Lexus Future Model Timeline?

Posted by Kevin on July 29th, 2014

Mark Rechtin at Automotive News has attempted to piece together the timeline for future Lexus vehicles, along with the changes that could accompany these new models.

Here’s a summary — be prepared, it’s a heavy mix of dates and unverified information:

CT: It may be spring 2017 before a new CT, as the model shares components with the delayed next-generation Prius.

IS: A midcycle change in mid-2016 could bring the 2.0L turbo just introduced with the NX compact crossover mated with a eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The IS-C coupe will be discontinued due to the RC coupe.

ES: Redesign could arrive in summer 2017 with the 2.0L turbo as the base engine.

GS: The GS-F high-performance sedan will be introduced in 2015 with the same 460-hp V-8 as the RC-F. The 2.0L turbo could join the lineup.

LS: The LS redesign will be introduced in summer 2017 with an updated V-8 engine, and will be focused on performance.

RC: A concept RC convertible will appear by spring 2016.

LF-LC: The production coupe will arrive in early 2017, and will share considerable underpinnings with the upcoming Toyota being co-developed with BMW.

RX: Lexus will be introducing the new RX in fall 2015, and will remain a five-seat crossover and will likely will be unveiled at the 2015 New York auto show.

TX: The TX nameplate has been trademarked in the U.S. and is expected to be used for a seven-seat crossover. Rechtin believes it will go on sale in late 2016.

GX: The GX will survive in the lineup, with the next-generation model coming in spring 2017.

LX: The seven-year old SUV will remain unchanged until at least 2016.

Please note that all of this information is unverified and written by Mark Rechtin of Automotive News.

With this kind of article, it’s difficult to separate the plausible from the impossible — the CT, LS, GS and RX predictions seem realistic, but the dates given for the RC convertible, TX crossover and redesigned ES all look very optimistic to me.

[Source: Automotive News]

Comments

D
DDas
July 29, 2014

Wow! I love all of this! I love how he mentioned the GSF coming soon. I am a little sad that the ISF was not mentioned at all (he didnt even mention that it would be discontinued). I am glad that the GX will survive and LX could be redesigned by 2016. The RX staying a five seater, in my opinion, is a good move. The TX will a great addition too. I am also beyond excited for the LFLC production model! The only thing I didn't like was how late the LS will be receiving a redesign...is that just me?

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LexusNN
July 29, 2014

The isf was discontinued in March/April. The GSF needs a lot more power, the LS will be amazing but needs to come sooner.

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RAL
July 29, 2014

If the LS prediction is true (three more years to wait) it means the current model will be almost eleven years old before the total redesign! And Lexus officials have said they are not concerned sales are already declining?!!! If the new model is performance oriented, it need not be to the sacrifice of the luxury loyal buyers expect. I think BlackDynamite is correct, there needs to be both Luxury and Sport suspensions . . . unless Lexus can integrate both. Hmmm . . . Tesla seems to have achieved performance and luxury in the Model S, although I think the interior of the S is a bit spartan compared to what LS owners expect. As I have read, Akio and Elon Musk's relationship is more than just an acquaintance. Someone else on this site recently reported a collaboration with Tesla regarding the new LS . . . interesting.

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leopard08
July 30, 2014

yes that what i heard, there is a collaboration with tesla and the LS

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AstonMartin
July 30, 2014

Thanks for the comment RAL. I love both the Telsa Model S and and the Lexus LS however I too find the Model S a bot spartan when it comes to the luxury aspect - its comfortable yet not inviting - tech driven (love that) however not that relaxing place you want to be after work or on a long drive (See MT Head to Head video comparo Model S vs S550). This shift in direction by Lexus to meld sport, luxury, high output performance, technology and hybrid/electric efficiency through a strategic partnership with Tesla is very compelling and has my attention. If Lexus can carve its own lane in the marketplace with an all new LS that has attractive styling it will be competitive in the marketplace versus a S Class, 7 Series, A8 and upcoming Cadillac LTS flagship. If Lexus were to develop a system like Magic Body Control/Magnetic Ride (MB/Cadillac) that would solve the ride quality concern. Too bad we all have to wait until 2017 to see the nex gen LS but the mere potential has my attention. I hope some sketches are posted soon to ease that wait.

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RAL
July 30, 2014

Thanks . . . Always appreciate your comments. Hadn't heard of the LTS. Cadillac is really determined. Yes, oh for a legitimate sketch of the coming LS . . .

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AstonMartin
July 30, 2014

The LTS will be based upon the beautiful Cadillac Elmiraj concept coupe. The upper tier of the marketplace is really heating up.

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RAL
July 31, 2014

The LF-XH was truly next generation L-Finese. We will replace our RX in three years and I'm holding my breath because styling has come off the rails . . . hopefully the pendulum will begin to swing back when this polarizing spindle starts to lose lustre. Sadly the next RX is already set . . . and I can only hope the spindle will be refined as models are refreshed.

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Carmaker1
August 3, 2014

No it wasn't next generation L-Finesse, that's truly subjective. The LF-Xh was based on the MY2010 RX design, that had been approved in late 2006. The AL10 inspired the 2007 Xh concept, which may have included future elements not previously incorporated in the yet-to-be released 2010 RX. The current generation RX was one of the last Lexus models to adopt L-finesse (initiated in 2001, after 2004 RX design was finished), before the spindle design cue focus from 2008 (see CT). The late adopters of Gen 1 L-finesse are likely a design language bridge gap.

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Lexus Cohen
July 29, 2014

They did something similar to the 2 IS and it's a success, they better make they new LS stand out in every aspect like the 3 IS.

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abed
July 29, 2014

if the GS-F gets just 460hp its going to be in trouble, its 100hp less than the m5, e55 etc....not good....

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tinhinnh
July 29, 2014

I think its a typoed, GS-F should be 550HP ;)

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abed
July 30, 2014

i think it will have the RCF hp+50/60hp=510/520hp, i thinks its not bad, but if it turns out to be 460hp then its a shame....

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tinhinnh
July 30, 2014

460hp would be embarrassing unless it is super lightweight. All of its competitors performance models are all in the 500+hp club.

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Levi
July 29, 2014

No IS F? :( Hope LS gets new V8 BiTurbo and not just "updated" V8.

C
codenamejanrei
July 30, 2014

I agree. We need a new IS F to beat the M3!! :)

C
Chase
July 29, 2014

I strongly disagree with the GS-F rumor... I suspect Lexus will strap a pair of turbos onto the RC-F's V8 for the GS-F. But they may save a twin turbo for an LS-F or something. What I have pondered over, however, is maybe an LS-F won't even happen. Take a look at the BMW 7 series; no M7 because they do not believe a high revving, high performance engine would fit the 7 series. The LS is even more luxury oriented than the 7 series so I would be EXTREMELY surprised if we saw an LS-F based upon the current generation LS. On the other hand, there is the potential for the rumored next generation LS to spawn an LS-F. Just a thought.

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Levi
July 30, 2014

First BMW is not an example to follow anymore. About the GS being underpowered compared to its German competitors, that is true. But I think it will also cost less, that said, at that price level 10-20K price difference is not a big deal. The late coming of the LS may have to do with the engine, the V8 twin-turbo. Lexus does not bring anything on the market before it is really "safe". LS with high-tech suspension technology could be both comfortable and sporty. Think McLaren MP4-12C.

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Erich Kerner
July 30, 2014

I guess 540 hp (V12 or V8 twin-turbo) for the BMW 7 series is enough for the moment. I didn´t find such an engine for the LS......

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Chase
July 30, 2014

Exactly... The LS needs a new engine. If an LS-F were to spawn, it'd be a monster. Imagine an LFA V10 in an LS. Of course, this probably won't happen, but one can dream, anyways

A
abed
July 30, 2014

the LFA engine alone cost 85k, thats what i heard when it was out....so LS with that engine is going to cost 150k if they dont want to lose money on them...

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Levi
July 30, 2014

That is what an S 63 AMG costs. An S 65 AMG cost more than € 200K. Anyway, the V10 will not be the right engine, unless modified for cheaper materials, higher displacement and lower revs with two turbos. A good V8 making 650 PS like the LS TMG is enough.

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tinhinnh
July 31, 2014

The V10 is a genuine racing engine, no?

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Alex
July 29, 2014

Can anyone really confirm with the ISF because I feel like it's back and forth about if it's coming out or not? I mean BMW has 3/4 M so why not for Lexus? I don't understand why they would get away with the first F that they made...

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corradoMR2
July 29, 2014

Wow, RX only 5-seater confirmed?

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rayaans
July 30, 2014

I hope so! In that case it'd be much better quality than the NX as its probably pricier! It should come with a whole set of new tech goodies too, probably a new hybrid drivetrain as well

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Milli_14
July 30, 2014

Yeah it'd likely grow quite a bit and be much mire luxurious to be a more direct competitor to the X5 and ML

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Lexus Cohen
July 29, 2014

Put a V8 in the ES for grandma and grandpa..lol

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RAL
July 29, 2014

Better not mess with the cash cow too much . . .

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codenamejanrei
July 30, 2014

I don't think the production model of LFLC will share anything with the new generation Supra/Z4.

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Levi
July 30, 2014

From all cars, the LF-LC seems the one the least we know of. Will it be an SC or an LC? BMW/Toyota sports car platform or Lexus rwd modular platform? Hybrid or not? Mercedes S Coupé or AMG GT competitor?

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MT
July 30, 2014

I strongly doubt there will be an 8 speed DCT! They just said the 6 speed slushbox on the 8AR was especially designed for it. So they aren't going to replace it so very soon i guess.

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Ray
July 30, 2014

IMHO, ES, RX, GX, LS & LS should stay in the luxury side. For the rest of the line up IS, GS, CT, NX, RC, LFA etc, go for sporty ride is fine with me. Don't convert every model become sporty like BMW.

M
Milli_14
July 30, 2014

A lot of this doesn't sound right. Especially the GS F only having 460 hp, that's 100 less than most of its competitors. So, if he's just guessing (it sounds like he is) I might as well give it a shot: CT: new model for 2017 model year, shares underpinnings and powertrain with prius, could possibly get 200t, but unlikely IS: Minor facelift/refresh for 2017 model year, IS250 replaced by IS200t (the engine change could happen sooner though). Current IS F and IS C discontinued, replacements in question. ES: Refresh for MY2016 or 2017, new model for MY2019 or 2020, with the 200t probably being introduced at one of those times. GS: GS F introduced for MY2016, will have at least 550 hp, rest of model line refreshed/facelifted that year or MY2017. Not sure about the 200t here, Lexus likes to flaunt that the GS has more standard hp than the Germans. LS: New LS for 2016 or 2017 MY, more powerful V8, lighter, sportier, larger RC: Not sure about the convertible, the IS-C didn't sell all that well, but Lexus may try again SC or LC: New model for 2017 or 2018 model year, underpinnings and powertrains perhaps shared with next-gen LS, not sure about the Toyota-BMW underpinnings though but it could happen. RX: Lexus will be introducing the new RX in fall 2015, and will remain a five-seat crossover and will likely will be unveiled at the 2015 New York auto show. (Sounds good to me.) Also I can see the RX growing quite a bit and becoming much more luxurious (and more expensive) to go directly against the X5 and ML. TX: The TX nameplate has been trademarked in the U.S. and is expected to be used for a seven-seat crossover. Rechtin believes it will go on sale in late 2016. (Again, sounds more or less correct.) GX: The GX will survive in the lineup, with the next-generation model coming in spring 2017. (Sounds about right.) LX: The seven-year old SUV will remain unchanged until at least 2016. (Check!) So I think his SUV predictions were pretty good, but not really a whole lot else.

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tinhinnh
July 31, 2014

I could see Lexus offering a 2.0T on the GS, especially if it lowers the starting price and there's nothing to be a ashamed about a 240+/-hp base engine.

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Rob Grieveson
August 4, 2014

The LS design change is needed now not in three years time! It just does not come up to scratch anymore looking old and tired especially against the new S class. I also hope a face lifted GS will improve its appearance rather plain and boring alongside a five series needs a fillip. In South Africa Lexus need to do a lot of work more advertising, more color options, and we need a turbo motor in the IS the 3.5 tho great is not popular because she is heavy on fuel alongside the similarly priced BMW, Audi and Mercedes models all using turbo motors to great effect. Looking forward to the launch of the NX in the next month or so think it will go down pretty well here. The ES just does not fit with the rest of Lexus, more Toyota than Lexus, will also benefit from a turbo motor hope that option will come soon also needs sharper looks. Come on Lexus u make great cars please pay attention and sharpen up around the edges.

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BlackDynamiteBTC
October 11, 2014

Taking the Lexus LS off of it's mission as an industry leading luxury flagship is a mistake. And it tacitly admits that Lexus can't match Mercedes' new S-Class. Chasing Porsche Panamera is beneath the Lexus LS. BD

J
jessie
November 14, 2014

Im dying to see the Is200t

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