Autoblog

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]

Click the image above for plenty of high-res live and press images.

Lexus came to the Tokyo party with a decidedly un-Japanese vehicle, the LF-Xh – shining a (blue) light on the future of the luxury automaker's RX-series of crossovers. The L-finesse design theme is well represented, with sharp creases and smooth rakes flowing into a slightly derivative front clip and (even more so) rear end. The beltline is higher than most Florida retirees and its V6 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor. The powertrain combo drives all four wheels.

You can check out Lexus' original press release after the jump, and check the gallery below for some live and press pics.



All live photos ©2007 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Click the image above for a gallery of the Lexus LF-Xh concept.

Lexus plans on unveiling two concepts at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, and while one of them is the LF-A that we've seen before, the other may foretell the future of the next RX-series crossover.

Naturally, Lexus is touting the L-finesse design theme with the LF-Xh, but first impressions aren't particularly pleasing. It's somewhat blocky, and although the lines are clean, it strikes us as a bit too derivative to change the game in any substantive way.

The "h" designation affixed to the nameplate indicates that Lexus will be employing its Hybrid Drive system, which mates a gasoline-powered V6 to a high-output electric motor that then sends power to all four wheels.

Lexus' press release on both vehicles is posted after the jump.