What Does the New Toyota Crown Mean for the Next-Generation Lexus GS?


Toyota has just released a next-generation Crown sedan exclusively for the Japanese market, making it the second such model I’ve posted about this week. However, unlike the Toyota Century, this new sedan might actually make an impact on the Lexus lineup.

There has been much discussion on the future of the Lexus GS, and that makes the Toyota Crown very important indeed. The two models have shared platforms and engines since 1993, this new Crown has been extensively redeveloped. It now uses a modified version of the GA-L platform from the new Lexus LS sedan & LC coupe, and the same hybrid powertrain also offered on both Lexus flagships. For all intents and purposes, this Toyota is already a Lexus underneath the sheet metal.

Not to discount the additional development required, but the Crown offers a basic shell that could be used for a next-generation Lexus GS. Exterior and interior styling would have to change, but then that plays exactly into the brand’s strengths. It should be noted that Lexus no longer needs a second mid-size sedan, but the GS could be refactored into a four-door coupe and be elevated to a more prestigious (and lucrative) segment.

It may all be in the timing, as Lexus has brought out three new cars (LC, LS, ES) into a market that prefers SUVs and crossovers. There’s been an understandable shift in priority for the brand, with the focus now shifting to the UX and the fast-tracked production version of the LF-1 Limitless crossover. But the pendulum will swing back at some point, and with the Toyota Crown, Lexus can easily have a new GS just waiting in the wings.

Lexus GS: Fourth Generation
Comments
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
I think this bodes well for those who love the GS and hope for it's redesign and continuation. The new Crown looks very impressive.
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
From the article: "ear-wheel drive TGNA platform"

Isn't it the GA-L platform?
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.
Not at all sure what to think very like the existing ES which is disappointing. However like the grille on the Camoflaged car huge improvement over the ugly spindle.
My wish is that Lexus would employ someone like Peter Schryer who was Audi now Kia and get a fresh look on their range styling. Toyota are doing a better job than their luxury division the new Camry looks good and a lot better than the ES.
Good looks are very important in this class of car and I believe the loss of sales is mainly due to their somewhat controversial styling. The Germans certainly lead in this department and hence their sales advance.

R