Next Gen Lexus ES Spy shots !
#31
The GS has not been cancelled. Perhaps Hoovey can find that thread in which it was confirmed that a new-generation GS is on its way.
#32
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...gs-line-7.html
#33
Lexus will need to really come out with a distinct design and exclusive features in the 7 ES to keep buyers away from the other luxury brand competitors who want that separation.
#34
future ES = sedan midsizer vs 5 series/ E class/ A6 = functionality and sales numbers
future GS = 4 door midsize Grancoupe vs 6 series GC/CLS/A7 = style + sportiness and aimed towards motoring enthusiasts
#36
They can only be made bec they are based on the high volume 5series, Eclass, A6 etc.
You can't justify the engineering cost to sell a $60k car at 500units per month.
#37
#38
#39
#40
From the Japanese domestic market JDM point of view, in truth, the Lexus GS line is already a sporty four door gran coupe, and in some generations more than others, especially the 3GS from 2005-12 which was low and swoopy, because Japanese drivers have the choice between the more luxurious Toyota Crown which sells around 40,000 units/year last year with as much as 82,000 units/year back in 2013 in Japan, and 30,000 units last year with as much as 53,000 units/year back in 2007 in China, or the more sporty Lexus GS which only sells only up to 9,000 units/year at best back in 2007 within Japan.
However, from export markets point of view, only the Lexus GS is offered for export, such that they had to make the 4GS taller, boxier and more practical.
On the other hand, TMC has another export model called the ES which can be sold as the more mainstream practical model with more interior space and a softer ride, but many export markets around the world eg Europe does NOT have access to Lexus ES sales.
So it is somewhat complicated, depending on which models are available in which country.
Which method is better is anyone's guess?
The German's simple method of having a mainstream sedan E Class, 5 Series and A6, and a four door gran coupe in the CLS, 6 Series and A7 Sportback?
Or Toyota Motor Corporation's complex method of having:
Lexus ES that is Avalon-based transverse mounted engine FWD/AWD, and limited sales to only certain parts of the world.
Toyota Mark X [1/2 size smaller] assembled in RHD in Japan, and assembled in LHD in China.
Toyota Crown luxury variant, assembled in RHD in Japan, and assembled in LHD in China.
Lexus GS sporty variant assembled in Japan in both RHD & LHD, and sold all over the world.
2008-12 Toyota Crown
2005-12 Lexus GS as 4 door gran coupe???
2012-18 Toyota Crown
2012-19 Lexus GS
Last edited by peteharvey; 08-04-17 at 02:47 PM.
#42
I honestly doubt that anyone would miss the GS or even notice it's absence if Lexus decides to cancel it.
#43
A tough assessment - But accurate.
#44
Thinking globally :
Toyota Crown targets 5 series/E class/A6 as the luxury midsize family hauler except that role will taken over by the new ES in North America.
Lexus GS, " based on" the high volume selling Crown platform can now be freed to pursue stylishness and sportiness while ES and Crown act as the midsize volume sellers in US and Japan respectively.