LS [Spy Shots] 2017 Lexus LS

[Merc1]

Lexus can chuck as much gadgets into the LS as they want but the facelifted w221 will further improve comfort and refinement.

The trump card for the new LS should be hybrid performance. It's the one area where Toyota has more experience and expertise than rivals.They should make the drivetrain so good that no one wants a V8 diesel or a V12 petrol.

Well a facelifted W221 won't do a thing lol.


M

 

[sako97]

Hopefully Lexus eases off the predator design language for the next LS. Lexus has been loosing their core conservative clinetle in US, just like Cadillac with their obsession to become a sporty brand.

The main focus should be seat comfort, ride quality and advanced, yet simple to operate technology.

 

[Carmaker1]

I'm surprised that no one has posted this, the LS rendering I bought from a Mag-X issue back in April and solely provided to the administrator of a Lexus blog, which was "grabbed" by other news websites and reposted elsewhere without directly referencing me (yes that may sound petty, but it was very difficult to get) nor credit for the detailed timeline I have provided in regards to its development programme.

Mag-X doesn't allow non-residents of Japan to become members of their site, so I did have to jump through several hoops to figure out what information pertained to "レクサス LS" being "revealed" and pay someone with a Japanese address.

Anyway this is it (subsequent copy from Mag-X), as the spy photos even align with it. It is definitely what it looks like without camouflage. Mag-X got it right with predicting the current generation in the summer of 2004 and leaked actual photos of it in 2005, before its January 2006 NAIAS debut.

August 2004 XF40 LS Mag-X Rendering.

August 2005 Mag-X Leak of 2007(MY) Lexus LS 460

November 2005 Photoshoot of 2007(MY) LS 460 LWB - Press Release 2006/01/08

They have trademarked "LS350" in domestic Japan, which makes me wonder whether they changing their nomenclature for forced induction vehicles or transplanting their aging 2GR-FSE 3.5 6 cylinder into the LS a year from now, for at least JDM.

Two years ago in the autumn of 2014, LS prototype(s) (wearing final design) was/were shown to UK audiences of senior Lexus/Toyota personnel with 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 engines. Lexus Europe head (Alain Uyettenhoven) was shown both the final car and finalised LC500 coupe before that in the summer of 2014. The LF-FC Concept has relation to the next LS, but it is a subsequent development developed between September 2014 and September 2015 at Toyota's Tokyo design studios.

It seems many news sites cannot get the narrative right, in which like the BMW VFL and Audi Prologue, the LF-FC was developed later. Plus the fact some outlets wrongfully claim Lexus replace their V8 with a 4-cylinder or a V6, which is just obtuse reporting (LS500, LS500h trademarks say otherwise). The same nonsense one heard in 2009-10 about the W222 doing away with diesel and petrol offerings for a hybrid only line-up.

The 2018(MY) LS I have learned, went into development sometime in 2010, but was already on the table in early 2008, but likely shelved until 2010.
Test mules of the LS500 have been rumoured to be running the past 4 years. The first prototypes were built in 2015, after the 2014 design sign-off.

Parallel to that, the current facelift of the LS (September 2012 to present) was designed in 2010, conveniently being finalised well before the March 2011 Japanese natural disasters.

A Jaguar customer, who posts on some forums, was shown the car a few months ago. He reports it does not look identical to LF-FC, the way the LF-LC and LC500 do. He claims it is much better looking than the LF-FC concept and the interior design language is close to the LC500, which it will use the same modular GA-L architecture.

While I think the artist respond did an atrocious job, the boot/trunk rear area has degree of accuracy, in regards to the taillights. Everything else, C-Pillar forward is pure ****.

As you can see, even me having been more professionally involved with the competition, I am very curious about what they are up to. This is considering that they have been the only non-European automotive corporation (more specially Asian/Japanese) that truly throws money at their best and takes the flagship class seriously. Nissan and Honda have not (and no, the GT-R and NSX don't count), as seen by the Q45 (Q80 is coming too late) and Honda Legend/Acura RL(X).

Once MB shows their hand with S and BMW with the 7er, I get very bored quickly.

 

[Carmaker1]

I think it could be the production body with some padding in the rear and fake lights all around. The hoodline seems lower and the overall car width seems wider than the current gen. It'd seem odd to have a chopped-up/modified body when it's probably 7-8 months from debuting at Detroit.

Toyota is very particularly about testing vehicles too early out in the open, so they opt for such test mule solutions instead. The first prototypes were built last year, they been running mules since 2012.

They forgot the main rival
View attachment 383144

As early as late 2013/early 2014, Toyota's HQ Technical Centre in Aichi, Japan had large fleets of W222s. There are underlying reasons why they've decided to use the A8 and 750i. They are surely not pleased to be using D4s, instead of the D5 as a benchmark, since the A8 was also pushed back.

Thankfully for them, Audi is not their primary competitor. The idea was to attack MB at mid-cycle, rather what than happened with the W221 launching nearly parallel to the outgoing LS.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Thank you @Carmaker1. Always enjoy reading your posts and insights into the development process of these vehicles.

I wonder if the new LS will actually have any impact on this segment or if it will be too little too late, Lexus having squandered any remaining LS street cred by peddling an outdated product well past it's used by date.

 

[Monster]

I wonder if the new LS will actually have any impact on this segment or if it will be too little too late, Lexus having squandered any remaining LS street cred by peddling an outdated product well past it's used by date.

I think Lexus rather take the short term pain now and put more effort into the new LS, rather than launching a new car that is instantly years behind the competition. I think once they saw the W222, they realized they were in huge trouble, and their original plan for the LS replacement is going to be smashed by its competitors before it was even released.

Lexus desperately need a smash hit to follow up on their recent success with the LFA and the incoming LC, they must get the new LS right, whatever it takes.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

@Carmaker1, I did see your Mag-X pic over at LE and thought about posting it but actually decided against since it seemed you weren't pleased with others posting it elsewhere without your permission.

I also saw that they did file a trademark for "LS350" and thought maybe they are preparing to battle not only the standard German triad upper front but also deal with Genesis' G90 and Cadillac's CT6.

 

[Centurion]

I think Lexus rather take the short term pain now and put more effort into the new LS, rather than launching a new car that is instantly years behind the competition. I think once they saw the W222, they realized they were in huge trouble, and their original plan for the LS replacement is going to be smashed by its competitors before it was even released.

Lexus desperately need a smash hit to follow up on their recent success with the LFA and the incoming LC, they must get the new LS right, whatever it takes.

This time Lexus might be a bit more successful than last. For the first time the LS will have an original design that doesn't have hints of the W140 and W220 S-Class. If the LC500 that is automotive haute couture is a taster of what's to come, then the LS's design could use customers.

It won't be easy for the LS though, The biggest rivals are no longer just the S-Class, 7-Series and the A8 but also the Panamera. Not to be forgotten are Range Rovers that people are happily spending S-Class money on. Mercedes even throw a joker with the new E-Class that's effectively a mini S-Class at slightly less money. So in order to buy the new LS, Lexus will need to convince you to say no to all the above mentioned cars. It will be a tall order!

 

[Carmaker1]

@Carmaker1, I did see your Mag-X pic over at LE and thought about posting it but actually decided against since it seemed you weren't pleased with others posting it elsewhere without your permission.

I also saw that they did file a trademark for "LS350" and thought maybe they are preparing to battle not only the standard German triad upper front but also deal with Genesis' G90 and Cadillac's CT6.

Well, my derision was directed primarily at journalists or bloggers specifically, not so much that of fellow posters, especially GCF and there. I would've preferred any of you did that, rather than the likes of autoevolution or Carscoops taking advantage. Since I enjoy posting here, I would welcome anyone to share whatever I put up in the automotive online community.

Much of the information these websites that have provided on this car, were sourced indirectly from me in regards to the NAIAS introductory date and other info, to then ignorantly credit other sources that never even made mention of certain tidbits.

No single media source pointed to an NAIAS 2017 debut, while I did in the summer of 2015. Not only that, they muddle up any information and mislead people in the end with inaccuracies. I hate being misled by "professionals" that should know and do better, so I do my own research in most cases and make use of connections that I have to be informed, since many journalists cannot do a thorough job.

At this point though, I cannot really talk about the LS anymore as I signed an NDA and do know a lot more about the new Lexus flagship for once. I will resume in-depth LS discussion next year after press introduction. I expected to be impressed and I mostly was.

 

[Monster]

At this point though, I cannot really talk about the LS anymore as I signed an NDA and do know a lot more about the new Lexus flagship for once. I will resume in-depth LS discussion next year after press introduction. I expected to be impressed and I mostly was.

It is always fascinating to read your post. Will we be disappointed with the production version of the LS or we will be pleasantly surprised?

 

[Carmaker1]

It is always fascinating to read your post. Will we be disappointed with the production version of the LS or we will be pleasantly surprised?

Thank you, Monster. As with Lexus lately, it all depends on personal taste, so one will have to read into that a little. I had my doubts before, but they have made a serious contender for once and I look forward to seeing how they manage to even price it reasonably. The W222 managed to hold the line on price after the W221, so this should be very interesting.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

Thanks Carmaker1. I am hoping for the upcoming LS and thereafter, the design language has become more refined. The production LC and the LF-FC concept gives me some hope.

From LexusEnthusiast:

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2016/10/31/rumor-mill-next-generation-lexus-ls-to-get-3-0l-turbo-engine/

 

[ThroughandThrough]

The article was released on Halloween, and I must say, the LS was wearing a helluva scary costume.

Anyway, the window kink is too similar to the Model S.

 

[Sniper]

When i saw lexus possibly rear

 

[Yaz]

Please, not the Prius taillights on an LS.

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

https://lexusenthusiast.com/2016/11...s-ls-to-replace-v8-with-twin-turbo-v6-engine/

Some of the key points...
1) No V8! (WHHHHAAAAT????) The big engine is a newly developed twin turbo V6, making aprroximately 415hp.
2) The only chance of there being a V8 is if Lexus decides to pursue an LS-F.
3) Inline 4 turbo available in some market
4) Available hybrid with electric motors paired with 3.5L
5) Fuel cell version available around 2020

I don't think the above pic is reflective of the actual car's proportion. From spy pics, the shape is almost as sleek as a Jag XJ. Will be interesting to see how it'll turn out...

 

[HUTSUTAo]

View attachment 390557
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2016/11...s-ls-to-replace-v8-with-twin-turbo-v6-engine/

Some of the key points...
1) No V8! (WHHHHAAAAT????) The big engine is a newly developed twin turbo V6, making aprroximately 415hp.
2) The only chance of there being a V8 is if Lexus decides to pursue an LS-F.
3) Inline 4 turbo available in some market
4) Available hybrid with electric motors paired with 3.5L
5) Fuel cell version available around 2020

I don't think the above pic is reflective of the actual car's proportion. From spy pics, the shape is almost as sleek as a Jag XJ. Will be interesting to see how it'll turn out...

looking forward to LS200T

 

[Carmaker1]

Please, not the Prius taillights on an LS.

They are not Prius taillights, it is a bit disingenuous to assume that. The design cue came from the 2012 LF-LC Concept, which designed and developed during May 2010 and November 2011, inspired by that of the LFA (August 2008 design freeze). The LFA design was mostly drafted as early as 2002-03, only to be corrected several times until 2008.

The (latest) fourth generation Prius did have a design approval date in November 2012, but some delays in mid-2014 included whispers about belated design changes (inaccurate, speculative "journalism").

Point is, I keep hearing people jump to conclusions regarding the LC coupe and now these LS renderings. The approach has been to have parallel, yet separate design languages for both brands of Toyota Motor Co.

During 2001-2002, this idea was implemented for the Toyota and Lexus brands in the forms of Vibrant Clarity (Toyota) and L-finesse (Lexus), which started showing up in production models during the 2005-06 period. Slowly they shifted to the second generation of L-finesse and started surfacing in Lexus products from the early 2010s.

The evolutions (3rd generation) of Vibrant Clarity and L-finesse in the present day are now debuting on their modular TNGA redesigns and that of mid-2010s transitional products.

Some Toyota brand products have taillights similar to the LF-LC concept like the newest Prius or similarities to the Lexus Spindle Grille probably for this reason. The idea is for them to stylistic parallels similar to the VW/Audi relationship. Lexus will never be to Toyota, what Lamborghini to VW.

 

[Rainer271]

Next-Gen Lexus LS to get Hydrogen variant

The next-generation Lexus LS will be available with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain when it launches in 2019.

According to Autocar, the new LS will be based around 2015’s LF-FC Concept. It is likely that its hydrogen powertrain will be very similar to the LF-FC’s, meaning it may have one electric motor driving the rear wheels and two in-wheel motors sending power to the front.

Speaking about the potential for such a model, Lexus boss Alain Uyttenhoven stopped short of confirming it for production, but did say a hydrogen powertrain would be ideal for the car.

“We know how to make fuel cells and the only challenge is how to package a fuel cell in a car that also needs a certain level of performance. Premium buyers have certain expectations. For refinement, fuel cell is ideal, but we must also do some work to demonstrate the right levels of performance,” he said.

Beyond the hydrogen version, the new Lexus LS will be available as a V8-powered hybrid and will feature a host of advanced autonomous driving technologies as well as a plush interior incorporating the latest tech, including gesture control.

Source: Carscoops

 

[hoffmeister_fan]

http://www.lexus-int.com/news/new-lexus-ls-flagship-sedan-to-make-its-global-debut.html

NEW LEXUS LS FLAGSHIP SEDAN TO MAKE ITS GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE 2017 NAIAS

TORRANCE, Calif. (December 8, 2016) -- Lexus announced today that the all-new, fifth-generation LS flagship sedan will make its world debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show next month.

The introduction of the LS 400 in 1989 in Detroit made automotive history. Not only did the vehicle make its mark by offering the drive performance, quietness, and luxury that consumers expected from a premium vehicle , its unveiling heralded the birth of the Lexus brand.

Now, 28 years later, the all-new LS sedan will boast a bold new look with a coupe-like silhouette without compromising roominess, visionary technology, and will be built on an extended version of the company’s all-new global architecture for luxury vehicles (GA–L) premium rear-wheel drive platform—shared with the LC—for a more dynamic experience on the road.