Autoweek:Future products: Lexus reloads to do battle with BMW, Mercedes
09-27-10, 12:54 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Autoweek:Future products: Lexus reloads to do battle with BMW, Mercedes
http://www.autoweek.com/article/2010...NEWS/100929892
VX/JX has been on the boards for years now...
On a sidenote I have to say no matter where you go to read about Lexus, the reader comments seem to involve the lowest levels of human life forms on earth.
VX/JX has been on the boards for years now...
On a sidenote I have to say no matter where you go to read about Lexus, the reader comments seem to involve the lowest levels of human life forms on earth.
Lexus' sales lead in the luxury wars is under threat from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, in part because of aging products in crucial segments. But several new or redesigned Lexus models are due to be launched in the next year.
Besides replacing the slow-selling GS series and the volume-leading ES 350, Lexus will move into the entry-luxury segment with the CT 200h hybrid hatchback.
CT 200h: The five-door hybrid debuts in early 2011. At 170 inches long, it's about the same size as the BMW 1 series and Audi A3. The CT 200h rides on a double-wishbone rear suspension. The hybrid powertrain works with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
IS: The BMW 3-series competitor will be redesigned for the 2013 model year on a shorter version of the shared GS platform. With the CT 200h arriving, the IS needn't go smaller.
HS 250h: The Lexus sedan version of the Prius went on sale in mid-2009. If the Prius changes midcycle to a lithium ion battery pack in 2012, the HS 250h will get the same change.
ES: The midrange sedan, which uses Toyota Camry underpinnings, is due to be redesigned for the 2012 model year, arriving in late 2011 or early 2012. Expect more angular and active styling than the current version, which has grown stale. A hybrid version could be added.
GS: The next GS will be the lead vehicle of a new shared platform when it arrives in the spring as a 2011 model. It's the shortest vehicle in its competitive set, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E class, so expect a lengthened wheelbase.
The design of the GS will feature a long dash-to-axle ratio and a reprise of its signature stubby trunk, while the roofline will be a constant-radius swoop. Expect a continuation of the V6, V8 and hybrid engine offerings.
Lexus built a prototype of a GS-F performance edition, using the LFA's V10 engine, but the cost is prohibitive.
LS: The range-topping sedan will be redesigned for the 2013 model year. The car has grown heavy with gadgetry and safety features, so weight-saving technology that uses premium materials is high on the priority list.
SC: Production stopped in June. The SC hardtop convertible will not be renewed, leaving Lexus with the less expensive IS convertible.
LFA: The high-performance rocket was launched this year. After the current batch of 500 coupes is built, there probably will be a one-year hiatus. A roadster version then will be offered, perhaps in larger volumes than the coupe. Judging by production schedules, that will occur in January 2014.
RX: The crossover was redesigned in early 2009. No major changes are predicted.
GX: The seven-passenger SUV, based on the Toyota 4Runner, was redesigned this year.
VX: A seven-seat, car-based large crossover above the RX 350 is possible. Owners have told Lexus that towing is not as important as driveability and seating capacity. Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2010...#ixzz10lGYqyeY
Besides replacing the slow-selling GS series and the volume-leading ES 350, Lexus will move into the entry-luxury segment with the CT 200h hybrid hatchback.
CT 200h: The five-door hybrid debuts in early 2011. At 170 inches long, it's about the same size as the BMW 1 series and Audi A3. The CT 200h rides on a double-wishbone rear suspension. The hybrid powertrain works with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
IS: The BMW 3-series competitor will be redesigned for the 2013 model year on a shorter version of the shared GS platform. With the CT 200h arriving, the IS needn't go smaller.
HS 250h: The Lexus sedan version of the Prius went on sale in mid-2009. If the Prius changes midcycle to a lithium ion battery pack in 2012, the HS 250h will get the same change.
ES: The midrange sedan, which uses Toyota Camry underpinnings, is due to be redesigned for the 2012 model year, arriving in late 2011 or early 2012. Expect more angular and active styling than the current version, which has grown stale. A hybrid version could be added.
GS: The next GS will be the lead vehicle of a new shared platform when it arrives in the spring as a 2011 model. It's the shortest vehicle in its competitive set, which includes the BMW 5 series and Mercedes-Benz E class, so expect a lengthened wheelbase.
The design of the GS will feature a long dash-to-axle ratio and a reprise of its signature stubby trunk, while the roofline will be a constant-radius swoop. Expect a continuation of the V6, V8 and hybrid engine offerings.
Lexus built a prototype of a GS-F performance edition, using the LFA's V10 engine, but the cost is prohibitive.
LS: The range-topping sedan will be redesigned for the 2013 model year. The car has grown heavy with gadgetry and safety features, so weight-saving technology that uses premium materials is high on the priority list.
SC: Production stopped in June. The SC hardtop convertible will not be renewed, leaving Lexus with the less expensive IS convertible.
LFA: The high-performance rocket was launched this year. After the current batch of 500 coupes is built, there probably will be a one-year hiatus. A roadster version then will be offered, perhaps in larger volumes than the coupe. Judging by production schedules, that will occur in January 2014.
RX: The crossover was redesigned in early 2009. No major changes are predicted.
GX: The seven-passenger SUV, based on the Toyota 4Runner, was redesigned this year.
VX: A seven-seat, car-based large crossover above the RX 350 is possible. Owners have told Lexus that towing is not as important as driveability and seating capacity. Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2010...#ixzz10lGYqyeY
09-27-10, 01:42 PM
#5
In regards to the public comments, 99% percent of those so called enthusiasts hate Toyota. Its a fact on every single motor website, nothing will change. Check out the motortrend forums. People bash lexus consistently everyday. Best thing to do is just to ignore them.
09-27-10, 01:56 PM
#7
"VX: A seven-seat, car-based large crossover above the RX 350 is possible. Owners have told Lexus that towing is not as important as driveability and seating capacity. Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform.
"
The BMW X6 is a failure. It tries to be both a sporty sedan and an SUV at the same time. The result is that it ends up doing neither terribly well.
"
The BMW X6 is a failure. It tries to be both a sporty sedan and an SUV at the same time. The result is that it ends up doing neither terribly well.
Trending Topics
09-27-10, 02:10 PM
#8
^^^
The VX is probably going to be LWB RX with additional raw of seats, to compete with MDX, Q7 and other 7 seater cross overs. Long overdue, IMO.
The competitor to X6 could be based on the GS. Stupid idea, IMO, but could bring additional niche sales to Lexus.
The VX is probably going to be LWB RX with additional raw of seats, to compete with MDX, Q7 and other 7 seater cross overs. Long overdue, IMO.
The competitor to X6 could be based on the GS. Stupid idea, IMO, but could bring additional niche sales to Lexus.
09-27-10, 03:37 PM
#10
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The RX sells more than almost it's entire segment. The X6 is a failure and the GX already exists.
What would be the point of a VX/JX, whatever? Toyota/Lexus already has FAR TOO MANY SUVs as it is.
p.s. Fail fail FAIL if the SC does not continue.
What would be the point of a VX/JX, whatever? Toyota/Lexus already has FAR TOO MANY SUVs as it is.
p.s. Fail fail FAIL if the SC does not continue.
09-27-10, 03:53 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Haha, so did I. Autoweek is establishing quite the reputation for incorrect predictions on future products 
.
JX/VX rumors have existed for ages now; personally I don't think such vehicle (based off the GS platform) will ever come. I could possibly see Lexus make an extended RX, but that's about it.
A production GSF wouldn't be using the LFA's V10. Also I'm pretty sure Lexus will make a new SC.
The only things that they seemingly got right were the next-gen GS and IS being on a new platform, and increased use of lightweight materials in future Lexus products.
.JX/VX rumors have existed for ages now; personally I don't think such vehicle (based off the GS platform) will ever come. I could possibly see Lexus make an extended RX, but that's about it.
A production GSF wouldn't be using the LFA's V10. Also I'm pretty sure Lexus will make a new SC.
The only things that they seemingly got right were the next-gen GS and IS being on a new platform, and increased use of lightweight materials in future Lexus products.
09-28-10, 02:07 AM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
A lot of what's listed in this prediction is inaccurate. For one, the GS will debut this spring as a 2012, not a 2011.
And yes, Lexus needs to freshen their sedans. The IS should have been new right about now and the ES is coming shortly. BTW, the ES still sells well here in L.A. It's the GS that has soft sales. But to be fair, you don't see a ton of brand new BMW 5's, Audi A6's, or E-Classes either. They all sell in smaller numbers. Lastly, Lexus is still missing a great opportunity not having an SC to peddle. The car worked well for many years early on... which proves it's possible to make it right.
And yes, Lexus needs to freshen their sedans. The IS should have been new right about now and the ES is coming shortly. BTW, the ES still sells well here in L.A. It's the GS that has soft sales. But to be fair, you don't see a ton of brand new BMW 5's, Audi A6's, or E-Classes either. They all sell in smaller numbers. Lastly, Lexus is still missing a great opportunity not having an SC to peddle. The car worked well for many years early on... which proves it's possible to make it right.