Lexus GS Sedan Not Going Anywhere, Will Continue Sales in North America

Posted by Kevin on June 12th, 2018

Lexus will continue to sell the GS sports sedan in North America for the foreseeable future, as confirmed with both Lexus USA and Lexus Canada.

“The Lexus GS has been an important part of the Lexus line-up since 1993 and we value its role as a sports sedan,” Lexus USA spokesperson Ed Hellwig explained over email. “We will continue to offer the GS in the United States, and will evaluate how best to meet our customers’ needs going forward.”

The future of the GS sports sedan was called into question recently when Lexus Europe discontinued the model due to new emission regulations. It will be replaced in the region by the new seventh-generation ES sedan.

Despite the promise of continued sales, there is no guarantee the GS will see a next-generation model. Lexus would not comment on future product plans.

CanadaLexus GS: Fourth GenerationUSA
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Comments
L
Carmaker1



And...finally someone mentions a tidbit of mine from a year or two ago, where I mentioned that the Mark X was going to go front wheel drive! I read that from both China and Japanese websites. Doesn't seem sensible, but I remember Toyota is trying cut down on JDM offerings.



LOL, especially Audi. That is who has been tugging at Lexus for years and will dethrone them, if MSB becomes a thing with A6 and A8. How much of this Toyoda's influence versus that of him being hamstrung by other senior personnel?



Excellent point, that didn't occur to me until I read it. The Camry makes that an impossible proposition, if not dimwitted one at that. Unless XV70 Camry stays FWD, while Mark X TNGA-K AWD where both are sold.



The Avalon was once sold in Japan, during the first generation alongside it. A longer wheelbase GA-K with AWD and "performance focus" : unamused: might be of target.



No, just no. I think I recently said that the LX will NOT go unibody and the LF1 has no bearing on it. They are two different model programs, named 220X and 650B. One on GA-L and the other GA-F. As I typing this, the GX might easily go GA-L unibody come 2022-23 after swan song update for 2020.

There is no need to justify anything regarding the Supra, as costs are already shared with BMW's Z4. Lexus brand is not part of that agreement with BMW, for competitive reasons. Otherwise, a sporting SC coupe would've been of ease. A Toyota-only developed A100 or MK6, is the only time that becomes a thought.



You are not entirely wrong, but how recent is this information is the question? As I had similar information last year and held out hope for that very reason. There wouldn't be good business case for such a super niche vehicle, with poor economies of scale as solely an F model. Anything is possible, even if I got it straight from a UK guy that has seen the next IS and CUVs. I am not the only person who has heard otherwise.



There are ways around that. Make a fully reskinned Camry XSE/Sportivo, with AWD and some serious tuning to differentiate. Not ideal, but tries to understand their convoluted decision making process.
The seventh-gen ES is still Fwd, which makes me feel sad about the cancellation of GS. AUDI has Quattro and SUBARU has DCCD, etc. They sold AWD sport cars based on fwd well, which TOYOTA hasn't. So i think its' weird that LEXUS only has ES sedan between IS and LS. I got information from the guy who works for Toyota, and he said there's no AWD plan on both Avalon nor ES. When LEXUS said they will stop selling GS in Europe, the guy said stop selling in EU doesn't mean there's no GS anymore. But he's never make it clear about the future of GS. So only the time will tell.
L
Carmaker1



And...finally someone mentions a tidbit of mine from a year or two ago, where I mentioned that the Mark X was going to go front wheel drive! I read that from both China and Japanese websites. Doesn't seem sensible, but I remember Toyota is trying cut down on JDM offerings.



LOL, especially Audi. That is who has been tugging at Lexus for years and will dethrone them, if MSB becomes a thing with A6 and A8. How much of this Toyoda's influence versus that of him being hamstrung by other senior personnel?



Excellent point, that didn't occur to me until I read it. The Camry makes that an impossible proposition, if not dimwitted one at that. Unless XV70 Camry stays FWD, while Mark X TNGA-K AWD where both are sold.



The Avalon was once sold in Japan, during the first generation alongside it. A longer wheelbase GA-K with AWD and "performance focus" : unamused: might be of target.



No, just no. I think I recently said that the LX will NOT go unibody and the LF1 has no bearing on it. They are two different model programs, named 220X and 650B. One on GA-L and the other GA-F. As I typing this, the GX might easily go GA-L unibody come 2022-23 after swan song update for 2020.

There is no need to justify anything regarding the Supra, as costs are already shared with BMW's Z4. Lexus brand is not part of that agreement with BMW, for competitive reasons. Otherwise, a sporting SC coupe would've been of ease. A Toyota-only developed A100 or MK6, is the only time that becomes a thought.



You are not entirely wrong, but how recent is this information is the question? As I had similar information last year and held out hope for that very reason. There wouldn't be good business case for such a super niche vehicle, with poor economies of scale as solely an F model. Anything is possible, even if I got it straight from a UK guy that has seen the next IS and CUVs. I am not the only person who has heard otherwise.



There are ways around that. Make a fully reskinned Camry XSE/Sportivo, with AWD and some serious tuning to differentiate. Not ideal, but tries to understand their convoluted decision making process.
The seventh-gen ES is still Fwd, which makes me feel sad about the cancellation of GS. AUDI has Quattro and SUBARU has DCCD, etc. They sold AWD sport cars based on fwd well, which TOYOTA hasn't. So i think its' weird that LEXUS only has ES sedan between IS and LS. I got information from the guy who works for Toyota, and he said there's no AWD plan on both Avalon nor ES. When LEXUS said they will stop selling GS in Europe, the guy said stop selling in EU doesn't mean there's no GS anymore. But he's never make it clear about the future of GS. So only the time will tell.
L
Joaquin Ruhi
Point taken, but I do feel that I need to post some numbers which clearly show why Lexus decided to kill GS in favor of ES. A text conversation with krew last night led me to Google "2017 global Lexus sales by model", with the first result being a page on focus2move.com.

ES was, worldwide, the 3rd best-selling Lexus vehicle in 2017. Its 133,340 units sold were only exceeded by NX (148,377) and RX (163, 646). Most notably, ES was one of only 2 Lexus lines to show increased sales globally versus 2016. (ES +8% and NX +1.4%). And GS? It was #8 out of 10 Lexus lines tallied by focus2move, trailed only by RC and LS (the latter transitioning from 4th to 5th generation during 2017). Most notably, GS reported the steepest percentage drop (a 41.3% drop from 27,770 units sold globally in 2016 to 16,304 units in 2017).

With numbers like those, it's no wonder that Lexus bean counters pulled the plug on GS.
This shows that the GS is simply not competitive in any category: luxury, performance, budget. Lexus will either stop it, or make it competitive, and the only way to make it competitive, is a performance luxury sedan, something the GS was before. The market for such cars evolved, but Lexus did not make the GS evolve. Unfortunately, being a GT is not enough (see LC500). 'Not slow' doesn't cut it anymore, even for GT, when 'versatile' SUVs/CUVs have supercar performance numbers. GTs have to be fast. Lexus probably does not need any 700 PS GS, 500 PS could be enough, but then it has to be a lot more affordable (without looking budget).


Now I am think about it, Lexus F is behind in performance. I can't think of any new high-performance car (except American muscle cars) that are not AWD. And Lexus does not know how to make performance AWDs. All their AWD versions are slower than their RWD versions. Be it ICE of BEV, 'cutting-edge technology' is AWD + AWS.
L
Joaquin Ruhi
Point taken, but I do feel that I need to post some numbers which clearly show why Lexus decided to kill GS in favor of ES. A text conversation with krew last night led me to Google "2017 global Lexus sales by model", with the first result being a page on focus2move.com.

ES was, worldwide, the 3rd best-selling Lexus vehicle in 2017. Its 133,340 units sold were only exceeded by NX (148,377) and RX (163, 646). Most notably, ES was one of only 2 Lexus lines to show increased sales globally versus 2016. (ES +8% and NX +1.4%). And GS? It was #8 out of 10 Lexus lines tallied by focus2move, trailed only by RC and LS (the latter transitioning from 4th to 5th generation during 2017). Most notably, GS reported the steepest percentage drop (a 41.3% drop from 27,770 units sold globally in 2016 to 16,304 units in 2017).

With numbers like those, it's no wonder that Lexus bean counters pulled the plug on GS.
This shows that the GS is simply not competitive in any category: luxury, performance, budget. Lexus will either stop it, or make it competitive, and the only way to make it competitive, is a performance luxury sedan, something the GS was before. The market for such cars evolved, but Lexus did not make the GS evolve. Unfortunately, being a GT is not enough (see LC500). 'Not slow' doesn't cut it anymore, even for GT, when 'versatile' SUVs/CUVs have supercar performance numbers. GTs have to be fast. Lexus probably does not need any 700 PS GS, 500 PS could be enough, but then it has to be a lot more affordable (without looking budget).


Now I am think about it, Lexus F is behind in performance. I can't think of any new high-performance car (except American muscle cars) that are not AWD. And Lexus does not know how to make performance AWDs. All their AWD versions are slower than their RWD versions. Be it ICE of BEV, 'cutting-edge technology' is AWD + AWS.
L
Joaquin Ruhi
Point taken, but I do feel that I need to post some numbers which clearly show why Lexus decided to kill GS in favor of ES. A text conversation with krew last night led me to Google "2017 global Lexus sales by model", with the first result being a page on focus2move.com.

ES was, worldwide, the 3rd best-selling Lexus vehicle in 2017. Its 133,340 units sold were only exceeded by NX (148,377) and RX (163, 646). Most notably, ES was one of only 2 Lexus lines to show increased sales globally versus 2016. (ES +8% and NX +1.4%). And GS? It was #8 out of 10 Lexus lines tallied by focus2move, trailed only by RC and LS (the latter transitioning from 4th to 5th generation during 2017). Most notably, GS reported the steepest percentage drop (a 41.3% drop from 27,770 units sold globally in 2016 to 16,304 units in 2017).

With numbers like those, it's no wonder that Lexus bean counters pulled the plug on GS.
This shows that the GS is simply not competitive in any category: luxury, performance, budget. Lexus will either stop it, or make it competitive, and the only way to make it competitive, is a performance luxury sedan, something the GS was before. The market for such cars evolved, but Lexus did not make the GS evolve. Unfortunately, being a GT is not enough (see LC500). 'Not slow' doesn't cut it anymore, even for GT, when 'versatile' SUVs/CUVs have supercar performance numbers. GTs have to be fast. Lexus probably does not need any 700 PS GS, 500 PS could be enough, but then it has to be a lot more affordable (without looking budget).


Now I am think about it, Lexus F is behind in performance. I can't think of any new high-performance car (except American muscle cars) that are not AWD. And Lexus does not know how to make performance AWDs. All their AWD versions are slower than their RWD versions. Be it ICE of BEV, 'cutting-edge technology' is AWD + AWS.
Trexus
The Japanese philosophy known as Kaizen is constant improvement. Lexus should have done more to improve the GS. Kaizen also means to eliminate waste and maybe that's what Lexus is doing with the GS, eliminate waste. I whole hearted disagree. By eliminating the GS that's not improving it, at all. Lexus needs to build the GS to what it's suppose to be, such likes as the 5 Series, E Class and A6/A7?. I'm still feeling the ramifications of Carmaker1's confirmation of the death of the GS...It's truly a sad day for Lexus enthusiasts all over the world :weary_face:.
Trexus
The Japanese philosophy known as Kaizen is constant improvement. Lexus should have done more to improve the GS. Kaizen also means to eliminate waste and maybe that's what Lexus is doing with the GS, eliminate waste. I whole hearted disagree. By eliminating the GS that's not improving it, at all. Lexus needs to build the GS to what it's suppose to be, such likes as the 5 Series, E Class and A6/A7?. I'm still feeling the ramifications of Carmaker1's confirmation of the death of the GS...It's truly a sad day for Lexus enthusiasts all over the world :weary_face:.
Trexus
The Japanese philosophy known as Kaizen is constant improvement. Lexus should have done more to improve the GS. Kaizen also means to eliminate waste and maybe that's what Lexus is doing with the GS, eliminate waste. I whole hearted disagree. By eliminating the GS that's not improving it, at all. Lexus needs to build the GS to what it's suppose to be, such likes as the 5 Series, E Class and A6/A7?. I'm still feeling the ramifications of Carmaker1's confirmation of the death of the GS...It's truly a sad day for Lexus enthusiasts all over the world :weary_face:.
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
B
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
Yes Lexus please make next generation of those cars. GSF and SCF. Do you really think they might come back? Got any info?
B
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
Yes Lexus please make next generation of those cars. GSF and SCF. Do you really think they might come back? Got any info?
B
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
Yes Lexus please make next generation of those cars. GSF and SCF. Do you really think they might come back? Got any info?
Trexus
Lexus has cancelled way too many models (HS, CT, SC & GS). Are they copying Ford?

Lexus should have kept the 2018 CT and bring on the 2CT.

CT 200h
CT 200e

Lexus should have kept the HS (with new spindle grill) and bring on a 2HS (new hybrid engine M20A-FXS) to be positioned as an entry level hybrid sedan below the ES 300h.

HS 250h
ES 300h
LS 500h

Lexus needs to bring back the SC and position it as a mid-level coupe between the RC and LC.

SC 350
SC 460
SC 450h

Lexus should not cancel the GS and instead improve upon it. Is giving up on the GS really worth it? Is it the final option Lexus has come with?

GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h
GS F

Oh yeah and bring back an LFA convertible limited to 500 units...
Trexus
Lexus has cancelled way too many models (HS, CT, SC & GS). Are they copying Ford?

Lexus should have kept the 2018 CT and bring on the 2CT.

CT 200h
CT 200e

Lexus should have kept the HS (with new spindle grill) and bring on a 2HS (new hybrid engine M20A-FXS) to be positioned as an entry level hybrid sedan below the ES 300h.

HS 250h
ES 300h
LS 500h

Lexus needs to bring back the SC and position it as a mid-level coupe between the RC and LC.

SC 350
SC 460
SC 450h

Lexus should not cancel the GS and instead improve upon it. Is giving up on the GS really worth it? Is it the final option Lexus has come with?

GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h
GS F

Oh yeah and bring back an LFA convertible limited to 500 units...
Trexus
Lexus has cancelled way too many models (HS, CT, SC & GS). Are they copying Ford?

Lexus should have kept the 2018 CT and bring on the 2CT.

CT 200h
CT 200e

Lexus should have kept the HS (with new spindle grill) and bring on a 2HS (new hybrid engine M20A-FXS) to be positioned as an entry level hybrid sedan below the ES 300h.

HS 250h
ES 300h
LS 500h

Lexus needs to bring back the SC and position it as a mid-level coupe between the RC and LC.

SC 350
SC 460
SC 450h

Lexus should not cancel the GS and instead improve upon it. Is giving up on the GS really worth it? Is it the final option Lexus has come with?

GS 350
GS 500 (V35A-FTS)
GS 500h
GS F

Oh yeah and bring back an LFA convertible limited to 500 units...
bogglo
I think GS is a car with it's own mind and it as always find a way to come back stronger (we know the story of the GS 400 that started the HP war. 2006 GS 3.0 engine -- 2007 GS 3.5 engine that sent a message to its competitor 2007 GS450H well you know about that car. 2007 GS430 -- 2008 GS460. fast forward to 2012 GS was missing. came back in 2013 best handling in class and may be top three interior in class also )
with that been said, and Lexus been mute about anything GS. I think anything is possible with the GS.
bogglo
I think GS is a car with it's own mind and it as always find a way to come back stronger (we know the story of the GS 400 that started the HP war. 2006 GS 3.0 engine -- 2007 GS 3.5 engine that sent a message to its competitor 2007 GS450H well you know about that car. 2007 GS430 -- 2008 GS460. fast forward to 2012 GS was missing. came back in 2013 best handling in class and may be top three interior in class also )
with that been said, and Lexus been mute about anything GS. I think anything is possible with the GS.
bogglo
I think GS is a car with it's own mind and it as always find a way to come back stronger (we know the story of the GS 400 that started the HP war. 2006 GS 3.0 engine -- 2007 GS 3.5 engine that sent a message to its competitor 2007 GS450H well you know about that car. 2007 GS430 -- 2008 GS460. fast forward to 2012 GS was missing. came back in 2013 best handling in class and may be top three interior in class also )
with that been said, and Lexus been mute about anything GS. I think anything is possible with the GS.
CIF
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
CIF
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
CIF
mikeavelli
I HAVE FAITH THE GS WILL COME BACK

AND THEN THE SC!

:D
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
L
CIF
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
L
CIF
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
L
CIF
But we've already got the SC, only by another name ;).
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
meth.ix
Levi
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
yeah more like a roadster to compete with the Audi TT, Boxster/Cayman, etc.
meth.ix
Levi
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
yeah more like a roadster to compete with the Audi TT, Boxster/Cayman, etc.
meth.ix
Levi
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
yeah more like a roadster to compete with the Audi TT, Boxster/Cayman, etc.
S
Levi
It depends what generation. And LC and SC could co-exist (if there was a market other than for CUVs/SUVs). LC can stand for Luxury Coupe, SC could stand for Sport Coupe, being more compact and lighter, something like a more powerful new Supra (the BMW one).
If Lexus builds another coupe before LF-1 and GX/LX refreshes, dealers will bring out the pitchforks and burn down Lexus HQ

:-)

S