Automotive News has published a report detailing what seems to be Lexus’ entire future manufacturing plans, though it’s unclear as to the source of this information. Regardless, allow me to summarize:
- The LF-A, or the “LF-1″ as its referred to in the article, has been pushed back yet again due to the performance-to-cost ratio and the slumping global economy. The supercar is now looking at a 2010 release, which means there will be a need for significant restyling on top of the performance reworking.
- The rumored GS-F has been put on hold due to the economy and rising concern about oil prices. The GS is expected to be redesigned in 2011.
- The non-hybrid LS 460 will be getting AWD as an option in 2010, with a redesign following in 2013.
- The dedicated hybrid getting so much press will indeed be different from the Toyota Prius, though it will be a small 4-cylinder sedan. It’s expected to be released in early 2010.
- The ES will be redesigned for 2011, and will be offered with the hybrid engine currently in the RX 400h.
- There will be a RAV4-sized Lexus offered in Europe & Japan, and will be brought to North America in 2013.
- Next year will see the introduction of the new RX, and with RX 430h, RX 440h and RX 450h recently trademarked by Lexus, it looks as though the hybrid version will be getting more power. No third row will be offered.
- The 4Runner-based GX may be replaced by seven-seat crossover built on the GS platform, depending on consumer SUV demand.
If that seems like a lot of information to process, that’s because it is. It’ll take some time to process, but it really seems like Lexus is slowing down the pace. It’s possible there’s a wait-and-see position as the company watches how the new RX and coupe/convertible IS are received. There’s obviously some fairly extensive re-evaluating happening…
[Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)] (Thanks Jarrett!)