View Poll Results: Lexus going small?
Yes, the Germans do it, Lexus should do the same
20
55.56%
No, Lexus should avoid small cars
7
19.44%
Yes, they should be hybrids only though
9
25.00%
I am not sure
0
0%
Voters: 36. You may not vote on this poll
One of the futures of Lexus is small cars? Your thoughts?
02-20-09, 05:26 PM
#1
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One of the futures of Lexus is small cars? Your thoughts?
Recently I've read a lot of articles where Lexus feels that small luxury maybe the future. We have went back and forth over this potential move as Lexus has avoided it b/c they have Toyota for one in this area. In comparison the Germans offer tons of small cars, which sell well in Europe more than in America. Lexus has most of its success HERE but to compete globally they may have to go small.
Lexus is in an odd position as being more prestigious in a sense they don't offer small cars, having not offered a 4 cylinder until the IS 220d and the HS hybrid BUT they are still seem by many as "Toyotas" period. While the HS is actually larger in dimensions than the IS, a lot of feedback has been negative it looks like a "Corolla". Well surely going small means more smaller engines.
What are your thoughts?
The original, the Lexus Landau concept from 1994. It was a GS with smaller overhangs and frameless windows etc
Our CL April Fools joke
Lexus is in an odd position as being more prestigious in a sense they don't offer small cars, having not offered a 4 cylinder until the IS 220d and the HS hybrid BUT they are still seem by many as "Toyotas" period. While the HS is actually larger in dimensions than the IS, a lot of feedback has been negative it looks like a "Corolla". Well surely going small means more smaller engines.
What are your thoughts?
The original, the Lexus Landau concept from 1994. It was a GS with smaller overhangs and frameless windows etc
Our CL April Fools joke
02-20-09, 05:44 PM
#3
If they can do it in an upscale manner, namely not go all economy car on them like the basic models sold by some rivals, then that could work. They could also add a good dose of sport to these small cars.
02-20-09, 05:48 PM
#4
I am all for more Lexus small cars but they should be:
1. Not share platform with any of the toyota models.
2. RWD and/or AWD only.
I think it's inevitable that the future IS is going to grow in size so one more model or two to be slotted under it might be a good idea.
1. Not share platform with any of the toyota models.
2. RWD and/or AWD only.
I think it's inevitable that the future IS is going to grow in size so one more model or two to be slotted under it might be a good idea.
02-20-09, 06:23 PM
#5
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Agreed, if they rebadge a Matrix or Yaris though I'm defecting to the Germans for good. Also as long as they look as good as the cars in the 2nd and 3rd pic.
02-20-09, 06:31 PM
#7
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NO, Germans didn't do it with luxury cars, they did it with Luxury SPORT cars. Lexus has ONE sport model and the rest is luxury. Big difference. If Lexus doesn't stick to their luxury roots, someone else will fill their place.
Mercedes put out the C class as a small sport luxo and everybody points and laughs at them going down the road "that's not a REAL Mercedes". So they have the S class 100k+ which is basically the Mercedes equivalent to the IS-F. So Mercedes and Lexus have a fast coupe. Leave it alone from there.
Mercedes put out the C class as a small sport luxo and everybody points and laughs at them going down the road "that's not a REAL Mercedes". So they have the S class 100k+ which is basically the Mercedes equivalent to the IS-F. So Mercedes and Lexus have a fast coupe. Leave it alone from there.
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02-20-09, 06:34 PM
#9
That's the big question--will it erode brand prestige? It's a similar question, to a lesser extent, with the V6 rumors for the LS. But if the market is changing due to the economic downturn...
02-20-09, 07:00 PM
#10
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NO, Germans didn't do it with luxury cars, they did it with Luxury SPORT cars. Lexus has ONE sport model and the rest is luxury. Big difference. If Lexus doesn't stick to their luxury roots, someone else will fill their place.
Mercedes put out the C class as a small sport luxo and everybody points and laughs at them going down the road "that's not a REAL Mercedes". So they have the S class 100k+ which is basically the Mercedes equivalent to the IS-F. So Mercedes and Lexus have a fast coupe. Leave it alone from there.
Mercedes put out the C class as a small sport luxo and everybody points and laughs at them going down the road "that's not a REAL Mercedes". So they have the S class 100k+ which is basically the Mercedes equivalent to the IS-F. So Mercedes and Lexus have a fast coupe. Leave it alone from there.
BMW sends us big engine 1 series and coupes only to protect its image here whereas in Europe you can get them in hatches and with much smaller engines.
It seems to work well in Europe for the most part.
02-20-09, 07:59 PM
#13
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that is the current gen GS. they just watered it down a bit. But I agree, they can go back to the same LF-S concept for the 4GS
02-20-09, 08:03 PM
#14
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http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/1...es-a-class.jpg
http://image.www.rakuten.co.jp/parna...0561016747.gif
http://garysmyth.com/uploaded_images...20d-789949.jpg
