This is just my .02, but put bluntly, the world is changing and we have to (1) realize Toyota is a business and wants to make a profit, and (2) be thankful that Toyota will probably have the most robust sedan portfolio going forward of any automaker which will still provide more options for sedan buyers.
Electric is only expanding and other automotive brands are cutting investment in sedans to focus R&D in EVs and SUVs. While RWD is dying and Toyota's core is FWD sedans, there is still some reason to be excited about them in the future with new AWD technologies and electronic assistance through things like E-Axle, hybrids, "Prime" and more.
GS had to die because it's more logical to consolidate resources on and sell ES, RC is probably next to go, and IS will either change direction or be killed off as well. As I mentioned earlier, Mazda's new architecture is not RWD contrary to rumors, but likely a modular FWD platform reworked to accommodate their new I6 and added AWD. That puts the rumors of RWD IS and RC via Mazda collaboration off the table. It's clear that Toyota's waning investment in RWD means the days are numbered, but it is my hope that the IS name can be salvaged somehow.
Regarding the future of the IS specifically, while we are all enthusiasts and want RWD, you have to ask yourself what the business case looks like for an eTNGA-based AWD plugin hybrid entry level sedan with 300-450hp, or a RWD one with 300hp and 20MPG on gas. The answer is pretty simple, and I think even enthusiasts will get excited about the former. I mentioned this in the LS thread, and it's probably dreaming, but I wish the future state of Lexus sedans would go something like this:
- IS should remain the same size, roughly... an entry level sedan product has global appeal if Lexus spec'ed it with the right powertrains for international markets. Moves to eTNGA or TNGA-K with standard AWD and electrification. Basing it on TNGA-K or eTNGA makes it an easier business case as it can share resources with Camry, ES, Avalon, etc.
- ES should be more truly midsize, instead of small full-size. Similar to 5er/E/A6, sized like the Camry. This would give the LS some breathing room as Lexus' largest and flagship sedan, whereas some current LS shoppers are walking away with an ES because it has more rear seat space and headroom.
- ES-L built on the larger/longer TNGA-K "Avalon" platform for China (very much as the ES exists now).
- LS needs to be re-engineered and re-packaged as the current car is way too big/long to have so little interior space with a V6 motor. Stays full size with more interior room, probably RWD on GA-L for one more generation.
This way, IS/ES/ES-L become very closely related and share costs, Lexus can maintain a 3 sedan lineup with much less investment than they currently make, and the ES will give the LS some breathing room as a flagship.
The big question, as I have been asking/speculating about for months, is what happens to GA-L? It is nearly impossible to make a business case for that platform going forward unless they switch the Century onto it and then launch the LF-1 on it as well. LF-1 would become the highest volume execution on LF-1 overnight, but it seems to be taking too long now. If the Crown is dead or even sees one more generation, it's clear to me that GA-N is at the end of the line and being replaced by GA-K/eTNGA, leaving only GA-L as Toyota's proprietary RWD platform.
