Lexus – Future Sedans, coupes & facelifts

Lexus is working hard on expanding the IS brand with two distinct developments.

An IS coupe-convertible, with two doors, four seats and a retractable folding hardtop, is on the way. A hint to what this car might look like is in Lexus’ 2005 Tokyo motor show LF-C concept car.

However, the IS coupe-convertible will be beaten into showrooms by a 5.0-litre V8-powered IS sports sedan.

The production model, expected to appear at September’s Frankfurt motor show, will be very similar to the IS-F concept car unveiled at January’s Detroit motor show.

It will deliver in excess of 400HP to the rear wheels, hit 100k/h from standstill in under five seconds, and keep up with an Audi RS4. Yet the IS V8 will still offer luxury-car levels of refinement and comfort.

To keep the GS range fresh, a minor facelift is also expected to be introduced. Furthermore, the LS460’s 4.6-litre V8 powerplant, complete with its world-first eight-speed automatic gearbox, will be slotted into the current GS next year.

For 2010 and beyond, Lexus is believed to be developing a hatchback IS, although the timing suggests that the company may wait for the next-generation platform to come along.

Lexus admits that it is ignoring the booming premium small-car segment, especially in Europe, where it could make serious inroads into Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30 sales.

A hybrid-only model – very loosely based on one of the next-generation of Prius derivatives that Toyota is said to be working on for next year – is also in the pipeline.

Such a vehicle would provide Lexus with a greener alternative to the popular diesel versions of the A3 and its ilk – especially in Europe – while diesel-wary Americans have already proven their seemingly insatiable desire for hybrids.

One model that Lexus does not seem to be frantic to replace is the current SC430, now six years old, and in line to match its SC400/Toyota Soarer predecessor’s decade-long run in production.

Lexus is still considering the next model’s design and packaging parameters, although it is a safe bet that it will stick with the retractable hardtop feature of today’s 2001-era car.

Lexus may wait until the next-generation GS model arrives because the current SC is built off the old GS platform. In the interim, expect the SC to also gain the 4.6-litre V8. "It is not a priority for Lexus to change the SC," said one insider.

Of course, Lexus may also choose to effectively replace the slow-selling SC with an Audi R8, Porsche 911 and Nissan GTR-seeking super-coupe based on the LF-A concept from Detroit in 2005.

A V10-powered production version of the LF-A may debut at this year's Tokyo motor show in October, with a late-2008 on-sale date and an LS-exceeding pricetag to follow.

528i - 5/16/2007 2:18:13 AM

-6 Boost

why not a LS-F to give the s65 amg and the s8 a hard time.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 2:31:07 PM

+4 Boost

That's exciting, cutie. I'm glad you know so much.

Now, back to the real world...

mitchatlexusofmarin - 5/16/2007 6:25:35 PM

+5 Boost

There is no such car coming in 2009- sorry to burst your bubble. I know that you have said before that I should "be fired" for saying that, but don't worry- my position is secure and my information is correct.

izfuney - 5/16/2007 3:15:34 AM

-3 Boost

Considering that the IS-F is the first step for the tuning arm.. It is going to be wait and see time.
An LS tuned car ?
No doubt Lexus has made strides . But its not even in MB's ball park for high end cars.
For similar company look no further then Audi / BMW who like Lexus are very successful in selling 20 -40 k cars (albeit with different characteristics) but are sil not able to crack MB's hold on 60 - 120k cars

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 4:48:44 AM

-3 Boost

IS-F was actually made by a skunkworks group inside Lexus.
LS-F will also be a great flagship.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 2:32:14 PM

-1 Boost

Are you kidding? The A4 is Audi's most popular model.

mitchatlexusofmarin - 5/16/2007 6:48:06 PM

+2 Boost

There is an all new A4 waiting in the wings. I recently sold my A4 Avant, which was the best car I have ever owned.

Rupert - 5/16/2007 7:22:45 PM

+2 Boost

What are IS sales by themselves?

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:11:43 PM

+2 Boost

Ha! Go mitch! What did you replace it with? Let me gues... you got a good deal... on a Lexus?

mitch beat me to it: the A4 is in its last model year. The IS is barely into its second. How well do you expect the A4 to do?

And I'd like to see IS sales, only... that's probably closer to the A4. I'm guessing 4-5,000 cars, probably less, actually.

zorbeeze - 5/16/2007 12:47:46 PM

+4 Boost

I bought the GS 430 over the 350. But then again the engine is not what it was when i first bought it. But not many people would do what i did.

mikeydred20 - 5/16/2007 6:49:36 PM

+4 Boost

I really don't care because I am a Acura guy, but the GS 430 is still faster than the 350. the torque output alone is like 325 and 0-60 its faster. Plus for highway lane passing it's a V8.

david999 - 5/16/2007 7:48:24 AM

-1 Boost

"Lexus admits that it is ignoring the booming premium small-car segment, especially in Europe, where it could make serious inroads into Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30 sales."

More proof Lexus does not want to go downmarket like the competition for the sake of sales.

zorbeeze - 5/16/2007 12:49:30 PM

+3 Boost

for the time being, but trust me by the end of the decade they'll either have a small car to compete with the A3 and 1-series or will be in the process of producing one

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 2:33:50 PM

+2 Boost

david, you have a very American mind. To you, small = downmarket. To others in the world, small = normal. I don't consider my A3 to be downmarket; it's available with almost every major feature on cars today, and it can outrun most of them, at that. You need to rethink your position.

david999 - 5/16/2007 3:07:18 PM

0 Boost

Small entry level models are CHEAP and inexpensive. They are sold to those who want the badge, and are willing to live with much less as compared to other vehicles in that class.

Agent-666 - 5/16/2007 4:09:52 PM

-2 Boost

and Lexus keep going hybrid blah blah, and its only sold in US...so everyone thinks its god when its actually crap.

zorbeeze - 5/16/2007 9:20:13 PM

+6 Boost

Small does not equal cheap.
Small, if done right a la A3 and 1-series, equeals FUN.
And why are these people badge whores beacause they want a smaller car. There are several people that don't feel the need to buy big cars and these smaller cars are perfect for them. Seriousle david open up your eyes, there's a whole world out there. Personnaly i love hatches and i would welcome a smaller Lexus hartchback.
And to those who still think that Lexus is not in the same level as Merc, BMW or Audi, you need to open up your eyes as well.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:14:18 PM

+2 Boost

Incorrect. I can afford a much better winter car, but upon driving the A3 2.0T with DSG, I realized how small cars can have just as much integrity (if not more) as their larger, heavier, less-nimble counterparts. The A3 is not cheap. My sticker was about $35K... around $40 grand with tax. It has some pretty nifty features, but what I appreciate most is the powertrain. Great things come in small packages.

zorbeeze - 5/16/2007 12:51:46 PM

+2 Boost

As the owner of a performance shop i'll tell you that BMW's & Mercedes are seen far more often with spinners and that chrome crap.

Alec - 5/16/2007 11:31:48 AM

+4 Boost

The coupe IS is very needed now for Lexus, a hatch? no way man... doesnt fit the Lexus line up. Like the old IS300 Sport Cross wagon, it just didnt seem to be what Lexus needed.

The GS430 now is old, same engine as the previous one and now its time for a new engine and a design cue to seperate it from the GS350.

Now the SC430 is where Lexus really did poorly... I think it was the first time I read that it had taken some Audi design cues. The SC300/400 were great designs. It looked ahead of its time. But some how it lost it when the second gen came in.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 6:49:42 PM

-2 Boost

Actually, (LOL) the previous A6 4.2 had significantly wider wheel arches than the 2.8/3.0 and 2.7T, and it worked in what was a symmetrical design. The new A6 would look odd with such a wide body, though, unless it had the S6/RS6 bodykit to go with it.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 6:50:17 PM

-2 Boost

Oh and, you know the A6 2.8 isn't on sale any more, right? It was discontinued five years ago.

SupraNeverBack - 5/16/2007 3:40:03 PM

+3 Boost

The next most important Lexuses we are all eager to see are LF-A supercars, v10, v8 hybrid debut @ Tokyo Auto Show.

Lexus - 5/16/2007 4:13:24 PM

+3 Boost

All it really matter is that Lexus is really trying improve their image in the luxury brand. They has already conquer the north America market, now they need to focus on the world's market. Gave it sometime, Lexus will be recognize around the world's a luxury brand like BMW, MB and Audi.

It won't hard because the have the most reliable vechicles out there. One of the best interior design out there as well. When one think of Lexus, the words luxury, comfort and reliability come to mind.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/16/2007 6:51:40 PM

-2 Boost

Not everyone only wants "luxury, comfort and reliability." I want performance, style and exclusivity. It's nice to have a smooth ride to go with it, but I don't need the outright isolation of most Lexus models.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/16/2007 11:04:02 PM

+4 Boost

Most Lexus models are isolation boxes. I really hope they give us a sporty car or else I'll become InfinitiNumberOne4ever

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/17/2007 5:59:05 AM

+2 Boost

Hmmm... I think I will consider that.

But, Lexus will lead humanity towards salvation!!

Lexus - 5/16/2007 8:07:14 PM

+4 Boost

S4, that is why Lexus is starting their own performance division. And hopefully they succeed this time, which I think they will.

And please remember Lexus started out as luxury division not a high performance division. They are currently focusing on making high performance, style and exclusivity vechicles. Just gave it sometime, they will succeed.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:15:44 PM

+1 Boost

Probably.

But what do you mean by "this time" they'll succeed? They've never tried it before.

Lexus - 5/16/2007 8:11:10 PM

+2 Boost

Just like Hyundai which currently making a TT fighter, I know everyone laugh at them, myself included. But eventually they will make a car that will gave the Audi TT coupe a run for it money.

I'm "NOT" saying people are going to trade in their TT for a Hyundai TT fighter. All I'm saying is that if they have the resource and money they will hire top engineers and designers. So if this is the case they will succeed.

LexusNumberOne4ever - 5/17/2007 6:03:13 AM

+1 Boost

The design boss of the original TT has been hired by Hyundai. These guys have something up their sleeves...

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:17:32 PM

+1 Boost

"Lexus," there is always the ability to improve- and not just for the Hyundai, either. When it came out, everyone was after the TT because it just looked so good. Now, the TT has some serious competition, and improved upon its original formula; if a Hyundai really does give it a "run for its money," the Audi will only turn the TT into a better vehicle.

JAYQ0401 - 5/17/2007 9:57:47 AM

+3 Boost

"Small does not equal cheap.
Small, if done right a la A3 and 1-series, equeals FUN.
And to those who still think that Lexus is not in the same level as Merc, BMW or Audi, you need to open up your eyes as well."

JAYQ0401 - 5/17/2007 10:01:55 AM

+2 Boost

I had a so called lowly c230 komp hatchback... I loved it. No one else had a quality hatchback of any kind. It had nothing to do with badge only purpose and fun.
I don't feel Audi is on the same level as BMW or Merc. Too much Volk sharing. Lexus is just a lot more techie and reliable than audi. Lexus has no passion, just a quality car.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/17/2007 3:18:53 PM

+2 Boost

Wrong. Go drive an S4, RS4, S6, A8, S8, Q7 4.2, or even A3. But if you want a car that's on a higher level than BMW or Merc, drive an R8. Maybe you don't like Lamborghini-sharing, either?