Lexus considers a smaller SUV below the new NX
07-18-14, 03:50 AM
#1
The pursuit of F
Thread Starter
Lexus considers a smaller SUV below the new NX
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/ne...v-below-new-nx
Lexus could launch an SUV smaller than the new NX as it looks to downsize its model range, the firm’s European vice president Alain Uyttenhoven has revealed.
Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production.
Lexus is looking to downsize and diversify its model range to reduce its reliance on the North American market, which accounts for around half of its 500,000-plus unit annual sales.
Uyttenhoven said tastes in European, Chinese and Japanese markets were likely to converge and lead to the development of smaller models, allowing Lexus the opportunity to broaden its product offering.
He noted that premium cars were getting ever smaller, and around 60 per cent of premium models sold in Europe were sold for less than 40,000 euros. “The premium market starts with a car as small as the Audi A1,” he said.
At the other end of the market, Uyttenhoven said he did not see a future for a four-cylinder engine in Lexus’s LS range-topper, with fuel-cell technology more likely to represent economy gains in this segment, possibly by 2020.
“As soon as fuel cells can be made for performance driving, you’ll see fuel cells in high-end cars,” he said.
Uyttenhoven said the launch of a small SUV was “not impossible” for Lexus and such a model “made sense” for the brand, but he stopped short of confirming it for production.
Lexus is looking to downsize and diversify its model range to reduce its reliance on the North American market, which accounts for around half of its 500,000-plus unit annual sales.
Uyttenhoven said tastes in European, Chinese and Japanese markets were likely to converge and lead to the development of smaller models, allowing Lexus the opportunity to broaden its product offering.
He noted that premium cars were getting ever smaller, and around 60 per cent of premium models sold in Europe were sold for less than 40,000 euros. “The premium market starts with a car as small as the Audi A1,” he said.
At the other end of the market, Uyttenhoven said he did not see a future for a four-cylinder engine in Lexus’s LS range-topper, with fuel-cell technology more likely to represent economy gains in this segment, possibly by 2020.
“As soon as fuel cells can be made for performance driving, you’ll see fuel cells in high-end cars,” he said.
07-18-14, 06:17 AM
#3
Possibly, yes.
This must explain these CT200h mules seen last year, as the RAV-4 mules were caught much earlier in mid-2012 and related to the NX.
Is it possible the TX trademark applies to this new model and the 7-seater unibody is strictly RX?
This must explain these CT200h mules seen last year, as the RAV-4 mules were caught much earlier in mid-2012 and related to the NX. Is it possible the TX trademark applies to this new model and the 7-seater unibody is strictly RX?
07-18-14, 07:34 AM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
07-18-14, 09:11 AM
#7
Buyers in the US are moving towards SUVs and CUVs.
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/07/suv...sedans-in.html
http://www.carscoops.com/2014/07/suv...sedans-in.html
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07-18-14, 09:25 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
yup - said years ago this would happen.
they're great for:
- active people with lots of gear
- families that need to carry more stuff than a sedan trunk can handle
- older drivers who appreciate the seats and cargo loading/unloading at hip height rather than the struggle to get in and out of a sedan.
and from a design standpoint they make the now required higher front hood/bumper easier to do.
they're really a no-brainer. sedans might have better visibility and they're maybe easier to park, but that's about it. with cuvs/suvs like macan, cayenne, x5 there's performance options too.
they're great for:
- active people with lots of gear
- families that need to carry more stuff than a sedan trunk can handle
- older drivers who appreciate the seats and cargo loading/unloading at hip height rather than the struggle to get in and out of a sedan.
and from a design standpoint they make the now required higher front hood/bumper easier to do.
they're really a no-brainer. sedans might have better visibility and they're maybe easier to park, but that's about it. with cuvs/suvs like macan, cayenne, x5 there's performance options too.
Last edited by bitkahuna; 07-18-14 at 09:33 AM.
07-18-14, 01:50 PM
#12
The pursuit of F
Thread Starter
Agree with the posts so far. I like the idea that the TX might all along be for this sub-compact CUV "Tiny Crossover". Add to that the sightings of the CT test mule alongside the sub-compact CUVs is indeed a sign for a GLA/X1 fighter, and it would fit nicely in this segment at around 170" -175". This whole time, many thought these spy shots were of the NX. For reference, GLA is 172.5" and the CT is 170".
One caveat I see. There's VERY LITTLE room, pricing-wise, to slot a "TX" between the 32K CT and the anticipated ~36-37K NX. (RX currently at 42K). UNLESS, we're way off on the NX and it will be closer to 40K while the 2016 RX will go upscale big time in the ML and X5 territory...
One caveat I see. There's VERY LITTLE room, pricing-wise, to slot a "TX" between the 32K CT and the anticipated ~36-37K NX. (RX currently at 42K). UNLESS, we're way off on the NX and it will be closer to 40K while the 2016 RX will go upscale big time in the ML and X5 territory...
07-18-14, 02:45 PM
#13
LOL. Wouldn't be surprised if that came up in a marketing discussion. They've been laughing at everyone mistaking TX for a large CUV. Perhaps UX needs to be trademarked as well.
Exactly, especially with how it came across initially as if the GX would be cancelled and replaced by a large unibody CUV. One thing for certain, is that with the exception of the GS460 (filed in Nov. 2004, late 2007 arrival) and JX470, all Lexus trademarks have gone into production within less than 2 years from filing date. The timing of the mules is just right and Lexus has no other reason to use a raised CT, than a CUV.
I've never seen nor heard of Lexus (since the 1990 LS400 and LFA), test mules or prototypes of new model, more than 2 years early. This couldn't be scheduled for 2015/early 2016 can it? They were pretty mum about the NX, until the last minute.
Yes, very much an X1/GLA competitor. A red flag went up last year when I saw these and received no explanation them after seeing the NX. This article gives me an idea. I am sure it will be shocking to many if that happens with the NX and the RX starts at $50k. The LX is going more upscale, so I guess it's expected.
I've never seen nor heard of Lexus (since the 1990 LS400 and LFA), test mules or prototypes of new model, more than 2 years early. This couldn't be scheduled for 2015/early 2016 can it? They were pretty mum about the NX, until the last minute.
Agree with the posts so far. I like the idea that the TX might all along be for this sub-compact CUV "Tiny Crossover". Add to that the sightings of the CT test mule alongside the sub-compact CUVs is indeed a sign for a GLA/X1 fighter, and it would fit nicely in this segment at around 170" -175". This whole time, many thought these spy shots were of the NX. For reference, GLA is 172.5" and the CT is 170".
One caveat I see. There's VERY LITTLE room, pricing-wise, to slot a "TX" between the 32K CT and the anticipated ~36-37K NX. (RX currently at 42K). UNLESS, we're way off on the NX and it will be closer to 40K while the 2016 RX will go upscale big time in the ML and X5 territory...
One caveat I see. There's VERY LITTLE room, pricing-wise, to slot a "TX" between the 32K CT and the anticipated ~36-37K NX. (RX currently at 42K). UNLESS, we're way off on the NX and it will be closer to 40K while the 2016 RX will go upscale big time in the ML and X5 territory...
07-18-14, 02:58 PM
#14
- There were Auris SUV sightings in last few days
- There will be certainly larger than RX SUV from Lexus, their people talked about it recently. TX sounds big, not small... This will likely be CX.
- There will be certainly larger than RX SUV from Lexus, their people talked about it recently. TX sounds big, not small... This will likely be CX.
07-18-14, 03:14 PM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
It might make sense in some other markets but not here. I see it diluting the brand here. Every time I see a X1 it really just turns me off and the vehicle itself is really stretching it to be called a BMW.
The Germans are going downmarket as they need the volume sans Audi who has VW to back them. Just how luxurious could they make a Lexus below the NX?
The Germans are going downmarket as they need the volume sans Audi who has VW to back them. Just how luxurious could they make a Lexus below the NX?
