Carmaker1

Well, since we are near the end of 2012, there are only 14 months left till 2014. Even though I do not drive a Lexus, after seeing news about the LS 650 I thought it would be interesting to bring up ideas about what Lexus should do for 25th Anniversary in 2014. Since most of the Lexus vehicles in 2014 will be 2015 models, it will consist of mainly those. On that list is likely this:

A fifth generation LS debuting at NAIAS in January 2014 as 2015 model and sales starting in September 2014.(It's possible Lexus delayed the LS to align with the 25th year of Lexus sales.)

The RC coupe between the IS and GS will be introduced.

25th Anniversary Edition of the ES and possibly other veteran models.

LF-LC production-esque prototype introduced

NX crossover will be introduced

Next generation RX unveiled in late 2014 as a 2016 model.

GS engine updates.

I will make a poll for these, which I hope will be effective. What else should Lexus do or think will happen in 2014? Other companies always celebrate anniversaries, so Lexus should do something big for once after making it to a quarter century.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Regardless of what they do, it'll be a huge year for them

TRDFantasy

The LS is what started Lexus, so what better way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the brand than a totally new 5th generation LS with mind-blowing and world-first features and technologies. That and seeing big refreshes of some existing models as well, and by then some debuts of new models to boot.

This is what I hope, but also think will happen. 5th gen LS, likely with new debuts like the RC etc., and possibly 25th anniversary special edition models.

mordecai

Agreed with the next-generation LS. But I think it would be really cool to introduce a next generation LFA as well. To me, Lexus has two flagships now: the traditional LS and the "new" side of Lexus, the LFA. It would undoubtedly bring a lot of attention to Lexus, both from traditional fans of luxury/Lexus and the new Lexus enthusiasts who love its performance aspect. A 10,000RPM+ V10/V12 engine would be amazing

TRDFantasy

While I would absolutely love to see a next-gen LFA myself debut together with a 5th gen LS, I don't know if realistically it will be ready in time for the 25th anniversary.

I am very confident we will see a next-gen LFA, but we may have to wait a while. In any case, we shall see.

RXSF

yeah they will probably make a special edition model on the LS in order to boost the last year of sales for the 4th LS

natnut

GS-F and separate F-Sport sub-division

84Cressida

They likely won't do anything and if they do, it will be a special edition model with some unique paint color but otherwise is the same vehicle. Sad, but true.

Blackraven

5th gen LS, 500 HP minimum GS-F, the rest I don't know.

Either way, we we're all looking forward to the anniversary celebrations.

P.S.
Slightly off-topic:
There will probably be some celebrations and parties for this in Japan.

For example:
When Audi celebrated their 100th anniversary, one of the highlights of their event was beer drinking ceremonies with factory workers (like a mini Oktoberfest in Ingolstadt).

So probably something like sushi eating contests, gokon (group dating) parties and izakaya bar parties (i.e. sake drinking )

G Star

iTrader: (2)

Whatever it is, they're planning to make the 25th anniversary a huge SALES year for Lexus, that one of the few reasons why we see so much build up for exciting products.

Aron9000

Man I'd really like to see them reintroduce the big 2 door SC in both coupe and 4 seat convertible form, a car you buy simply because it makes you smile. It should be a breath of fresh air for the company, something you buy for the style and driving dynamics, not because its a nice "under the radar" stealth cruiser. Lexus has built too many of those type of cars over the years and has kind of typecast itself as only being able to build that type of car.

Carmaker1

I had forgotten to include the GS-F, but I wonder if they've delayed that due to the LC being priority first?

Precisely why we are seeing and hearing about several vehicles that would be scheduled for 2014 unveilings and introductions(sales). It is highly likely that they will recognize this fact or TPTB at Lexus will be considered complete idiots to waste such an opportunity.

Even though some people have been against this, Lexus should definitely introduce a four-door coupe. The only thing is that currently only a production LF-LC and LF-CC have been confirmed. An SC that falls between them has not been and possibly rejected. It would be ideal if Lexus beats both Audi and BMW by offering a genuinely reliable 3-tiered coupe line-up. A truly mid-range coupe in the form of the SC. An entry-level RC, with the LC sitting at the top of the coupe range.

Carmaker1

Well, they could easily close out their 25th year with a prototype-concept version of an "LFA II", that could be scheduled for production starting in 12-18 months till 2016. The current one was unveiled in 2009 and went into production in December 2010, selling in 2011. They could try to get away with it not going on sale for over a year. Even though some have FALSELYsuggested the next-generation LS is scheduled in 3 years, I don't believe we'll have to wait that long. I am certain without a doubt to expect something on that front in 2014 or even next year in the form of full-body prototypes. The XF40 will have run from 2006-2014 and hopefully nothing beyond that.

Carmaker1

I wouldn't be surprised if this happens, even though they also have Toyota and Scion profits to support any celebration. I think the worst thing would be not replace their flagship LS or make any recognition of it. While they may have spent a lot on facelifting it for 2013, it has been here long enough. I think engine updates across the range would also suffice.

TRDFantasy

Ah yes, good points, totally forgot about that regarding an "LFA II". You're right, they could shock with a prototype/concept unveiling of an LFA successor, and have it actually come to market in 2016 or later.

As for the 5th gen LS, I don't think we have to wait 3 years for it either. I think at the very least we will see it premiere in about 2 years or so. Look at the Avalon for example. For 6 years it had almost no updates, then it got a nice refresh, and only 2 years later we have a totally redesigned brand new Avalon.

Toyota stated years ago that while product cycles would be getting a bit longer for quality reasons, mid-cycle updates would become more significant and meaningful. So I am absolutely certain that what we are seeing here are some of the first of these significant mid-cycle updates, first with the 2011 Avalon and now the 2013 LS. These models, while not full redesigns, are fairly significant mid-cycle updates. They got big interior upgrades, along with noticeable refinements and exterior changes. And going by the Avalon, it seems the mid-cycle updates are being pushed a bit near the end of the model's life cycle, not exactly in the middle.