a large, 4 door sedan....with a V12

Stage3

iTrader: (3)

looks really nice... whatever it is.

jet864

Like I said, the new Lexus models will follow the basic design ideas like the LF-S/C/A etc. The century is in no condition to come to America.

Century:


I do like the idea of a V12 but it would have to be reworked (i.e. more power) to even be looked at by anyone in the American market. The LS and Celsior have always been the same car, not the LS and Century. I'm sure we're all gonna be blown away with the new LS. I can't wait!

James

GlobeCLK

iTrader: (5)

the Century is less of a flagship and more of an image icon. It will only go through minor changes (as it did many times already). The V12 is also more of a status symbol rather than a necessity to carry the heavy Century.

If Lexus releases a new, completely restyled Century with state-of-the-art technology and a 600hp V12 engine, then it could be a competitor for the Maybach. But I doubt anyone will buy a Century over Maybach.


also FYI "Camry" means "Crown" in Japan.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

gah, i just looked up the prices on toyota japan's site

11,130,000.00 JPY 108,502.31 USD
Japan Yen = United States Dollars
1 JPY = 0.00974864 USD 1 USD = 102.578 JPY

i think thats a bit over the est. price for a new ls isnt it?

also, the site says the 1gz-fe is a 5.0 L so shouldnt it be easy to up it to 6.0L and retune for power. then they could use it in the fabled LS600GT thats supposedly going to compete with the S-class in the >100k class

http://toyota.jp/Showroom/All_toyota...ury/index.html

http://www.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/05/Jan/nt05_002.html

flipside909

The Toyota Century is handbuilt which explains the price of the vehicle. The Century is only for Japanese VIP ride in i.e. top gov't officials and etc. That car or it's engine will never touch US shores FYI.

XeroK00L

The V-12 in the Century is natural-gas powered so there's no easy retuning it for gasoline power whatsoever. The rumored V10 is still the best bet at the next Lexus flagship IMO.

STIG

i dont think that's the crown majesta. it's just toyota Crown. Crown MJ came with V8 but royal crown doesnt.

GSXOTIC

iTrader: (6)

Actually, that is not a Crown MJ. The new Crown MJ has come out. Whoever can pick up the latest VIP Car will know what I am talking about. The new MJ is sick! especially with the new headlight (very close resemble LS) and the LED tail light. Sorry guys but I am too lazy to take some pictures. or just click here:

http://toyota.jp/Showroom/All_toyota...ior/index.html