Lexus Set To Expand Product Line; More Engines

MikeP · December 16, 2004

Lexus set to expand product line; more engines, hybrids likely coming soon

MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News

Posted Date: 12/16/04

LOS ANGELES -- Lexus will expand its product line with more engines, two gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and another SUV, all likely within the next 18 months.

The move shows the intent of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. to challenge the German luxury brands, which have a choice of engines for nearly all of their nameplates. It also shows Toyota's commitment to use hybrid technology in premium vehicles.

This expansion comes as Lexus looks to be the best-selling luxury brand in America for the fifth straight year in 2004.

Toyota sources and U.S. government filings state that Lexus will offer more and larger engines in IS and GS sedans.

The biggest change comes in fall 2005 with the redesign of the IS 300 sedan, which is powered only by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The next IS sedan will have a choice of a 2.5-liter V-6 or 3.5-liter V-6, according to Toyota sources and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings. Lexus executives have said broadening the lineup is necessary to challenge BMW 3-series sedans.

The V-6s are from a new engine family that will have front- and rear-drive applications. Both Toyota and Lexus vehicles will use the engines, which can be as large as 4.0 liters.

The redesigned GS sedan will arrive in the spring. It will come with either a 3.5-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8. That is an upgrade from today's 3.3-liter V-6 and 4.3-liter V-8 engines.

The GS sedan lineup also will get a hybrid derivative, called the GS 450h, according to trademark filings. It will team a 4.5-liter V-8 with an electric motor, which Toyota sources boast will create V-12 performance with V-6 fuel economy.

The launch date for the GS 450h has not been established. Japanese media reports say production will begin next spring. The GS 450h will join the RX 400h hybrid sport wagon, which goes on sale April 15.

On the SUV side, the LX 470 is showing its age. Lexus will give the high-end line some support in the form of the JX 470. The JX 470 comes from the Toyota Sequoia platform, while the LX 470 is derived from the smaller Land Cruiser platform.

The JX 470 should arrive in spring 2006. It is not certain whether the JX 470 will replace the LX 470 or supplement it.

Lexus this year has sold 255,446 units through November, a 10.3 percent increase over the year-ago period.

jasver · December 16, 2004

This was great information! Thanks for sharing. :)

vcv10guy · December 16, 2004

Hmm... a JX470...wonder how that's going to look. Very informative, can't wait to see what the next few years unfold for Lexus.

Lexusfreak · December 17, 2004

EXCELLENT news!!!! :D Looking VERY forward to the upcoming Lexus product line! :D B)

:cheers:

JimmyD · December 19, 2004

The GS sedan lineup also will get a hybrid derivative, called the GS 450h, according to trademark filings. It will team a 4.5-liter V-8 with an electric motor, which Toyota sources boast will create V-12 performance with V-6 fuel economy.

say what?

If the GS, ES and SC all get that, they may very well take over the world. Lexus has always been on the softer side when it comes to performance battles with BMW and Mercedes. This sounds very interesting for the future of Lexus.

SW03ES · December 20, 2004

They're planning high performance hybrid versions for every Lexus model. GS450h, LS450(or500)h, ES400h etc.

Lexusfreak · December 22, 2004

I heard the all new GS all wheel drive will be a new 3.0L V6, but it sounds like a 3.5L V6 is in the pipeline instead (same as the Avalon). :blink: :huh: