Wait until next year, says Lexus to the competition

I think Lexus should review their policy of launching new models one after the other in space of 2 years and adapt BMW and Mercedes like policy. In early 2012 we will see new GS in the showrooms and in late 2012, new ES will be launched. Then 2013 will see all new IS and LS models.

In that case they will have new models to show every year which will maintain interest in the brand and increase showroom visits.

Exactly. That also provide feedback from market regarding design. It's too much to bet one time for all.

It is a gamble. The greater issue might be that fact they wait so freakin long between major redesigns. It broke a IS350 refresh a few years back. They changed the cluster arrangement in the headlights and the color of the turn signals on the mirrors for a refresh.

Pretty sad.

Show me one MFR that didn't do the same for mid-life facelift.

009, what's sad is that you don't realize that's exactly what other luxury brands do

You're the one who posted a thread "Lexus December to Remember Event Already Started" when Mercedes, Lincoln and other brands had started their Holiday events as well. What gives? Oh, right, bias.

Yes, 009, how long has the current 3 series been out? hmmm???? Didn't both cars debut the same year? 2005?

Lexus is in the position Cadillac was in 10 years ago with an aging customer base. Caddy went with a "stealth" design which some loved or hated. Lexus tried and failed with the last SC430, good car but bad design. Lexus needs new designs which may turn off some of their buyers now but will build customers for the future.

To give a little perspective here are the major chassis revisions of the following platforms since 1998 to the 2012 model year.

Lexus IS has had two major changes
BMW 3 Series has had three majors changes
MB C-Class has had three majors changes
Audi A4 has had four major changes
Infiniti G has had four major changes
Acura TL has had had four major changes

It just goes to show, if you bank on dated technology everyone else will eventually get a leg up on you.

009, do you know anything about cars???

The Infiniti G is in it's SECOND generation - you can't count the G20, that was a completely different car

The IS didn't launch until 2000 as a 2001 model

The Audi A4 had basically the SAME interior design from 2001-2007

The new 3 series was JUST RELEASED!

009, your info is disingenous and you know it.

IS:
1st gen debuted in 1998
2nd gen debuted in 2005
3rd gen should be a 2012, but may be a 2013.

3 series:
the 4th gen debuted in 1998
the 5th in 2005
the 6th will be in 2012

For the Audi:
Gen 1 lasted 7 years until 2001
Gen 2 and 3 were the same, with just a face lift (nice try), and lasted 8 years until 2008

The cars are on different cycles, but all last 6 to 7 years. You make it seem like the Lexus IS is missing a whole generation in the middle.

I understand the position Lexus is in this year, (dated body, Tsunami and all). But being the leader in US sales for the last 11 or so years… maybe they have some idea of what there doing…?

Consider this:
-The RX is the unit leader in sales for Lexus (last Redesign 2010)
- Lexus recently is keeping about a 6-7 year body style (engine/ refreshes in the middle)
- They have the GS/ ES/ IS / LS all redesigned in the next 13 months or so

Just looking at last month year to date sales: (the end of October)

-The RX had sold 63,507 units
- The GS/ ES/ IS / LS collectively sold 65,528 units

The RX and the GS/ ES/ IS / LS group seem to be on opposite refresh schedules…. Maybe they have a plan that has worked since the 2004 RX refresh…..just maybe…

Isn't that a Microsoft ploy?...Our *next* version is gonna be amazing!!!

Steve says: Show me the money!

Lexus needs a drastic ES design to regain the attention of their aging fan base... the GS is okay, but I was kind of hoping for something more closely resembling the concept... and the IS is going to be a key car as well when they start showing designs for it this time next year...

correct me if i'm wrong, but isn't the GS the only NEW model. the others are just refreshes right? would like to see pics of these if anyone has them.

+ new LX in '09

Lexus has been playing the changes close to the vest. One would assume the other 3 are the ES and IS as NEW models and possible one refresh.

"Wait till next year?" Is that like "the check is in the mail?"