jruhi4

I highly doubt we'll be seeing this in North America, but it seems to make some sense for other markets. Here's the article:

Lexus LS flagship may get baseline V6 engine
PaulTan.org

Sources say Lexus will most likely add a baseline V6 model to its flagship Lexus LS range, in line with recessive market trends as well as expected benefits to the company’s overall CAFE ratings. This could happen when Lexus unveils the facelift for the LS, which would be due anytime soon as it was launched in the year 2007. A Lexus LS 350 could be powered by the 2GR-FSE 3.5 liter V6 engine incorporating Toyota D4-S twin injection technology, which combines port injection with direct injection. It produces 315 PS and 377Nm of torque, which puts it somewhere in line with the F01/F02 BMW 740i.

The LS is currently only offered in LS 460 and LS 600h variants. Both are V8s with a 4.6 liter and 5.0 liter engine respectively, the latter also equipped with a high-output electric motor and a NiMH battery pack. In Malaysia in particular where only the LS 460 and LS 460L are sold, the LS is burdened with high road tax costs, and a LS 350 could help boost LS market share with the private buyer “entry level” owners.

Don’t expect anything lower than this at the moment though, as the LS doesn’t have the kind of volumes in 3rd world countries to warrant something like the 730i (yet to be released with the F01/F02 but is said to be a work in progress) or the S300.

http://paultan.org/archives/2009/01/...ine-v6-engine/

encore888

Interesting idea, and as some countries tax based on engine size/displacement, this might be useful to offer a smaller-engined version in line with the Euros.

The LS sold 71,760 globally in 2007, slightly under half that in the U.S.; taking the #2 spot globally in flagship sales; the S-Class sold 85,500 globally in 2007, and that includes S 350s, etc.

Gojirra99

LS350 would be good for Europe/Asia/rest of the world, but probably not for USA.

I won't be surprised if Lexus Canada decides to bring this to Canada though if they indeed make a LS350, as Canadians are more price conscious ... We have Mercedes S450, C230, E280, BMW 323i, etc., available in Canada.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

what i think, maybe good for other regions, US, i am not sure

rcf8000

I think there would be a market for an LS350. Performance should be comparable to an LS430, which is certainly adequate for most buyers. And it would be an attractive alternative to the GS350, which has a cramped interior and sub-par trunk space.

CEOEngr

But LS460 must lose some weight to have sort of a zip. Especially for ingress and egress of the motorways in europe.

KILLERGS4

short wheelbase only IMO

george1688

LWB is a must in South East Asia especially Singapore. Mercedes stopped importing the S-Class SWB because it wasn't popular. The previous gen BMW 730i was only available through indent basis while the 730Li were selling like crazy.