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Though not as extensive as the Lexus IS, the
2009 IS-F will also be getting some changes. Let's summarize:
Edmund's Inside Line blog has definitely living up to its name over the last couple days, first breaking the possibility of a $200,000 Lexus LF-A, and now revealing details that Lexus could be planning to bring out not one, but two hybrid-only vehicles in the near future:
Toyota's upscale Lexus brand is considering the addition of at least two dedicated hybrid vehicles to its rapidly expanding product portfolio, including a premium-priced companion to the Toyota Prius as well as a midsize crossover that could be the industry's first dedicated gas-electric CUV, industry sources tell Inside Line.
Inside Line has learned that the new Prius is expected to go on sale in North America in late spring 2009, as a 2010 model. The first dedicated Lexus hybrid won't arrive in dealerships until calendar year 2010, according to Japanese sources. A second Lexus hybrid is tentatively slated for production in 2011.
All three models reportedly will be built on an updated version of Toyota's corporate midsize platform, known internally as MC, which underpins the Camry as well as the Lexus RX. The RX currently is offered in both gas and hybrid variants.
The first dedicated hybrid was announced by Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe during the Detroit Auto Show, but there were no real details given. Rumors have long suggested that this would be a Lexus Prius, and that seems to be more and more the case every day.
This midsize hybrid crossover could be a retelling of the RAV4 rumor that surfaces every six months or so, though the new twist is that it would be built on a larger platform. Unfortunately, that makes little sense, as it would mean Lexus would be introducing a vehicle that directly competes with the RX. My feeling is that if Lexus does build another crossover, it will be RAV4 sized, and will be competing against the BMW X3.
The IS Coupe is one step closer to reality, as a moderator over at my.IS discovered some trademark applications filed by Lexus in both the USA and Canada: IS 250C, IS 300C and IS 350C.
These digits lead to some interesting speculation, particularly in the case of the IS 300C. The 102-hp gap between the IS 250 and 350 has long been a bone of contention, especially because the IS 250 is available with a manual transmission. Now, with this new IS 300C designation, this gap could very well be plugged with something along the lines of the 3GR-FSE V6 (from the 2006-2007 GS 300). Very good news, if that's the case.
One glaring omission is the IS-FC, though it seems more likely that there would be no differentiation between the coupe and sedan models.
All in all, a very positive development.
(Note: The above image is not the production IS coupe, but rather a rendering by a still-to-be-determined source.)
[Source: my.IS]
The Lexus LF-A Racing prototype has been confirmed as an entrant into the the Nurburgring 24 hour endurance challenge next month. The race, officially called the 36th ADAC Zurich 24h Race 2008, will take place in Germany on May 23-24.
Although it seems contrary to the idea of racing, Toyota also announced that they would not be looking to win the race, but rather will be using the experience to aid development of the supercar, with the hope to gain some new feedback of the production model.
Disappointingly, it doesn't look like the production model LF-A will be announced at the race, which had been rumored previously, but this is still an incredibly positive step in the right direction.
[Source: Motor Authority]The Lexus LF-A is certainly causing a stir with its return to Nürburgring, as spy photographers were treated to a special surprise today with the appearance of the prototype supercar decked out in a full assortment of racing trim. Here’s a breakdown:
World Car Fans (whose spy photographers are responsible for the image above) also received word that this Lexus could very well be part of the 24 Hours Nürburgring Race held in May, and that an official launch of the production model might happen at the same time. Entering the LF-A in such a legendary race would be quite daring on the part of Lexus, an incredible trial-by-fire if there ever was one.
For more photos of this raced-up LF-A, check out World Car Fans, and cross your fingers for the end of this epic development cycle.
J.D. Power & Associates published the results of their 2007 Initial Quality Study, and Lexus placed second in the overall rankings, behind Porsche:
As you can see, it was a very close race, with Lexus owners reporting 94 problems per 100 Vehicles as compared to Porsche’s 91.
The individual vehicle results were less flattering, with only the RX 350/400h placing first in its class.
1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2. Lexus GS 350/430/450h 3. Infiniti M-Series/Volvo S80
1. Audi A8/Mercedes-Benz S-Class 3. Lexus LS 460
1. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 2. Porsche 911 3. Lexus SC 430
1. Lexus RX 350/400h 2. Lincoln MKX 3. Lexus GX 470
As for the rest of the the Lexus lineup, the ES 350, IS 250/350 and GX 470 all failed to place in top three of their respective segments.
All in all, a strong showing for the brand, with just enough room for improvement to keep them on their toes.
[Source: J.D. Power]
