Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A Roadster concept.
Lexus Australia's chief executive, John Roca, gave up a number of product details to The Australian in an interview this past weekend, including the addition of an "F" variant of the GS sedan and possibly a full-size LS limo. Both models are aimed to attack luxury stalwarts Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz by offering a number of high-performance variants and also developing a new model that would slot in below the IS sedan to take on the BMW 1-series and the Audi A3. That model is still a few years away, but it will be an integral part of Lexus' commitment to reach one million global sales in the next two to three years.
The other element includes offering hybrid versions of every vehicle it sells, plus the introduction of a hybrid-only model that will be unveiled in concept form this January at the Detroit Auto Show. Toyota's luxury arm plans to release a redesigned five-seater RX next year, based off the LF-Xh concept that bowed in Tokyo, although there's no word on the rumored seven-seat variant due out before the end of the decade.
Naturally, no conversation about Lexus would be complete without some mention of a two-door, coupe/convertible version of the IS, a model that's been sorely lacking from the Lexus lineup, plus, the LF-A supercar, which should finally come to market in 2011, but may only be available in left-hand drive.
[Source: The Australian via Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
geo.stewart @ Apr 7th 2008 9:43AM
"That model is still a few years away, but it will be an integral part of Lexus' commitment to reach one million global sales in the next two to three years."
What, will it be the millionth car off the line? If the car is a few years away and they plan to hit their sales target in 2-3 yrs, it wont be integral to that goal because it wont be released in time to have any effect.
The IS and GS have been integral to reaching that goal, not any vaporware.
AMcA @ Apr 7th 2008 9:50PM
Toyota builds Lexus.
GM doesn't build Cadillac. Because there are needs to build equally profitable Pontiacs, GMCs, Saabs. Cadillac will just have to wait, even while Lexus turns into an unstoppable monster.
FSM @ Apr 7th 2008 9:52AM
I think Lexus could easily take over the entry level luxury sedan/coupe market. All they have to do is come up with a car that is styled better than the BMW 1er (which should be easy), and has more power or better handling than the Audi A3. If they can price it between $25k-$35k they will have a winner. Even if it is underpowered compared to the 135i, trim some weight, and don't make it look like a pig it I will be very excited to see the results.
DKB_SATX @ Apr 7th 2008 10:52AM
The problem will be that they'll make it auto-only (or offer a manual only in some arcane configuration and won't make many) and will have a fun-killing traction nanny you can't turn off, and will excessively isolate the driver from what the car's actually doing.
Lexus is outstanding in the luxury area. They're quiet, understated, reliable and have butt-kissing service departments, but the reason they haven't made it in the sporty end of the market is that they've always had sportiness as the 3rd or 4th consideration (at best.)
Michael @ Apr 7th 2008 10:06AM
That... that actually looks pretty cool.
D. See @ Apr 7th 2008 10:35AM
I own two "Lexi", but am dumping my IS300 and buying a Honda Fit or Ford Fiesta (2010) in lieu of another Lexus. Why? Because all of their vehicles suck gas like crazy, and the L-Finesse design does nothing to excite me...at all. Yes, I know, the Honda Fit is far from a stunner, but it's reliable and will get twice the fuel economy that my current IS gets.
I love Lexus' quality and reliability, but they can't serve me up a nice looking car that gives me economy at the pump. Thier hybrid program is a joke....1-2 mpg better than their standard cars? HA! Not worth the extra $$$$ for the sake of being green. I would go to a Toyota Corolla or a Yaris, but the Corolla is boring, and the Yaris is a little too small.
Just my opinion.....
ChazzMichaelMichaels @ Apr 7th 2008 11:23AM
Another luxury car line (planning on) diluting it's lineup? I'm shocked! That's just mind-bottling.
spdracerut @ Apr 7th 2008 11:28AM
First glance at the roadster pic, and I thought I was looking at the 350Z
Franz @ Apr 7th 2008 11:56AM
By the time the LF-A makes it to the market place, it'll be a totally different ball game. Toyota needs to join the fight now, while the action is red hot.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 7th 2008 12:07PM
1 series fighter?
Yeah, don't let BMW get away with owning a senseless market. Next item on the hit list: the Subaru Baja.
Bungle @ Apr 7th 2008 1:40PM
There's nothing senseless about the 1-series other than BMW's implementation of it. The idea was to offer a model priced (and equipped) well below the 3-series; what actually happened was a vehicle that was roughly equivalent at barely 10% cheaper.
If BMW had delivered a $20-25k, modestly-equipped, sporty and lightweight RWD car, I think it would be selling like hotcakes. Let's hope that Lexus has that in mind.
Kaptain75329 @ Apr 7th 2008 1:50PM
Ouch - I was laughing out loud with this one.
I can't help but wonder if you're right, mostly because I don't really see the market for the 1-Series either. The A3 I can almost understand, but I seriously wonder what BMW was thinking with the 1-Series.. assuming they were at all in the first place.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Apr 7th 2008 2:28PM
Bungle:
You made my point for me.
The 1-series isn't a horrible idea. Except it's only slightly shorter, 150 lbs lighter (tops) and is only cheaper on base models. Oh yeah, and it still gets awful mpg.
Wait. Maybe the 1-series is a horrible idea. What was wrong with the BMW MINI filling this space?
Paul H. @ Apr 7th 2008 5:05PM
You read my mind Bungle. I would have been one of the first to snap up a 1 series if they would have come out with say, a 120si, that would have included that sweet 173 hp, 2.0 four pot from the Euro market 320si homolgation special. Delete stuff like leather, nav, sunroofs, etc. stiffen the suspension up a bit, uprate the brakes and rolling stock and then you would have had a true successor to the 2002. It would have lit SCCA racing on fire.
Daniel @ Apr 7th 2008 8:00PM
The LF-Xh looks very much like the Ford Reflex concept of a couple of years ago. I have no doubt that Lexus will make a lot of money of this great idea. Too bad Ford rarely follows through on their good ideas.
No leadership I guess?