Updated 2018 Lexus CT 200h Arrives at Japanese Dealerships

Ian Schmidt

Lexus was never conceived as a full-line automaker, and I think attempting to be one would be a mistake (not to mention making more LFAs would *really* piss off owners of the original 500). People like to cite Benz and BMW's agility with the product mix, but that's because in Germany they are GM and Ford. They've always been full-line there so it's trivial for them to adjust what they send here.

True, however Lexus is backed by the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Toyota is worth more than GM, Ford and Chrysler (now owned by Fiat) combined. Toyota has enough cash and short term investments to purchase Ford completely outright. I'm sure Toyota has a AAA credit rating and can get a loan to purchase GM but then the SEC would get involved due to anti-trust rules, etc...Once upon a time GM (at one time stood for Government Motors) not only was the largest automobile manufacturer in the world but was the largest company in the world, larger than any of the oil companies and Wal-Mart was still up and coming but that's a whole new entire post.

All Lexus has to do it hit up Toyota for necessary funds to introduce more models and increase model variants. Next example are Lexus hybrids and I'll include diesels as well:

CT 200h
CT 300h

HS 250h (Bring back to U.S. and worldwide (still exists in Japan). Make more luxurious and refined. New spindle grill looks great.

ES 300h

IS 300h (Bring to U.S. to increase IS line. Market to techies, environmentalist, tree huggers, etc.)

GS 300h
GS 450h

LS 500h

RC 300h
SC 450h
LC 500h
LFA hybrid (Competes with Porsche 918 hybrid and Mclaren P1 hybrid and limit to 500 units as well.)

UX 200h
NX 300h
RX 450h

Since there is no hybrid GX or LX bring in the diesel versions.

IS 200d/220d (Bring back the IS diesels.)
GX 450d
LX 450d

Trexus

True, however Lexus is backed by the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Toyota is worth more than GM, Ford and Chrysler (now owned by Fiat) combined.

I'm aware of the scale of Toyota, but rolling out all these new Lexus models would have some serious secondary effects:

- They'd need to build a lot more factories, probably both in Japan and in the US
- Lexus dealerships would need to get larger, and many are in the middle of "auto mall" strips of dealerships so they can't easily expand (plus many of them are still pending remodels from the original 1989 building styling)
- Each additional model upsets the CAFE calculation

It'd take years for them to bring all that on line, by which time it's likely the regulatory environment would be worse and at least some of those cars wouldn't be able to be sold.

Trexus

True, however Lexus is backed by the largest automobile manufacturer in the world. Toyota is worth more than GM, Ford and Chrysler (now owned by Fiat) combined.

I'm aware of the scale of Toyota, but rolling out all these new Lexus models would have some serious secondary effects:

- They'd need to build a lot more factories, probably both in Japan and in the US
- Lexus dealerships would need to get larger, and many are in the middle of "auto mall" strips of dealerships so they can't easily expand (plus many of them are still pending remodels from the original 1989 building styling)
- Each additional model upsets the CAFE calculation

It'd take years for them to bring all that on line, by which time it's likely the regulatory environment would be worse and at least some of those cars wouldn't be able to be sold.

Ian Schmidt

I'm aware of the scale of Toyota, but rolling out all these new Lexus models would have some serious secondary effects:

- They'd need to build a lot more factories, probably both in Japan and in the US
- Lexus dealerships would need to get larger, and many are in the middle of "auto mall" strips of dealerships so they can't easily expand (plus many of them are still pending remodels from the original 1989 building styling)
- Each additional model upsets the CAFE calculation

It'd take years for them to bring all that on line, by which time it's likely the regulatory environment would be worse and at least some of those cars wouldn't be able to be sold.

True, however Lexus has a factory in Canada, Kentucky and Japan. I'm sure Lexus can expand those existing factories. By expanding those factories it will lead to more jobs in Canada, Kentucky and Japan.

As far as Lexus dealerships, there are about 38 Lexus dealerships in California. BMW has about 55 dealerships in California. In the U.S. Lexus has about 216 dealerships and BMW has about 339 dealerships. Lexus isn't too far behind. If BMW can offer much more models and variants, Lexus can do it as well.

As far as CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) Lexus/Toyota has far more hybrids including a fuel cell (Mirai) and soon to come LS fuel cell to keep them well within conformity. VW has a W16 Veyron and Chiron and hardly any hybrids to offset low mpg vehicles. VW has tons of diesels to keep them in conformity to CAFE regulations. Lexus could have a few W16 or V16 or V12 engines and they'd still be in conformity to CAFE standards.

With your logic Lexus should not have expanded after introducing the ES 250 and LS 400 back in 1990. No SC, GS, LX, RX, IS, GX, HS, CT, LFA, RC, LC or UX should have come into fruition because it would upset CAFE regulations, takes to long to go on line and regulatory environment makes it worse to be able to sell.

Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the SUV line:

UX 200
UX 200h

NX 300 (FKA NX 200t)
NX 300h

RX 300 (FKA RX 200t)
RX 350
RX 450h
RX 350 L/450h L

GX 400
GX 450d
GX 460

LX 450d
LX 570
LX 570 L (based on the Toyota Sequoia, bigger, refined and more luxurious.)

Bring all theses SUV's to the U.S. and the rest of the world since SUV's are so hot now and gas prices have been low.

Ian Schmidt

I'm aware of the scale of Toyota, but rolling out all these new Lexus models would have some serious secondary effects:

- They'd need to build a lot more factories, probably both in Japan and in the US
- Lexus dealerships would need to get larger, and many are in the middle of "auto mall" strips of dealerships so they can't easily expand (plus many of them are still pending remodels from the original 1989 building styling)
- Each additional model upsets the CAFE calculation

It'd take years for them to bring all that on line, by which time it's likely the regulatory environment would be worse and at least some of those cars wouldn't be able to be sold.

True, however Lexus has a factory in Canada, Kentucky and Japan. I'm sure Lexus can expand those existing factories. By expanding those factories it will lead to more jobs in Canada, Kentucky and Japan.

As far as Lexus dealerships, there are about 38 Lexus dealerships in California. BMW has about 55 dealerships in California. In the U.S. Lexus has about 216 dealerships and BMW has about 339 dealerships. Lexus isn't too far behind. If BMW can offer much more models and variants, Lexus can do it as well.

As far as CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) Lexus/Toyota has far more hybrids including a fuel cell (Mirai) and soon to come LS fuel cell to keep them well within conformity. VW has a W16 Veyron and Chiron and hardly any hybrids to offset low mpg vehicles. VW has tons of diesels to keep them in conformity to CAFE regulations. Lexus could have a few W16 or V16 or V12 engines and they'd still be in conformity to CAFE standards.

With your logic Lexus should not have expanded after introducing the ES 250 and LS 400 back in 1990. No SC, GS, LX, RX, IS, GX, HS, CT, LFA, RC, LC or UX should have come into fruition because it would upset CAFE regulations, takes to long to go on line and regulatory environment makes it worse to be able to sell.

Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the SUV line:

UX 200
UX 200h

NX 300 (FKA NX 200t)
NX 300h

RX 300 (FKA RX 200t)
RX 350
RX 450h
RX 350 L/450h L

GX 400
GX 450d
GX 460

LX 450d
LX 570
LX 570 L (based on the Toyota Sequoia, bigger, refined and more luxurious.)

Bring all theses SUV's to the U.S. and the rest of the world since SUV's are so hot now and gas prices have been low.

Trexus

With your logic Lexus should not have expanded after introducing the ES 250 and LS 400 back in 1990. No SC, GS, LX, RX, IS, GX, HS, CT, LFA, RC, LC or UX should have come into fruition because it would upset CAFE regulations, takes to long to go on line and regulatory environment makes it worse to be able to sell.

The SC and GS were always part of the plan, and CAFE was a lot easier to dodge in 1990.

Regarding SUVs, they need to show-me-don't-tell-me about the 3-row RX; if it doesn't ship this year they're liable to get passed in sales. A larger LX is also an excellent idea, but it needs to retain all the world-class offroading capabilities of the Land Cruiser. Making it Sequoia-based would be problematic there.

Trexus

With your logic Lexus should not have expanded after introducing the ES 250 and LS 400 back in 1990. No SC, GS, LX, RX, IS, GX, HS, CT, LFA, RC, LC or UX should have come into fruition because it would upset CAFE regulations, takes to long to go on line and regulatory environment makes it worse to be able to sell.

The SC and GS were always part of the plan, and CAFE was a lot easier to dodge in 1990.

Regarding SUVs, they need to show-me-don't-tell-me about the 3-row RX; if it doesn't ship this year they're liable to get passed in sales. A larger LX is also an excellent idea, but it needs to retain all the world-class offroading capabilities of the Land Cruiser. Making it Sequoia-based would be problematic there.

mikeavelli

Another thing, give the CT the new more efficient engines. The new Camry hybrid has over 200hp and makes 50 MPG highway. Or at least give it the new Prius motor.

They just let it languish.....they really need to be careful discontinuing car lines as this is the HS and CT in recent memory, both their hybrid only cars.

New camry hybrid has been just introduced and new engine has not even started mass production. New engines likely require new platform too.

I dont think they needed to invest more money into CT200h in the USA. Why? Prove a point of forums? They need to invest into cars that make them money in the USA, like NX and upcoming UX, as well as larger RX which will be likely mostly only for US market.

They need to double down on money makers and invest money there.

As to expanding production, point of Lexus is better and more profitable than Toyota. They certainly do not need to just up the volume for the sake of selling 1k more cars than BMW. BMW needs to sell more cars in order to be more profitable, Lexus does not.

mikeavelli

Another thing, give the CT the new more efficient engines. The new Camry hybrid has over 200hp and makes 50 MPG highway. Or at least give it the new Prius motor.

They just let it languish.....they really need to be careful discontinuing car lines as this is the HS and CT in recent memory, both their hybrid only cars.

New camry hybrid has been just introduced and new engine has not even started mass production. New engines likely require new platform too.

I dont think they needed to invest more money into CT200h in the USA. Why? Prove a point of forums? They need to invest into cars that make them money in the USA, like NX and upcoming UX, as well as larger RX which will be likely mostly only for US market.

They need to double down on money makers and invest money there.

As to expanding production, point of Lexus is better and more profitable than Toyota. They certainly do not need to just up the volume for the sake of selling 1k more cars than BMW. BMW needs to sell more cars in order to be more profitable, Lexus does not.

Ian Schmidt

The SC and GS were always part of the plan, and CAFE was a lot easier to dodge in 1990.

Regarding SUVs, they need to show-me-don't-tell-me about the 3-row RX; if it doesn't ship this year they're liable to get passed in sales. A larger LX is also an excellent idea, but it needs to retain all the world-class offroading capabilities of the Land Cruiser. Making it Sequoia-based would be problematic there.

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President. An LX 570 L based on the Sequoia would work in the U.S. but not likely in the Middle East where the world-class offroading capabilities shine. We could use the extra space, utility, luxury, refinement of an LX 570 L.

Luxury is about having choices and not chasing sales. Lexus needs an onslaught of new models, variants and new engines but if you're ok with if it's not broke then no need to fix a 10 year old engine design or 7-10 model year cycles then that's great. Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the sedan line:

ES 300h
ES 350
ES 350 C (Based on the Toyota Solara)

IS 200t
IS 200d/220d
IS 300h (Bring to U.S. to increase IS line. Market to techies, environmentalist, tree huggers, etc.)
IS 300 awd
IS 350
IS 350 Sportcross (Saw an Audi A4 Allroad with the new progressive turn signals and looks awesome.)
IS F (Bring back to compete with BMW M3)

GS 200t
GS 300h
GS 450h
GS 350
GS F

LS 500
LS 500h

Ian Schmidt

The SC and GS were always part of the plan, and CAFE was a lot easier to dodge in 1990.

Regarding SUVs, they need to show-me-don't-tell-me about the 3-row RX; if it doesn't ship this year they're liable to get passed in sales. A larger LX is also an excellent idea, but it needs to retain all the world-class offroading capabilities of the Land Cruiser. Making it Sequoia-based would be problematic there.

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President. An LX 570 L based on the Sequoia would work in the U.S. but not likely in the Middle East where the world-class offroading capabilities shine. We could use the extra space, utility, luxury, refinement of an LX 570 L.

Luxury is about having choices and not chasing sales. Lexus needs an onslaught of new models, variants and new engines but if you're ok with if it's not broke then no need to fix a 10 year old engine design or 7-10 model year cycles then that's great. Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the sedan line:

ES 300h
ES 350
ES 350 C (Based on the Toyota Solara)

IS 200t
IS 200d/220d
IS 300h (Bring to U.S. to increase IS line. Market to techies, environmentalist, tree huggers, etc.)
IS 300 awd
IS 350
IS 350 Sportcross (Saw an Audi A4 Allroad with the new progressive turn signals and looks awesome.)
IS F (Bring back to compete with BMW M3)

GS 200t
GS 300h
GS 450h
GS 350
GS F

LS 500
LS 500h

Trexus

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President.

With all due respect (and with apologies for veering off the CT topic of this thread), I don't think we'll have to wait anywhere near that long to see the 3-row RX L. My understanding is that it will be unveiled sometime next year.

Trexus

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President.

With all due respect (and with apologies for veering off the CT topic of this thread), I don't think we'll have to wait anywhere near that long to see the 3-row RX L. My understanding is that it will be unveiled sometime next year.

Joaquin Ruhi

With all due respect (and with apologies for veering off the CT topic of this thread), I don't think we'll have to wait anywhere near that long to see the 3-row RX L. My understanding is that it will be unveiled sometime next year.

Allow me to clarify. Most likely the new production RX L will be sold in 2019 as a 2020 model. I do look forward to it.

The RX is the all time highest selling Lexus vehicle. The RX is amazing.

RX 200t (8AR-FTS) Most likely to be changed to RX 300
RX 350 (2GR-FKS)
RX 450h (2GR-FXS)

Joaquin Ruhi

With all due respect (and with apologies for veering off the CT topic of this thread), I don't think we'll have to wait anywhere near that long to see the 3-row RX L. My understanding is that it will be unveiled sometime next year.

Allow me to clarify. Most likely the new production RX L will be sold in 2019 as a 2020 model. I do look forward to it.

The RX is the all time highest selling Lexus vehicle. The RX is amazing.

RX 200t (8AR-FTS) Most likely to be changed to RX 300
RX 350 (2GR-FKS)
RX 450h (2GR-FXS)

Trexus

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President. An LX 570 L based on the Sequoia would work in the U.S. but not likely in the Middle East where the world-class offroading capabilities shine. We could use the extra space, utility, luxury, refinement of an LX 570 L.

Luxury is about having choices and not chasing sales. Lexus needs an onslaught of new models, variants and new engines but if you're ok with if it's not broke then no need to fix a 10 year old engine design or 7-10 model year cycles then that's great. Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the sedan line:

ES 300h
ES 350
ES 350 C (Based on the Toyota Solara)

IS 200t
IS 200d/220d
IS 300h (Bring to U.S. to increase IS line. Market to techies, environmentalist, tree huggers, etc.)
IS 300 awd
IS 350
IS 350 Sportcross (Saw an Audi A4 Allroad with the new progressive turn signals and looks awesome.)
IS F (Bring back to compete with BMW M3)

GS 200t
GS 300h
GS 450h
GS 350
GS F

LS 500
LS 500h

In Europe they already did something. GS300h and GS450h are for sale and, recently, in spite of hybrids only lineup they chose here, there are GSF and RCF: both 477 hp, V8 4.969 non-hybrid engine, 270 Km/h.

Trexus

True, Lexus is very slow to bring new models to public. The UX won't be released until the third quarter of 2018 as a 2019 model. The 3-row RX probably will be released in 2020. By that time the U.S. will be voting for a new President. An LX 570 L based on the Sequoia would work in the U.S. but not likely in the Middle East where the world-class offroading capabilities shine. We could use the extra space, utility, luxury, refinement of an LX 570 L.

Luxury is about having choices and not chasing sales. Lexus needs an onslaught of new models, variants and new engines but if you're ok with if it's not broke then no need to fix a 10 year old engine design or 7-10 model year cycles then that's great. Next example that Lexus should introduce new models and increase variants within the sedan line:

ES 300h
ES 350
ES 350 C (Based on the Toyota Solara)

IS 200t
IS 200d/220d
IS 300h (Bring to U.S. to increase IS line. Market to techies, environmentalist, tree huggers, etc.)
IS 300 awd
IS 350
IS 350 Sportcross (Saw an Audi A4 Allroad with the new progressive turn signals and looks awesome.)
IS F (Bring back to compete with BMW M3)

GS 200t
GS 300h
GS 450h
GS 350
GS F

LS 500
LS 500h

In Europe they already did something. GS300h and GS450h are for sale and, recently, in spite of hybrids only lineup they chose here, there are GSF and RCF: both 477 hp, V8 4.969 non-hybrid engine, 270 Km/h.

Everything you all talk about will be here 10yrs too late.

Everything you all talk about will be here 10yrs too late.

Better late than never, however I'm sure most of us here would enjoy these other models and variants sooner than later. I wouldn't mind getting a 2017 IS F...

Better late than never, however I'm sure most of us here would enjoy these other models and variants sooner than later. I wouldn't mind getting a 2017 IS F...

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

mikeavelli

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

Yup. The Prius is the stereotypical Uber car, but I've been picked up several times in Lexus hybrids too.

Similarly, GM just rolled out their Maven car-sharing program here in Baltimore where you reserve a car (fully loaded examples of the entire Chevy lineup plus the GMC Yukon and Acadia) on your phone and just get yourself to it (maybe with an Uber?) and drive. You don't even have to replace the gas, just return it where you found it.

I go back and forth on if that would work for Lexus (I suspect they'd not allow LS and probably LC on such a program, at least), but it might.

mikeavelli

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

Yup. The Prius is the stereotypical Uber car, but I've been picked up several times in Lexus hybrids too.

Similarly, GM just rolled out their Maven car-sharing program here in Baltimore where you reserve a car (fully loaded examples of the entire Chevy lineup plus the GMC Yukon and Acadia) on your phone and just get yourself to it (maybe with an Uber?) and drive. You don't even have to replace the gas, just return it where you found it.

I go back and forth on if that would work for Lexus (I suspect they'd not allow LS and probably LC on such a program, at least), but it might.

mikeavelli

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

Yes, the CT makes a great Uber/Lyft ride car. I've ridden in a CT Uber as a passenger and it was great to have been driven as oppose to driving once in awhile. Lexus should also bring the IS 300h which also would make a great Uber car.

mikeavelli

The market is moving faster than ever. Also note people lease cars in droves now, they just want whats new. Car ownership is dying. Let's not forget Uber etc...

Which brings me to another point, a new CT would make a great Uber/ride share car.

Yes, the CT makes a great Uber/Lyft ride car. I've ridden in a CT Uber as a passenger and it was great to have been driven as oppose to driving once in awhile. Lexus should also bring the IS 300h which also would make a great Uber car.

krew

The refreshed hatchback has some crazy interior options.

View the original article post

krew

The refreshed hatchback has some crazy interior options.

View the original article post

Yassssssss