Lexus Future Vehicles

[K-A]

The "word on the street" is the new GS will be more aggressive than the new E yet more elegant than the 5 series.

Who said that, the crack-head on the corner?

Anyone's seen the pics would know that that's impossible. The E is much more aggressive and dynamic, and the 5'er is much more graceful and elegant. The GS sits kind of in between the two. The front looks like it's trying to be aggressive, but lacks the E's effortlessly confident face that harkens back to a history of confident Benz faces. The sides all of a sudden go for a nice and elegant look, but doesn't tie with the tried-aggressivness of the front, and also misses the mark from the 5-Series more feminine suave. The rear tries to go for a lean sporty look that seems more low-rent Asian or American performance Sedan, that doesn't have the purposeful and sophisticatedly solid Benz look, or the athletic 5'er look.

I think the new GS is gonna be a nice Japanese option to the Germans and Brits, but it just ain't "there" to command from the others, aside from Lexus faithful and those who want something alternative to the big players. But hey, the E and 5'er are so damn popular, I don't mind some diversity of my favorite segment (Mid-Size Luxury Sedan) on the roads, will make for a nice mixture where you can see all the cars doing their thing amongst each other.

EDIT:: Doh, just realized that this Thread was from March. Oh well, I'll leave the Post up anyway.

 

[Merc1]

What the hell is this?!?!?!? - Mystery Sport Lexus LS Caught Testing on the 'Ring

Lexus may not be fully embroiled in the sports car segment as the only true performance models in its range are the IS-F and the limited run LFA special, but something tells us that the Japanese firm is not yet ready to throw the towel in and let its rivals take the win.

And this, despite the fact that over the years, we have heard many rumors about the possibility of Lexus expanding its range of high-performance F-badged lineup to include the GS and the LS models, and which never came into fruition.

This brings us to our mystery Lexus LS prototype that was snagged doing the rounds on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Our scoop photographers tell us that the car featured the usual testing equipment seen on other prototypes on the 'Ring.

Aside from the blistered front and rear wheel arches, the LS test car also sported widened front and rear bumpers, a different front grille, plus a carbon fiber roof and boot incorporating a spoiler.

The car was also fitted with massive brake discs, while the hood air vents and the black alloy wheels with a silver rim are two elements we've seen of the LFA.

And now for the million dollar question: what is it? We'll, we don't know for sure. It could be anything from a limited production or conceptual LS-F sporting the LFA's V10 to a SEMA project car, or perhaps just a wild tuning job in the works.

Whatever the case, we'll keep our eyes open and ask around. If something pops up on our radars, we'll let you know.

SCOOP: Mystery Sport Lexus LS Caught Testing on the 'Ring, Could it be the LS-F?

OMG, if Lexus built this they will have another leg of respect from me. WOW.


M

 

[Centurion]

OMG a Porsche Panamera killer? I would not be too quick on the LFA rumour until a video has surfaced.

 

[330CIZHP]

OMG a Porsche Panamera killer? I would not be too quick on the LFA rumour until a video has surfaced.

It actually has a supercharged version of the IS-F engine. It is a very big and heavy car so it needs a lot of low end torque. The LFA engine's top rpm heavy powerband will not work for this car.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

I'm thinking it's either a mule for the GS-F or next gen LS/LS-F. That wide lower airdam looks like it's there to imitate the lower half of a spindle-grille that aims to be so ubiquitious on future Lexi. Also do I see intercoolers behind the lower grille? Either way, it looks like it's probably going to use the 5.0L V8 with either a turbo- or super-charger to get the necessary low-end grunt for a sedan that big and heavy. Besides the just the 4.8L V10 engine itself costs about as much as a base BMW M5.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

If the next LS is due on the heels of the S, they will have their work cut out for them.

 

[cawimmer430]

That mystery LS is so hideous - even if it is just a prototype.

Seems to me that Lexus is taking the 'rice route' with this car. Over on Club Lexus someone posted some technical specs from a Japanese car magazine. Apparently this engine will rev to 9,000 RPM and produce 650-horsepower. 9,000 RPM sounds like something that belongs in a riced out Honda Civic - but not in an elite luxury car where even the performance versions have an emphasis on REFINEMENT. No AMG, BMW Alpina or RS revs to 9,000 RPM. And 9,000 screaming RPM also doesn't go in line with the character of the LS whose emphasis is literally refinement above everything else. This engine is way to hardcore for an LS character wise. I also don't see it as appealing to the traditional large luxury car performance enthusiasts and the typical LS buyer either.

I also love how the Lexus fan(boy)s think "this type of car gives their brand prestige". Yeah, keep dreaming. You want to see what gives a car brand prestige? Visit the Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Museum. That's brand prestige.

 

[330CIZHP]

To clarify, it will not have a 9000 rpm. It was a typo where it was written. It will have a FI supercharged V8 with a 6800 - 7000 rpm redline maximum.

Once I read " 9,000 RPM sounds like something that belongs in a riced out Honda Civic", you completely lost me and no offense I will pretend I read none of the "brand whore" nonsense you wrote after that (inspite of me not liking most of the Lexus cars).

That mystery LS is so hideous - even if it is just a prototype.

Seems to me that Lexus is taking the 'rice route' with this car. Over on Club Lexus someone posted some technical specs from a Japanese car magazine. Apparently this engine will rev to 9,000 RPM and produce 650-horsepower. 9,000 RPM sounds like something that belongs in a riced out Honda Civic - but not in an elite luxury car where even the performance versions have an emphasis on REFINEMENT. No AMG, BMW Alpina or RS revs to 9,000 RPM. And 9,000 screaming RPM also doesn't go in line with the character of the LS whose emphasis is literally refinement above everything else. This engine is way to hardcore for an LS character wise. I also don't see it as appealing to the traditional large luxury car performance enthusiasts and the typical LS buyer either.

I also love how the Lexus fan(boy)s think "this type of car gives their brand prestige". Yeah, keep dreaming. You want to see what gives a car brand prestige? Visit the Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Museum. That's brand prestige.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

That mystery LS is so hideous - even if it is just a prototype.

Seems to me that Lexus is taking the 'rice route' with this car. Over on Club Lexus someone posted some technical specs from a Japanese car magazine. Apparently this engine will rev to 9,000 RPM and produce 650-horsepower. 9,000 RPM sounds like something that belongs in a riced out Honda Civic - but not in an elite luxury car where even the performance versions have an emphasis on REFINEMENT. No AMG, BMW Alpina or RS revs to 9,000 RPM. And 9,000 screaming RPM also doesn't go in line with the character of the LS whose emphasis is literally refinement above everything else. This engine is way to hardcore for an LS character wise. I also don't see it as appealing to the traditional large luxury car performance enthusiasts and the typical LS buyer either.

I also love how the Lexus fan(boy)s think "this type of car gives their brand prestige". Yeah, keep dreaming. You want to see what gives a car brand prestige? Visit the Porsche, Audi, BMW and Mercedes Museum. That's brand prestige.

Yes Christian, we get it, it doesn't have the luxury of history that Porsche, BMW, et al. have. But the fact is that they were start-ups, once upon a time. And, yes, they were the original start-ups (M-B) and pioneers, especially Porsche. But should that discount the fact that Lexus, and by that extension, Toyota are making visible strides? And while Lexus (and Infiniti, and to a lesser extent, Acura) make cars that aren't perfect but still rather competitive? Keep in mind, that some 20 odd years ago, Lexus and Inifiniti did put the established marques on notice. In Europe, though, a lack of diesel options makes them less of an option, but Infiniti does have a V6 diesel.

With regards to a 9000 rpm redline in a sedan....now having a sedan with that kind of rev limit is absurd, but common sense dictates that in all likely hood, it will not receive the 4.8L V10. Maybe in concept form, it might, but in production form, it makes no business sense to a have $90K+ engine in a car that's probably going to be around $100-110K. The LFA does not make a profit, but then again, the LFA is not a volume brand line, whereas the LS (or GS?) are. Also, I'd like to remind your that the S85 V10 in the E60 M5 has a redline of 8250 rpm, a paltry difference of 750 rpms. Granted, the M5 wasn't the most refined sedan, but it was still pretty darn refined. Also the RS4 had a redline of about 8000 rpms, not exactly the same class.

This is a prototype mule. If this was an FEP prototype, then this would be ugly as sin. But I've seen German mules that would have blistered wheel arches and things of that nature during this stage in development. I'm pretty confident that the end product will be more refined. Now whether the final design is as polarizing as the GS, that's another story.

 

[Rainer271]

Infiniti teases a mysterious new model for Paris

Promises to have "style and substance that push any preconceived limits."
Infiniti has announced plans to introduce a mysterious model at the Paris Motor Show.

The teaser image doesn't reveal much but the company says they will "share a vision – its soul – on a scale not seen before." They also hinted the car will have "style and substance that push any preconceived limits."

That's not much to go on but previous reportshave suggested the company will introduce a QX30 concept at an upcoming auto show. It remains unclear is this particular model is the aforementioned concept but we should find out soon enough.

Source: Infiniti


I've looked in the web for further informations but I couldn't find anything. Does anybody knows more?

 

[Wolfgang]

^ You may want to check Andy Palmer's twitter for hints?

https://twitter.com/NissanAndy
http://www.autonews.com/article/20140728/OEM04/307289973/big-wave-of-infiniti-products-ahead

 

[Rainer271]

Thanks a lot, Wolfgang.
Maybe I'm one of less people without a Twitter account.

 

[Rainer271]

Postboned into Infiniti discussion.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

why are we posting items regarding Infiniti in a thread about Lexuses? Contrary to popular belief, they 2 different carmakers.

 

[Rainer271]

why are we posting items regarding Infiniti in a thread about Lexuses? Contrary to popular belief, they 2 different carmakers.

Because I´m stupid.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

LOL, I just thought it was odd

 

[ThroughandThrough]

Lexus LF-C2 concept teased, debuts in Los Angeles

Lexus has announced plans to introduce the LF-C2 concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19th.

The company is keeping details a closely guarded secret but they described the model as an "exciting new open-air concept." That's not much to go on but the concept could be an updated convertible version of the LF-LC concept. Of course, the concept could also be a preview of the upcoming RC / RC F Convertible.

Regardless of what it is, the LF-C2 concept has a rakish windscreen, a stylish rear deck and an integrated trunk spoiler. The model also appears to be a two seater with a protruding nose.

 

[Bucketslash11]

Lexus Trademarks LC 500 & LC 500h in Canada, USA, and Australia
Posted by krew on December 4th, 2014

Lexus has just trademarked LC 500 & LC 500h in the USA, Canada, & Australia, giving us the first clear indication of what to expect from the upcoming production LF-LC coupe.

This is huge news on multiple levels — there had been talk that the production LF-LC could resurrect the SC nameplate, but it appears the new coupe will adopt letters from its concept.

Bigger than the name are the two engine designations — there is currently no model in the Lexus lineup with either a 500 or 500h badge.

It’s possible to guess at the LC 500, as the RC F’s 467 horsepower 5.0L V8 engine would fit in with the usual Lexus naming convention (350 = 3.5L engine, 460 = 4.6L engine).

As for the LC 500h, this will most certainly be a new engine altogether. Let’s use the existing models as a guide — the GS 450h is powered by a 3.5L V6 hybrid engine, and the LS 600h is powered by a 5.0L V8 hybrid. Essentially, the hybrid system adds one-litre to the badge designation.

In my mind, there are two ways to go with this:


Lexus has developed a new 4.0L V6 or V8 and paired it to the hybrid system.
The next-generation hybrid system generates the equivalent of a half-litre of displacement and the engine remains as a 3.5L V6 engine.

No matter the engines, these trademarks are a major step in the eventual production model LF-LC, and it looks like Lexus is pulling out all the stops.

For completion’s sake, the LC trademarks were registered November 24th in the USA (1, 2) & Canada (1, 2), and on November 25th in Australia (1, 2).

 

[SCOTT27]

 

[hovabongZA]

I like Lexus designs but that’s a grill too far that looks absolutely ghastly in every angle!!!