Lexus Future Timeline, According to Automotive News


Automotive News has released its annual vehicle predictions for Lexus, and much of its reasoning is based on rumors covered here on Lexus Enthusiast and the typical product cycles of the brand.

To best visualize the information, here’s a timeline of the information presented:

As with any predictions, the picture is less clear as we go further into the future — for instance, it seems unlikely that Lexus will wait another four years before releasing the next-generation RX, and there’s no way a mass-market vehicle like the UX will have five years between updates.

There’s also no mention of the production model LF-1 Limitless, or any indication of EV powertrains — both are expected in the next four years.

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James

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So in 2020 we have the new IS and the LC convertible only? LC will be amazing so no issues there but man the IS better be unbelievable if that's the only car/SUV coming out. And to be frank they need to do a really good job on it. I love my GS and I've driven the new ES and as nice as it is now compared to the last generation it is not even close to the same feel as my GS. This IS will probably be my replacement so don't F it up Lexus (well actual Lexus please for the love of God F it up. Start in the IS and F everything!) GX and LX seem so far away from a redesign honestly and he didn't mention anything about LSF or LCF or LQ? More hybrids...I know we are the best at hybrids and I absolutely want them in the lineup but honestly can't we do both add more hybrids and add some bigger engines?
 

Joaquin Ruhi

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So in 2020 we have the new IS and the LC convertible only?
Automotive News prediction notwithstanding, the 2020 calendar year should also see the introduction of the 2nd-generation NX. The fact that the carryover 2020 NX was the first '20MY Lexus to go on sale in the U.S. (this past July) is circumstantial evidence that its 2NX successor should launch sometime next year. Per earlier Carmaker1 predictions, 2NX enters production in July 2020 and goes on sale 4th-quarter 2020 as MY 2021. If this schedule still holds, both 4IS and 2NX should make their initial public appearance at one of the major spring 2020 auto shows (Geneva in early March, New York in early April and Beijing in late April).

At one point, @Carmaker1 predicted that the 4th-gen Lexus LX would enter production sometime between July and September 2020 for a 2021 model year launch, but there have been so much uncertainty, delays and conflicting information revolving around all the Toyota/Lexus body-on-frame TNGA-F / F1 vehicles that the odds of this happening are 50/50 at best, and I certainly wouldn't count on that happening. Larry Vellequette's Automotive News prediction of a 2023 4LX launch, on the other hand, seems too far out. Will reality bring us the 4LX at some point in between, say 2021 calendar year / 2022 model year?
 

ssun30

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The article made no mention of the range of EVs and autonomous vehicles that they will showcase for the Tokyo Olympics.

I would forgive their poor product planning if they put up a good technology demonstration next year. By good technology I mean electrification and L2(minimum) autonomous driving at reasonable cost across multiple models, available ASAP. A single LS FCV with a $5,000 optional autonomous package plus some quirky concepts is not what I call acceptable.
 

krew

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19-08-05-lexus-lc-convertible.jpg

Automotive News has released its annual vehicle predictions for Lexus, and much of its reasoning is based on rumors covered here on Lexus Enthusiast and the typical product cycles of the brand.
To best visualize the information, here’s a timeline of the information presented:
As with any predictions, the picture is less clear as we go further into the future — for instance, it seems unlikely that Lexus will wait another four years before releasing the next-generation RX, and there’s no way a mass-market vehicle like the UX will have five years between updates.
There’s also no mention of the production model LF-1 Limitless, or any indication of EV powertrains — both are expected in the next four years.

Continue reading...


 

Joaquin Ruhi

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Although Krew's infographic in his news story linked above makes Larry Vellequette's Automotive News Lexus timeline super-clear, nonetheless, for the record, here's the full text of the AN Lexus predictions issued in August 2018, with my commentary following in red:

IS: The brand will face a conundrum with its entry-level compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedan soon, given consumers’ move toward crossovers and SUVs. Sales have declined significantly, but a redesigned IS the second half of 2020 should help stir some interest.

Agreed. It should debut at one of the major 2020 motor shows (Geneva in early March, New York in early April and/or Beijing in late April), and enter production in July 2020 (per @Carmaker1) for a 2021 model year debut.

ES: The seventh generation of Lexus’ midsize sedan went on sale in 2018 and will be due for a major freshening in 2022.

That freshening is for the 2022 model year, debuting in fall 2021.

GS: The current generation of the GS sedan has been around since 2011 and is overdue for a redesign onto the TNGA platform. But sedan sales, even in the luxury segments, have fallen dramatically since the last generation was introduced. It’s unclear whether Lexus plans to let its Grand Sedan wither away or to invest in a redesign.

It's anybody's guess what will happen with GS, but, sadly, I think it will likely just die after the ES receives an all-wheel-drive option.

LS: The brand’s flagship LS sedan was redesigned in 2017 and will be freshened in 2021. A camouflaged fuel cell-powered version of what appeared to be an LS was spied testing in California last week, but Toyota has given no public indication of plans to extend its light-vehicle fuel-cell fleet beyond the Toyota Mirai.

Agreed

RC: Given Lexus product cycles, the low-volume performance coupe would be due to transition onto the TNGA platform in 2022. However, reports in Japan suggest that the model could borrow a platform and inline-six engine from Mazda for the next generation.

Like GS, this one's hard to predict. But I'll repeat my suspicion that the so-called Mazda Large RWD Architecture is nothing more than Toyota's TNGA-N (or even Lexus' GA-L) architecture offered to Mazda in exchange for Toyota/Lexus use of the Mazda Skyactiv-X inline 6.

LC: The LC was redesigned in 2017 and would be due for a freshening in 2021, given Lexus product cycles. A convertible will go into production in the second half of 2020.

Agreed, but shouldn't LC Convertible go into production earlier than "the second half of 2020" to go on sale during spring and summer 2020? And what's happening with LC F?

UX: The subcompact crossover is still in its first year on the market, having arrived in North America in December. It will be due for a freshening in 2023, given Lexus product cycles.

As @krew correctly noted, with UX being a volume model that went on sale in late 2018 for the 2019 model year, we should see the midlife refresh in late 2021 (2022 model year)

NX: Given the recent redesign of its RAV4 sibling, expect the NX compact crossover to show off its redesigned look in 2021, when it will be moved onto the TNGA platform. Expect a bolder front fascia, the full Lexus suite of safety systems and upgraded infotainment, among other features.

As I noted in an earlier post on this thread, 2NX should follow the 4IS schedule I listed above.

RX: Lexus’ top-selling RX crossover gets a freshening this year that reworks the infotainment system and adds a touch-screen interface. Given the brand’s product cycles, it is next due for a redesign in 2023.

Again, I agree with @krew. I know that holding off the current 4RX's midlife freshening until the 2020 model year threw things out of whack, but the likeliest debut date for 5RX is late 2021 (2022 model year). I don't see it going past calendar year 2022 (2023 model year).

GX: After a midcycle freshening this year, including a new front fascia, enhanced safety features and an off-road option, the GX is due for a redesign onto the F1 platform in 2022, when it is expected to add a hybrid version.

This is the very earliest we should expect to see 3GX. I wouldn't be surprised if it slipped back another year or so.

LX: The Land Cruiser-based luxury behemoth is due for a redesign in 2023, when it is expected to move onto the F1 platform.

I know there's much uncertainty on the timing of just about anything on the TNGA-F / F1 body-on-frame platform, but I think that the notion of 4LX being pushed back to the 2023 calendar year is just patently absurd. Again, repeating what I posted earlier in this thread, perhaps @Carmaker1 's original prediction of a July-September 2020 start of production for a 2021 model year debut is no longer happening, but I'd say the delay is no more than a year (2021 calendar year / 2022 model year). I certainly don't see 3GX launching ahead of 4LX as Automotive News predicts.
 

Will1991

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And what about CT? There are clear indications Lexus Europe wants a second generation and according to some rumors also electric.
 

CRSKTN

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But I'll repeat my suspicion that the so-called Mazda Large RWD Architecture is nothing more than Toyota's TNGA-N (or even Lexus' GA-L) architecture offered to Mazda in exchange for Toyota/Lexus use of the Mazda Skyactiv-X inline 6.

So are you saying there's a chance that you could buy a mazda that's built on a Lexus platform?
 

CRSKTN

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Yes, although it's far likelier that the platform-sharing will involve the latest Toyota Crown's TNGA-N.

That would be sort of disappointing...

I've been hoping since the LY was announced that they would be serious about being more exclusive.

For the future of Lexus, deep down if i had my way, the current LS would be the GS, and the LS would be based on the GRMN Century...

I CAN DREAM!
 

Will1991

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That would be sort of disappointing...

I've been hoping since the LY was announced that they would be serious about being more exclusive.

For the future of Lexus, deep down if i had my way, the current LS would be the GS, and the LS would be based on the GRMN Century...

I CAN DREAM!

But, keeping "our" 500h powertrain :)

Also, it allways bugged me how a top spec Lexus isn't even close to the best Toyota (Century)...

Even as a simple rebagde would be an amazing experience, but, after what we've seen Lexus can do (Lexus LM), a Lexus Century would be in a class of one.
 
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Although Krew's infographic in his news story linked above makes Larry Vellequette's Automotive News Lexus timeline super-clear, nonetheless, for the record, here's the full text of the AN Lexus predictions issued in August 2018, with my commentary following in red:

IS: The brand will face a conundrum with its entry-level compact rear-wheel-drive sports sedan soon, given consumers’ move toward crossovers and SUVs. Sales have declined significantly, but a redesigned IS the second half of 2020 should help stir some interest.

Agreed. It should debut at one of the major 2020 motor shows (Geneva in early March, New York in early April and/or Beijing in late April), and enter production in July 2020 (per @Carmaker1) for a 2021 model year debut.

ES: The seventh generation of Lexus’ midsize sedan went on sale in 2018 and will be due for a major freshening in 2022.

That freshening is for the 2022 model year, debuting in fall 2021.

GS: The current generation of the GS sedan has been around since 2011 and is overdue for a redesign onto the TNGA platform. But sedan sales, even in the luxury segments, have fallen dramatically since the last generation was introduced. It’s unclear whether Lexus plans to let its Grand Sedan wither away or to invest in a redesign.

It's anybody's guess what will happen with GS, but, sadly, I think it will likely just die after the ES receives an all-wheel-drive option.

LS: The brand’s flagship LS sedan was redesigned in 2017 and will be freshened in 2021. A camouflaged fuel cell-powered version of what appeared to be an LS was spied testing in California last week, but Toyota has given no public indication of plans to extend its light-vehicle fuel-cell fleet beyond the Toyota Mirai.

Agreed

RC: Given Lexus product cycles, the low-volume performance coupe would be due to transition onto the TNGA platform in 2022. However, reports in Japan suggest that the model could borrow a platform and inline-six engine from Mazda for the next generation.

Like GS, this one's hard to predict. But I'll repeat my suspicion that the so-called Mazda Large RWD Architecture is nothing more than Toyota's TNGA-N (or even Lexus' GA-L) architecture offered to Mazda in exchange for Toyota/Lexus use of the Mazda Skyactiv-X inline 6.

LC: The LC was redesigned in 2017 and would be due for a freshening in 2021, given Lexus product cycles. A convertible will go into production in the second half of 2020.

Agreed, but shouldn't LC Convertible go into production earlier than "the second half of 2020" to go on sale during spring and summer 2020? And what's happening with LC F?

UX: The subcompact crossover is still in its first year on the market, having arrived in North America in December. It will be due for a freshening in 2023, given Lexus product cycles.

As @krew correctly noted, with UX being a volume model that went on sale in late 2018 for the 2019 model year, we should see the midlife refresh in late 2021 (2022 model year)

NX: Given the recent redesign of its RAV4 sibling, expect the NX compact crossover to show off its redesigned look in 2021, when it will be moved onto the TNGA platform. Expect a bolder front fascia, the full Lexus suite of safety systems and upgraded infotainment, among other features.

As I noted in an earlier post on this thread, 2NX should follow the 4IS schedule I listed above.

RX: Lexus’ top-selling RX crossover gets a freshening this year that reworks the infotainment system and adds a touch-screen interface. Given the brand’s product cycles, it is next due for a redesign in 2023.

Again, I agree with @krew. I know that holding off the current 4RX's midlife freshening until the 2020 model year threw things out of whack, but the likeliest debut date for 5RX is late 2021 (2022 model year). I don't see it going past calendar year 2022 (2023 model year).

GX: After a midcycle freshening this year, including a new front fascia, enhanced safety features and an off-road option, the GX is due for a redesign onto the F1 platform in 2022, when it is expected to add a hybrid version.

This is the very earliest we should expect to see 3GX. I wouldn't be surprised if it slipped back another year or so.

LX: The Land Cruiser-based luxury behemoth is due for a redesign in 2023, when it is expected to move onto the F1 platform.

I know there's much uncertainty on the timing of just about anything on the TNGA-F / F1 body-on-frame platform, but I think that the notion of 4LX being pushed back to the 2023 calendar year is just patently absurd. Again, repeating what I posted earlier in this thread, perhaps @Carmaker1 's original prediction of a July-September 2020 start of production for a 2021 model year debut is no longer happening, but I'd say the delay is no more than a year (2021 calendar year / 2022 model year). I certainly don't see 3GX launching ahead of 4LX as Automotive News predicts.
I Think LC F Gonna release in 2022 because there gonna be redesign RC in 2022 and they gonna replace RC F to LC F
 

internalaudit

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Is it the consensus that the TNGA / GAC platform gives the newer cars better steering feel and handling dynamics?

For sure, there is increased torsion rigidity from the press releases.
 

Trexus

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I Think LC F Gonna release in 2022 because there gonna be redesign RC in 2022 and they gonna replace RC F to LC F

So Lexus doesn't want to have the RC F and LC F coexist? Lexus needs to expand the F line...

IS F (please bring back!) - M3 competitor
GS F - M5 competitor
RC F - M4 competitor
LC F - M8 competitor
LS F - M7 if BMW does make one
LQ F - X6M competitor
 
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So Lexus doesn't want to have the RC F and LC F coexist? Lexus needs to expand the F line...

IS F (please bring back!) - M3 competitor
GS F - M5 competitor
RC F - M4 competitor
LC F - M8 competitor
LS F - M7 if BMW does make one
LQ F - X6M competitor
We already know that IS F gonna be back. We don't know if RC F Gonna Replace LC F or Not because there gonna be Next Generation RC so maybe there gonna be Next Generation RC F too. It's Just Rumors and LS F Gonna be goot Competitor of Mercedes AMG GT63S.
 

mikeavelli

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So Lexus doesn't want to have the RC F and LC F coexist? Lexus needs to expand the F line...

IS F (please bring back!) - M3 competitor
GS F - M5 competitor
RC F - M4 competitor
LC F - M8 competitor
LS F - M7 if BMW does make one
LQ F - X6M competitor

I would love this...