jruhi4

Actually, there is one other significant post-CT trademark filing: TX. That one was filed by Toyota corporate without specifying a marketing division and without a follow-up number, so it could theoretically be going to Scion.

My gut feeling, however, is that it's earmarked for Lexus, and that it's meant for the small, RAV4-derived crossover. I agree with many of you that Lexus shouldn't really build this, but, from what I've read, Lexus Europe is clamoring for a sub-RX SUV crossover. A TX 250, for example, may well wind up being a Europe-only model, just like the early years of the 1st-gen IS, or as CT may wind up if the official Lexus survey feedback is mostly negative about bringing it to the U.S.

Dave600hL

Unfortunately I believe all the LFA's in Japan will be sold before they are released.

But it does look promising for the future of lexus, I am certainly hoping they come out with a super luxury sedan that will completely top the LS600 and with the LFA selling like they will ,I don't see why they can't make an ultra luxury model that has a bit more size to it even if it is a lot more expensive.

(Cj)

You're probably right that the TX is designated for Lexus (Scion's nomenclature doesn't have any "X" suffixes). If the "TX" is based on the Rav4 I don't see much potential for it in the US. The Rav4 has a V6 with up to 270hp so, the Lexus version would have to be more powerful, but then at that point the "TX" would be as powerful as the RX and could cannibalize the RX. The TX could be based on the IS, though, and sold globally. It would at that point be somewhat of a replacement for the old IS sport cross.

jruhi4

I totally agree that this would make TX more enthusiast-friendly (and a more direct rival to BMW's upcoming X1, X3 and Mercedes' GLK), yet every rumor I've read over the years speak in terms of a Lexus "cute-ute" being a RAV4 derivative. Perhaps TX would be derived from the shorter 5-seater/2-row RAV4 more prevalent in other world markets, and not the North America and Japan-only (as the Toyota Vanguard) stretch 7-seater. This would follow the Lexus RX/Toyota Highlander pattern of making the Lexus variant a shorter 5-seater and the Toyota a longer 7-seater.

As far as a SportCross replacement, rumor has it that the 3rd-gen Lexus IS will have a sportwagon variant...

LexFather

If Lexus feels the cute ute market will explode....then a TX might come...for now the sales are not supporting entering the segment....

Another thought is the next 4RX might get bigger and gain a 3rd row and then the TX is brought around the same size as the 1RX.

In Europe believe it or not, SUV sales are exploding and saloon (sedan) sales are getting hurt b/c of it. A TX 250h might fit the bill

(Cj)

I know, every rumor about the "sub-RX" has always referred to the Rav4 being the base for it, but maybe Lexus will do something special. The fullsize LF-X crossover concept was based on the RWD GS platform, so maybe the sub-RX will be similar to that. Since it'll be mainly for the European market it should be more on the sporty side versus the comfort luxury side. Plus the RWD dynamics would be a huge differentiation between it and the RX.

I would be very surprised if the next gen IS has a sportwagon variant, but it's possible, since sportwagons still sell well in Europe. You know what, I think an AWD ES wagon with sport package would be kinda cool . It'd be a nice way to expand the ES line, too

MR_F1

An IS Sport cross would certainly fill the space of any "sub rx" crossover no?

For Europe it is totally appropriate, US not so much. Lexus also have less models in the EU than in the US. The 4RX def need not get bigger.

encore888

Thx for sharing the info about the TX...possibly the first Lexus to share the abbreviation with a US state... ...vs. the talked about JX, VX...although CT (hmm, Connecticut) shows the "T" letter being added to the lexicon.

Hearing the RAV4 connection makes me a bit fearful of what this vehicle would look like, but given how the LF-Ch went past forecasts of a very Toyota-esque design, and had its own L-finesse look, I'm hoping that should they go this route, such a model will be as unique, not Sai/HS 250h similar.

FisforFast

I personally think the statements coming from Mr. Templin concerning the LFA are very arrogant. This isn't typical Lexus behavior... I believe it will come back to haunt them.

encore888

http://wot.motortrend.com/6583150/au...for/index.html

90 out of 150 of the US allocation for the LFA have been already taken up, according to MT.