Lexus learns from BMW example, plans to make more changes, more often to lineup
02-02-05, 10:37 AM
#1
Speaks French in Russian
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Lexus learns from BMW example, plans to make more changes, more often to lineup
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Lexus executives are admitting they can learn something from BMW.
Typically, when Lexus redesigns a vehicle, it makes changes to the sheet metal and upgrades the engine simultaneously. BMW, on the other hand, alternates the timing of sheet metal and powertrain changes. That way, there always is something relatively new about the vehicle.
Lexus executives have taken note of this approach and will apply it where possible, said Lexus General Manager Denny Clements at a press event here.
"We don't need to do everything at once," Clements said. "We should have something newsworthy every year, and not just the paint color and headliner."
The new approach will be applied first to the redesigned 2006 Lexus GS sedan. At launch, it will use a carryover 4.3-liter V-8 engine, as well as a new 3.0-liter V-6 base engine. But Toyota has applied for trademarks for the names "GS 460" and "GS 350," which could indicate midcycle displacement increases.
"We want to keep our cars relevant, fresh and exciting, not just alive," said Andrew Coetzee, vice president of product planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "We are not going to let our powertrains just sit on the shelf."
The changes may not happen at typical times, either. In the case of the ES 330 sedan, Lexus waited just 18 months from the launch of the ES 300 to replace the engine.
Lexus also is looking at off-the-shelf technology to add every model year.
Said Clements: "If I can get a five-speed automatic up to a six-speed or can get all-wheel drive or a derivative, then I'll get it."
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101705
Typically, when Lexus redesigns a vehicle, it makes changes to the sheet metal and upgrades the engine simultaneously. BMW, on the other hand, alternates the timing of sheet metal and powertrain changes. That way, there always is something relatively new about the vehicle.
Lexus executives have taken note of this approach and will apply it where possible, said Lexus General Manager Denny Clements at a press event here.
"We don't need to do everything at once," Clements said. "We should have something newsworthy every year, and not just the paint color and headliner."
The new approach will be applied first to the redesigned 2006 Lexus GS sedan. At launch, it will use a carryover 4.3-liter V-8 engine, as well as a new 3.0-liter V-6 base engine. But Toyota has applied for trademarks for the names "GS 460" and "GS 350," which could indicate midcycle displacement increases.
"We want to keep our cars relevant, fresh and exciting, not just alive," said Andrew Coetzee, vice president of product planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "We are not going to let our powertrains just sit on the shelf."
The changes may not happen at typical times, either. In the case of the ES 330 sedan, Lexus waited just 18 months from the launch of the ES 300 to replace the engine.
Lexus also is looking at off-the-shelf technology to add every model year.
Said Clements: "If I can get a five-speed automatic up to a six-speed or can get all-wheel drive or a derivative, then I'll get it."
http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101705
02-02-05, 10:38 AM
#2
Speaks French in Russian
Thread Starter
I guess it all makes sense on why we are getting a GS300 first then a GS350 and 460. Good idea I guess, but it really sucks for those who bought the previous model year cars. Maybe we have hope for a AWD GS460???!!!
02-02-05, 10:39 AM
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Lexus learns from BMW? GS460 & 350
the following was taken from a news article from Autoweek.com
Lexus learns from BMW example, plans to make more changes, more often to lineup
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 2/2/05
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Lexus executives are admitting they can learn something from BMW.
Typically, when Lexus redesigns a vehicle, it makes changes to the sheet metal and upgrades the engine simultaneously. BMW, on the other hand, alternates the timing of sheet metal and powertrain changes. That way, there always is something relatively new about the vehicle.
Lexus executives have taken note of this approach and will apply it where possible, said Lexus General Manager Denny Clements at a press event here.
"We don't need to do everything at once," Clements said. "We should have something newsworthy every year, and not just the paint color and headliner."
The new approach will be applied first to the redesigned 2006 Lexus GS sedan. At launch, it will use a carryover 4.3-liter V-8 engine, as well as a new 3.0-liter V-6 base engine. But Toyota has applied for trademarks for the names "GS 460" and "GS 350," which could indicate midcycle displacement increases.
"We want to keep our cars relevant, fresh and exciting, not just alive," said Andrew Coetzee, vice president of product planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "We are not going to let our powertrains just sit on the shelf."
The changes may not happen at typical times, either. In the case of the ES 330 sedan, Lexus waited just 18 months from the launch of the ES 300 to replace the engine.
Lexus also is looking at off-the-shelf technology to add every model year.
Said Clements: "If I can get a five-speed automatic up to a six-speed or can get all-wheel drive or a derivative, then I'll get it."
Lexus learns from BMW example, plans to make more changes, more often to lineup
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 2/2/05
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- Lexus executives are admitting they can learn something from BMW.
Typically, when Lexus redesigns a vehicle, it makes changes to the sheet metal and upgrades the engine simultaneously. BMW, on the other hand, alternates the timing of sheet metal and powertrain changes. That way, there always is something relatively new about the vehicle.
Lexus executives have taken note of this approach and will apply it where possible, said Lexus General Manager Denny Clements at a press event here.
"We don't need to do everything at once," Clements said. "We should have something newsworthy every year, and not just the paint color and headliner."
The new approach will be applied first to the redesigned 2006 Lexus GS sedan. At launch, it will use a carryover 4.3-liter V-8 engine, as well as a new 3.0-liter V-6 base engine. But Toyota has applied for trademarks for the names "GS 460" and "GS 350," which could indicate midcycle displacement increases.
"We want to keep our cars relevant, fresh and exciting, not just alive," said Andrew Coetzee, vice president of product planning for Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "We are not going to let our powertrains just sit on the shelf."
The changes may not happen at typical times, either. In the case of the ES 330 sedan, Lexus waited just 18 months from the launch of the ES 300 to replace the engine.
Lexus also is looking at off-the-shelf technology to add every model year.
Said Clements: "If I can get a five-speed automatic up to a six-speed or can get all-wheel drive or a derivative, then I'll get it."
02-02-05, 11:05 AM
#4
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Yes, that is what we are speculating. As Lexus wants to continue to grow and become more of a Big 3 Powerhouse. The BMWs in Europe for example, have countless models. The 3 series has 28 varients, the 5 maybe 15 varients. Other German companies are the same, something for everyone.
Lexus can do it. Toyota replaced a Euro only model after only 13 months on the market!! I year!! The car they designed was pretty much a failure for the Euro MAV market, they did a groupd up redesign and its now ranked #1. Costly, yes, very costly but not as costly as waiting 5 years to replace something that will destroy your marque.
The world auto market is getting more global and people want change. Technology is improving where change can happen sooner. Look at Porsche. The original 911 was around 30 years, the 993 came, the 996 came and the 997 is here. You can't stay stagnant too long or you will drown.
Lexus can do it. Toyota replaced a Euro only model after only 13 months on the market!! I year!! The car they designed was pretty much a failure for the Euro MAV market, they did a groupd up redesign and its now ranked #1. Costly, yes, very costly but not as costly as waiting 5 years to replace something that will destroy your marque.
The world auto market is getting more global and people want change. Technology is improving where change can happen sooner. Look at Porsche. The original 911 was around 30 years, the 993 came, the 996 came and the 997 is here. You can't stay stagnant too long or you will drown.
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02-02-05, 05:35 PM
#9
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I copied this here since this explains a lot of the reason for us getting the 3.0 when Japan has the 3.5.
THe BMW 545 becomes the 550 next year for example. The E320 becomes E350 this year. This is a good strategy for Lexus. The GS 300 has been the GS 300 for the past 13 years (since 1993) and the GS 400 came from 98-00 and GS 430 01-present.
THe BMW 545 becomes the 550 next year for example. The E320 becomes E350 this year. This is a good strategy for Lexus. The GS 300 has been the GS 300 for the past 13 years (since 1993) and the GS 400 came from 98-00 and GS 430 01-present.
02-04-05, 11:34 AM
#10
Instructor
That's why I will wait until the GS460 comes out to make my new car purchase. I figure its worth waiting for the 4.6 liter which should hopefully be out in 2006. I really had my heart set on the new LS but I dont know about you guys but the 3rd gen GS is really growing on me. I am really looking forward to see it in person.
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