To remain No. 1 in luxury sales, Lexus targets younger buyers
Kathy Jackson
Automotive News
August 31, 2009 - 12:01 am ET

Here are Lexus' product plans for the 2010-12 model years.

IC: A BMW 1-series competitor is being considered for the United States and could arrive as early as the 2012 model year. Sedan, coupe, convertible, crossover and hybrid versions are on the table.

IS: Lexus expanded the line in May with the introduction of the 2010 IS C hardtop convertible. The IS line is expected to be redesigned for the 2013 model year.

HS: The sedan is the first dedicated hybrid model offered by a luxury brand and is the first Lexus model to use a four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is 35 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Sales began this month.

ES: The midrange sedan is due to be redesigned for the 2012 model year. A hybrid version will be added.

GS: A redesigned version will arrive as a 2011 model. It is unclear whether the GS-F performance sedan planned for the 2012 model year will survive in the plan. The issues are fuel prices and Toyota's budget cuts.

LS: The range-topping sedan is due to be redesigned for the 2013 model year.

SC: With the arrival of the IS convertible, sources say the more expensive SC hardtop convertible will be dropped. Lexus sold just 542 SC units through July.

LF-A: The performance car could appear next year as a 2011 model. Initially it was expected that it would be powered by a 500-hp V-10. Now there is talk of a twin-turbo V-8. No word on horsepower.

RX: A redesign of the small crossover debuted in February. The wheelbase for the 2010 RX is an inch longer, and the overall length is stretched 1.6 inches.

GX: This truck-based SUV could migrate to the GS car platform when it is redesigned for the 2010 model year. Seven-passenger seating will be retained.

LX: No major changes are planned through the 2012 model year

Lexus LF-Ch Concept May Signal Dawn of Revamped Lineup
Steve.Diehlman

Hoping to appeal to younger buyers, Lexus is planning a sea change. And we may see some first waves of a revised lineup at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.

Certainly, the new compact concept -- now called the LF-C -- is a sign of things to come. Lexus revealed the first teaser photo of the car (above), which is expected to compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 1-series. It's not official, but Automotive News claims the small car - likely called the IC - will launch in European markets by late 2011, and possibly make the journey across the pond shortly after.

Revisions to Lexus' other sedans - the IS, ES, GS, and LS - will appear around the same time. The IS line, which gains a convertible offering this year, won't receive a redesign until 2013, but the first model to receive a makeover will likely be the GS. Automotive News suggests a full redesign is due in 2011, although a facelifted model will be shown at the Frankfurt show. The ES sedan is set for a complete redesign in 2012, and will likely gain a hybrid version in the process. The flagship LS model, which also dons a mildly refreshed interior for 2010, won't be completely revamped until 2013.

With sales plummeting, it's unlikely that the SC convertible will survive past this year, but Lexus will cater to enthusiasts with the LF-A supercar. The long-awaited sports car was recently confirmed for production, although speculation suggests the present V-10 could be replaced by a twin-turbocharged V-8 before it launches.

Lexus' successful RX crossovers have just been redesigned for 2010, but it's likely the GX will see substantial modifications within the next year. Automotive News suggests the GX nameplate could even transition to a crossover based off the GS sedan.