Lexus LS-F News!
Looks like the rumor of an Lexus LS-F is growing some legs — Last week, I reported the possibility that an F-Sport variant of the Lexus flagship could be released in 2009, and now Autoblog has “confirmed” the speculation, along with some bonus IS-F sales news:
Hirokazu Koga, general manager of the Lexus Development Center and one of the men behind the IS F, told Autoblog that if the automaker goes forward with plans to create a GS F, an LS F could be in the cards.
According to two Lexus execs we spoke to, the IS F outsold both the Mercedes-Benz C63 and BMW M3 Sedan last month (we can’t confirm, since Lexus doesn’t break down sales of the IS by model), but if consumers are accepting the idea of a high-performance Lexus, than other models will surely follow.
The information from last week was much more specific, but one thing I found interesting was Hirokazu Koga suggesting the LS-F would be released depending on the GS-F’s success. In my mind, going forward with an F-variant on the current GS doesn’t really make a whole lot of sense, considering it’s the oldest L-Finesse model and, more importantly, it’s not selling very well. In that regard, an LS-F makes a lot more sense, particularly if the other rumor of a 2009 model facelift is true.
As for the IS-F outselling both the Mercedes C63 and BMW M3 sedan last month — that would certainly justify the renewed push to increase the F-model variants.
[Source: Autoblog]
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I’m really glad that the IS F is doing really well.
Damn…the auto market is as unpredictable as the stock market.
And three cheers for the LS F!!!
Interesting, I’m wondering about the timing…say LF-A (or whatever they end up calling it) in 2009 as a 2010 model…then GS-F is most likely, then as mentioned, the LS-F But would that mean waiting till the new generation GS? Since the current GS came out in 2005 as a 2006 model, IIRC…a five year cycle or longer?
As for the LS-F, if the IS-F has a V8, the GS-F has a V10, the LS-F has a V12??? I’m guessing LS 460 SWB only…
...and would there be room for an F-Sport package somewhere or a full-blown F model?
The GS-F makes the most sense out of any of them. Think of it as an M5. The GS doesn’t sell all that well because it has been out for a while and it doesn’t cost a lot more than an ES so for most people that don’t want the sport feeling they go with the ES. We bought the 2007 GS350 and it’s amazing! The 350 has so much power (compared to my 1996 ES300 obviously) and i cant imagine the GS460 and now a GS-F! I think the -F variant of the GS would boost some sales.
Yes the GS is the oldest design, it pretty much started this look, but i cant see an update any time soon. Maybe for the 2012 year but right now all the cars and SUVs share the same look. They have to be careful not to add any new looks that would need to change the entire model line again. Right now it all looks very nice, their recent update with the extra chrome and turn signals in the mirrors made it look very nice and that model design will last for a while.
i think Lexus won’t have problems as other automakers during this economic crisis. People buy their cars because each ride is really well designed and has a great quality/price ratio. I think the GS-F would be interesting to see.
Even though marketing the LS F in only the SWB might make it a whole lot easier for the LS, I think it’s a big gamble when people begin to realize that the S63 and S65 are all LWB (in the US), which means that they’re a whole lot more spacious, not just a little.
I’m pretty sure that a LWB LS F would get the attention of many LS potentials simply looking for a whole lot of extra power.
Btw, could it be for marketing reasons that the GS 460’s engine isn’t as innovative, powerful, and efficient as the IS 350, GS 350, and LS 460? Is it ‘cause the new GS is about to come out and they want to boast out new figures? It better be that way since worrying that a more powerful or faster GS might make the LS look bad is a dumb idea.
i want them to bring back the IS Wagon. Wont happen seeing it be in the same price range as the RX
Good point on the power + LWB combination. Why the GS 460 is at 342 hp is a mystery…and a GS-F sounds quite interesting. But it’s true, as tyler says, the ES sells even more and it’s only one model (ES 350). Actually it’s the GS that has had more variants than all current Lexus models, GS 300/350/430/450h/460…
LX-F would be funny and probably sell well
If I recall correctly, the GS 460 engine is actually a detuned LS 460, for whatever reason.
As for SWB vs. LWB, I wouldn’t be surprised to see both as available options. One thing to consider is that the 600hL is only available in North America as a LWB, so I think the SWB needs this F-Sport variant more.
(And the fact that there’s so many variations on the GS was one of the most confusing aspects when I was building the Lexus Database.)
The GS does have a long generation cycle traditionally, but I have strong doubts that the 2G ever sold as poorly as the current gen.
If I were designing the next-gen GS, I would focus on the overall shape, particularly the rear. From certain angles, the vehicle looks bloated, and could definitely use some slimming down. In fact, a good comparison would be the new RX, not revolutionary but evolutionary.
Of course, the only problem with this is that Jaguar has already taken the GS design to the next level…
I miss the IS wago as well, though I can’t see it suiting any of the current models.
the jaguar looks small and whimpy compared to the GS. I agree though that if anything is changed on the GS it will be more like the recent RX where there isn’t a huge change but some new angels and some more technology on the inside. Right now the GS is doing fine the way it looks. Lexus needs to concentrate on the next GX and finally remove the stupid 4 wheel drive shifter, that thing is huge and ridiculous. After that they need to start working on an ES hybrid and start moving away from gas only models. Having an entire lineup of hybrids would be great for the company, then they could begin moving towards an all hybrid brand until they have the technology to go with something like hydrogen.
Krew are you suggesting a LWB of the GS? That to me would be a very strange car.
Maybe instead of a GS-f they could just put some more horsepower into the GS460 and fine tune the engine a little more. But a GS-F to compete against the AMG E class and M5 would be so interesting. I just can’t imagine how much power that thing would have, based on the GS350 we have that thing is a monster and a GS-f would be amazing!
What I’m waiting for is for them to turn the LF-X (the newest image that we have) into a production car to compete against something like the Porsche Cayenne. Basically a performance SUV
Sorry Tyler, should have been clearer—I was referring the reported LS-F model. You’re right that would be a strange car!
I think you’re right, strategically Lexus needs to get into M5 territory—it’s a great segment. I just don’t know if the current GS is the right starting point.
Yeah! They should make an RX-F that doesn’t look like an RX but an LF-Xh instead, and the new GS should have an extremely aggressive stance.
The GS isn’t the vehicle to go conservative on.
I think it would really catch the attention of the public if Lexus actually made the RX-F an exact copy of the concept. The last time Lexus did anything like that was when they made those exclusive headlights for the LS Hybrid.
As you can see, the LF-Xh has this awkwardly strong influence on me - its designs simple yet absolutely inspirational.
Worldofluxury:
I think they would turn the LF-Xh into the rumored JX. The styling is just too different to be labeled an RX. And anyways the RX will always be the way it is, a comfortable perfect sized SUV for a small family.
A JX (LF-Xh) would be an absolutely amazing car, and change nothing (although i’m sure they would add side mirrors). Then for the GS redesign they could take a lot of design from the LF-Xh and create a new GS that would look awesome!
Think of a redesigned GS looking a lot more like the LF-S. Then they could start making the rest of the model lineup, the ES and RX will always be pretty conservative, but with the IS they really have a chance to make an amazing car, starting with a coupe with more aggressive styling.
It’s amazing to see how Lexus’ lineup has come to be!
It’s much larger now while at the same time, each model seems to have its own customers. If times were better, they’d all soar in terms of sales. Of course, many of the models are in tremendous need of an complete redesign.
More waiting then, I guess.
Ya every car in the lexus lineup has a pretty specific buyer…
RX: The small family all around SUV that’s just the right size
GX: The rich soccer mom
LX: Rich soccer dad
IS: Spoiled young boy/girl
ES: Average woman’s car who doesn’t need an SUV to haul around kids
GS: Either the average man’s car or the rich empty nester women
LS:Show off car that says “i’m old and awesome”
^LOL
Bhaha. Classic.
I think the HS 250h will reduce the immediate need for an ES hybrid, but I definitely agree that the GX has to be the primary focus. Ignoring the SC, the GX is the oldest model in the lineup. Not only that, judging from the way the LX is selling, it would probably be a huge seller.
Well, thinking about 2009, I’m assuming the following new models:
<ul>
<li>New RX/RXh</li>
<li>HS 250h</li>
<li>IS Convertible</li>
<li>LS-F</li>
<li>New GX</li>
</ul>
That’s a lot of new models, especially after 2008’s relatively slow pace.
A new GS is crucial and must fit in well with the BMW X5 and the Merc GL. The SC will probably be phased out in favor of the IS convertible, I really see no need for two convertibles, although the SC does have a larger engine.
the IS convertible will be a very interesting car and I am still surprised we have not heard any news about a coupe version of the IS to go along with the convertible, hopefully soon after. The IS is truly turning into a 3 series competitor.
As for the LS-F i’m sure you probably have more information than I do but I just can not see an LS-F before a GS-F. There is no M7, althought there is an AMG S-Class. But right now the M5 is where Lexus should concentrate, and that will mean adding paddle shifters to the GS-F (the current setup is kind of pointless). Then they can go after the LS-F, or heck do it at the same time.
I still think they have a JX in the works, a LF-Xh SUV that will compete with the Cayenne segment, a sporty SUV
I absolutely agree, the GS-F should be where the focus is—however, I really don’t see an F-sport variant on the current generation. I don’t think sales would be high enough to justify the effort.