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Future Lexus Line-up?

Posted by Kevin on September 27th, 2010

Automotive News has taken a shot at predicting the next couple years of Lexus models, let’s summarize:

  • GS: The next-generation GS will arrive in the spring of next year on a new shared platform and a longer wheelbase, while retaining the V6/V8/Hybrid powertrains. A GS-F has been prototype, but is not expected to make it to production.

    As for the styling, Automotive News says the “design of the GS will feature a long dash-to-axle ratio and a reprise of its signature stubby trunk, while the roofline will be a constant-radius swoop.”

  • IS: 2013 will see the debut of the third generation IS, which will be built on a shortened version of the GS’ shared platform.
  • LS: A redesign for the 2013 model year is expected, with a focus on reducing the weight generated by all the technology & safety features.
  • ES: Due to be redesigned as a 2012 model, the next-gen ES will be getting “more angular and active styling”, and may be offered in a hybrid.
  • HSh: Should the Prius receive a lithium battery pack in 2012, the HSh should follow.
  • SC: The next-generation SC will not be offered as a convertible.
  • LFA: A roadster version of the Lexus supercar could appear in 2014.

Most of these predictions summarize current rumors, with a few twists: No GS-F would be a disappointment, but the on-off nature of this V10 super-sedan means there’s no way to know for sure, just as there’s no way to guess if a LFA roadster will ever make it into production.

Also mentioned is the possibility of a brand new model:

VX: A seven-seat, car-based large crossover above the RX 350 is possible. Owners have told Lexus that towing is not as important as driveability and seating capacity. Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform.

With the RX straddling the line between small & large crossover classes, it’s hard to predict which side of the equation a new model would come up on. A large 7-seater may very well be in the works, but what about a smaller version of the RX instead?

[Source: Autoweek] (Thanks Oranji!)

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Comments
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    Wunko
  • September 27, 2010
Sounds reasonable for predictions. I cannot wait! The future looks good, but I don' have the pateience to wait for the next-gen IS or GS so I'm still looking at the 2011 IS...8-)
L
"Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform." Just-no. Please don't. As for the GS-F. Please do.
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    James
  • September 27, 2010
I can't see that I believe any of this. I honestly don't believe that Lexus would spend millions of dollars on building a halo car like the LFA and focusing so much on performance if they didn't have plans to expand the F-range. I'm fairly certain that we will see a GS F along with the next generation GS. I also don't think we'll see a LFA roadster either. Hasn't Lexus even said before that the LFA roadster will not make it to production? I hope it does, but I do think that's unlikely. I'm not sure what to say about the "VX", other than I hope we're not looking at a R-class competitor. I know they said crossover and not van, but keep in mind Merc also calls their minivan a "crossover". Also, I can't see any X6 competitor being able to seat 7 people. The rest of the information seems to be pretty reasonable. However, it's not like that's anything too hard to predict anyways. All you have to do is look at the tradition production cycle of the model and see when the current generation was introduced.
J
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    James
  • September 27, 2010
After actually reading the whole article, are they really suggesting that Lexus plans on replacing the SC with the IS C? Those cars are in totally different markets, I don't believe it for a second.
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    James
  • September 27, 2010
In my previous comment, I meant to say segments, not markets.
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    WorldofLuxury
  • September 27, 2010
Nice, but only keeping us a little too optimistic? Maybe? aha
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    Hube
  • September 27, 2010
Lexus should keep their eyes on the Evogue. This is a segment that may surprise us all. As For a X6 competitor, go 4 it! The X6 is one special car that looks quite scary in your rear mirror. I am sure there is a market for it. Although it would make sense to start with a model below the RX.
J
  • J
    JVX
  • September 27, 2010
The current LFA should look like that red concept LFA coupe above. It looks so stylish and exotic. It looks like a complete face change going from concept to production. I also like the X6 in terms of look. Very bold, sporty, and aggressive. Gotta love those gi-normous tires. Lexus should go for a similar platform. We need a hungrier and beefier RX.
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    WorldofLuxury
  • September 28, 2010
@JVX: The concept is very nice. If you see it in person, you'd notice its amazing curves that photos can't capture - the front wheel arches themselves are wonders to me. Still, the concept and the production models are like apples and oranges. I like the production version - it's aggressive, it's unpredictable, it's just awesome. With that said, an updated version of the red, topless LFA concept would certainly be the perfect design for the convertible LFA. It would be nice if Lexus gave the convertible a nice glass roof with a special fold-down mechanism and up the power of the engine and stiffen up the chassis to make it that much more special. It'd be like: "Want a true enthusiast's sportscar? Get the coupe. Want an amazing supercar? Get the convertible."
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    ThaDRD
  • September 28, 2010
Third generation IS better have a coupe offering (beside the the convertible).
E
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    Eljay
  • September 28, 2010
As always with future model rumours;all must be taken with a grain of salt or two. Personal hopes are:compact 4wd crossover and either a sportier SC or an entirely new two door sports car with IS-F engine and gearbox to compete with 911,V8 Vantage etc.
E
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    Eljay
  • September 28, 2010
Oh,and needless to say:the prospect of a roadster LFA is the best motivation imaginable for buying a lotto ticket! :-D
C
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    Clode
  • September 28, 2010
www.ct200h.it
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    James
  • September 28, 2010
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/top-gear-drives-the-lexus-ct200h
J
  • J
    JVX
  • September 28, 2010
@WorldofLuxury: I guess I fell in love with the concept when it debut at the auto show a few years back. It got stuck in my head. So when the production LFA came out, I was a little shock of the make-over, but nevertheless, it still a great looking beast. Yes, a top-less roadster would be the ultimate enthusiast car, but I doubt Lexus will make one too soon. If I were those lucky 500 owners, I would feel like I just got robbed. @Eljay: On taking these future models as a grain of salt or two. This actually make it more exciting; something to look forward each day; hoping to win that lottery.
E
  • E
    Eljay
  • September 28, 2010
JVX wrote:@WorldofLuxury:I guess I fell in love with the concept when it debut at the auto show a few years back. It got stuck in my head. So when the production LFA came out, I was a little shock of the make-over, but nevertheless, it still a great looking beast. Yes, a top-less roadster would be the ultimate enthusiast car, but I doubt Lexus will make one too soon. If I were those lucky 500 owners, I would feel like I just got robbed. @Eljay:On taking these future models as a grain of salt or two. This actually make it more exciting; something to look forward each day; hoping to win that lottery.
Oh,I agree.I love guessing,speculating and hoping.The Toyota Motor Corporation has been very secretive about future products for as long as I can recall,and I do enjoy the mystery. I like trying do deduce future products based on market trends and such,but I'd never put any money on it.Several media sources practically guaranteed the Allessandro Volta concept would enter production,but of course it didn't. Shame too,it was a such a feast for the eyes! :-)
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    SEAL
  • September 28, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ7I59O6tjA
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    Rusty
  • September 28, 2010
Lexus doesn't want to gild the Golden Goose, so I see why they don't really want to make a smaller RX They are selling 90k a year, and are making a small fortune on it. The redesigned Rav4 coming next year might give them a way to make a nice profit, and a strong offering, maybe even Tesla Electric? The HPX concept was bad-ass, and making a bigger RX would get rid of the GX stop-gap once and for all, and replace it with a better, more fuel-efficient, roomier vehicle. I fully expect the GX to be gone by 2015. The GS-F is rumored to be targeted at 3500 lbs, with the IS-F modified V8 coming with 450+ HP. If you keep weight that low, you don't need to challenge CTS-V and the V10 from BMW. You'll get similar performance, and better EPA Hopefully Lexus goes GS350, GS450h, and GS-F, all at much lower weight than the 2-ton competition. Rusty8-)
J
  • J
    JVX
  • September 28, 2010
I wonder what's the next IS be called? My guess would be IS330, IS400 and probably an IS300h.
F
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    FreeSpirit
  • September 29, 2010
my comment on that stuff let's make it by model 1)VX: for me long waited but from my view it must be X6,ZDX competitor a true High Performance 4 door Coupe CUV and about the 7-seats SUV make it RX-L 2)CT: that article didn't say anything about it the prius 'll go lithium so HS and must also the CT (+) where is the CT variant the CT must have a small CUV, Caprio, Coupe & Sedan Variant to help it compete well in Europe with 308,C4,MEGAN,1-SEIRES,A3 3)HS/IS: i think that it 'll got a major Re-styling in the lines of the CT as a 4 doors CT but with a lil larger body on the IS and after all rumored i think it 'll have stand alone Coupe variant , with a Cabriolet Variant , not sure Hardtop or Softop both aside the Sedan which 'll look more as 4-doors coupe left the total sedan bodystyle to the HS & the Station wagen ((Sport-Cross)) which i guess we 'll see it with style looks like the 5Series -GT not a typical Estate 4)ES/GS: for the ES it 'll come totally hybrid no model 'll contain ECI alone and for GS i think it 'll got the same variant as the IS which is Sedan look more towards 4-doors sedan style to leave the space to the ES to look somehow sporty also it 'll regain it's originl first generatio lenght as 4900mm , Coupe , Cabriolet (which iam sure it 'll be Softtop) , Sport-Cross to compete well in europe & finally the VX , the GS also as we 'll see its first generation Sport-Cross we 'll also see its first generation Diesel engine also with the first generation GS-F most likely from my view 5)LS/SC: really donno i have no idea about it's style but am sure 'll be more sporty may be looks more as 4-doors coupe and it 'll get a coupe & cabriolet body styles as the NG-SC 6)LFA caprio may be and that 'll enter some money to the cost of it even i think they already started to design it's second generation 'll not be limited and it's price 'll drop to even 150,000 - 200,000 price tag that's it hope AKIO donna make me sad and make that line up
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    Eljay
  • October 1, 2010
I see the 2011 RX450h gets an optional panoramic glass roof and a couple of new colours.
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    WorldofLuxury
  • October 1, 2010
@Eljay: really? nice although it couldn't have been too much trouble since the option is available everywhere else. I suppose a couple dealers will order them, show them off in the showroom, struggle to sell it... lol jk But of course, the option will probably be available only through order.
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    Eljay
  • October 1, 2010
It's an option on the "Premier" trim level here in Norway.

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