Lexus is working hard on expanding the IS brand with two distinct developments.

An IS coupe-convertible, with two doors, four seats and a retractable folding hardtop, is on the way. A hint to what this car might look like is in Lexus’ 2005 Tokyo motor show LF-C concept car.

However, the IS coupe-convertible will be beaten into showrooms by a 5.0-litre V8-powered IS sports sedan.

The production model, expected to appear at September’s Frankfurt motor show, will be very similar to the IS-F concept car unveiled at January’s Detroit motor show.

It will deliver in excess of 400HP to the rear wheels, hit 100k/h from standstill in under five seconds, and keep up with an Audi RS4. Yet the IS V8 will still offer luxury-car levels of refinement and comfort.

To keep the GS range fresh, a minor facelift is also expected to be introduced. Furthermore, the LS460’s 4.6-litre V8 powerplant, complete with its world-first eight-speed automatic gearbox, will be slotted into the current GS next year.

For 2010 and beyond, Lexus is believed to be developing a hatchback IS, although the timing suggests that the company may wait for the next-generation platform to come along.

Lexus admits that it is ignoring the booming premium small-car segment, especially in Europe, where it could make serious inroads into Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30 sales.

A hybrid-only model – very loosely based on one of the next-generation of Prius derivatives that Toyota is said to be working on for next year – is also in the pipeline.

Such a vehicle would provide Lexus with a greener alternative to the popular diesel versions of the A3 and its ilk – especially in Europe – while diesel-wary Americans have already proven their seemingly insatiable desire for hybrids.

One model that Lexus does not seem to be frantic to replace is the current SC430, now six years old, and in line to match its SC400/Toyota Soarer predecessor’s decade-long run in production.

Lexus is still considering the next model’s design and packaging parameters, although it is a safe bet that it will stick with the retractable hardtop feature of today’s 2001-era car.

Lexus may wait until the next-generation GS model arrives because the current SC is built off the old GS platform. In the interim, expect the SC to also gain the 4.6-litre V8. "It is not a priority for Lexus to change the SC," said one insider.

Of course, Lexus may also choose to effectively replace the slow-selling SC with an Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Nissan GTR-seeking super-coupe based on the LF-A concept from Detroit in 2005.

A V10-powered production version of the LF-A may debut at this year's Tokyo motor show in October, with a late-2008 on-sale date and an LS-exceeding pricetag to follow.

LEXUS will diversify its model range via a series of new and innovative vehicles that will include a small SUV below the next RX.

The next RX, to be derived off a development of the current Camry-derived platform, will be significantly larger and wider than today’s second-generation model.

The all-new SUV is due in the second half of next year.

A Lexus insider describes the new RX’s sleek styling as "...a coupe on stilts," but promises that it will be far more spacious, comfortable and involving to drive on-road than the current model.

Speculation also suggests that a long-wheelbase seven-seater version, beginning with the RX350L, is also on the cards.

Both versions will see the nameplate better equipped to take on the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-class in both size and dynamic capability.

Of course, another hybrid RX will also appear, and is expected to use a V6 petrol/electric combination of about 3.5 litres in capacity.

Speculation is also circulating that Lexus may introduce a super-luxury long-wheelbase V8 petrol/electric hybrid RX, utilising a development of the 5.0-litre unit powering the LS600Lh.

However, the RX development story does not cease there.

It is believed that Lexus is also putting the finishing touches to a rebodied and shorter-wheelbase version of the new RX.

Known internally as the ‘New Entry Level,’ it will be a five-seater part-time all-wheel drive crossover SUV/wagon about the size of today’s Toyota RAV4. Lexus may unveil a lightly disguised concept version of this car before the end of 2007, a late 2008 release date is likely.

Starting at significantly under the current RX350 price, the ‘JX’ crossover – as it has been referred to by some quarters of the media – will be pitched against the BMW X3, as well as the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK compact 4WD wagon and Audi's Q5.

Rumours are running hot that that the JX – to be built in Ontario in Canada – will also offer a petrol/electric hybrid variation. The JX will share a lot of components with the latest ES.

i thought the LF-C concept is for the new SC, not the IS coupe (IC)