syswei

Back in March, Automotive News wrote:

The seven-passenger crossover, which probably would be the first of the three to appear, would be similar to the HPX concept that has been around since 2003. Lexus won't talk timing, but it could debut in the spring of 2008 using the rear-drive Lexus GS platform -- and might even appear sooner.

Has anyone heard anything further on this?

np20412

is this the JX...?

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

There have always been HPX rumors but there seem to have been a whole lot more of them lately. Perhaps there is some merit to this?

Gojirra99

. . . in addition to rumours of a stretched LWB version available for the next RX, do they really need both ? I know one will be FWD/AWD & the HPX will be GS-based RWD/AWD, but I think both will have 3 rows of seats & similar in size ? . . .

MR_F1

No they don't need both, thats why they should just switch the RX's platform and work with it.

syswei

I hadn't heard that rumor, and no I don't think they need both. But they DO need a 7/8 passenger vehicle that is less gas-guzzling than the GX470 and LX570. A JX / HPX might be just the ticket. Even the R-Class, with its lousy reliability, is selling fairly well now, after a slow start.

Personally I'd like to see a JX / HPX soon, and if one isn't out within 6-12 months, I may replace my wife's LX with an MDX rather than an LX570.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I think the RX needs to stay where it's at, as a 5 seat, midsize crossover SUV. I think that they should base the new crossover on the LS platform as the GS/IS chassis isn't very big, and I don't know how they would squeeze three rows of seats in there with any cargo room.

The LS chassis would provide plenty of room, as they could use the SWB or LWB as a starting place. JX350 and JX 460? Works for me.

yaro1

I heard that BMW is launching more crossovers, so I expect Lexus to either follow suit or lead the way.

I seriously wonder what this rumored vehicle will look like, since the concept they had didn't thrill me.

MR_F1

IS/GS based RX350/RX350L, 450h/450hL... maybe a 460 option

Nextourer

Get rid of the GX. The 4Runner V8 Limited works fine. A 7/8 passenger crossover for Lexus would do well against the R-Class.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

No sense in dropping the GX. It has been a very solid seller for Lexus, I believe actually a big more successful than they were even hoping for.

syswei

Or they could start with the Sienna platform. Maybe shorten and raise it a bit. I'd personally much prefer something roomier than the HP-X looks.

Nextourer

ohh. Must be a US thing then? I haven't seen very many up here.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I think Lexus should either drop the GX, or keep the name, but base it on a different vehicle, for instance on Sienna. Right now they have the RX, which is way too small and girly, so it doesn't appeal to everyone, and then they have the larger LX and GX, but those are truck based, so they don't appeal to everyone either. Lexus needs to make a crossover the size of Acura MDX, which has been a very good seller.

Also, I don't think it's a good idea to base a crossover on RWD platform. Crossovers should not be sporty, they should appeal to people that are looking for something minivanish that doesn't look like a minivan. Sporty SUVs such as X5, Cayenne, and LR Sport are just silly.

LexFather

GX is very profitable for Lexus, its not going anywhere.
Lexus will continue to offer true off-roaders like the GX and LX and more car based/cross overs like the RX...