Carmaker1

On March 10, 2016, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha filed for trademark to resurrect the name GS300 and then updated it to the USPTO on March 15th as "NEW APPLICATION FILED".

Compare the original December 5, 1991 application, which lasted nearly 25 years and the new application above.



Toyota also filed trademark on the model name NX300 on March 25, 2016, updating it on March 30th as " NEW APPLICATION FILED".

Many people have been speculating that Lexus intends to replace the naturally aspirated 3.5 litre 6-cylinder 2GR-FSE with a turbocharged 6-cylinder.

In October 2014, rayaans and one personal source of mine, confirmed that Lexus personnel were shown a prototype of the 2018 LS, that would also be offered with a 3.0 litre twin turbo 6-cylinder.

Knowing how product development works on such a complex offering, having worked on the next generation XJ saloon, that was probably the final car. A more sedate and realistic LF-FC.

Whether these trademarks are for turbocharged V6 units or detuned 2GR-FSE offerings is the mystery. Or maybe they are naturally aspirated versions of the same twin turbo engine going into the 2018 LS. Similar to the new VR30 and VR30DDTT in the Infiniti and Q60.

If the former proposition (FI engines), it looks possible that either the new GS300 will either belatedly replace the GS350 on the current "New N" platform this fall or the GA-L platform 2019 redesign.

At the moment, the next GS might be already designed and reaching its final design freeze, being on a new platform. If sales continue to fall with the 2016 model, that could even make the case for a more upscale ES as its replacement a la A6 and TNGA MY2019 Avalon filling the gap.

At this point, 2016 is the year that will make or break the GS, the same way 2009 was the year Akio Toyoda almost killed the 4GS.

Now regarding the NX300, I believe they are finalizing styling changes and mid-life inprovements to the AZ10 (NX model range), which will debut for the 2018 model year. Likely taking on more of the LF-NX Concept's cues, similar to 2011 LF-Gh and MY16 GS F-Sport.





A new V6 engine (NA or FI) or new application of the GR by then might make more sense, than for the 2017 model year. It wouldn't make sense to introduce a detuned 2GR-FSE for the NX300, a la IS300 AWD. The issues present with the XE30's layout, do not exist with the AZ10.

The timing is right, considering that AZ10 (NX) development began in June 2009, styling several months later and concluded in early 2012 with a final design. It's already facelift time.

Work has probably even commenced on a next generation NX, which will sit on an all-new modular platform by 2020.

GFerg

Great find and some good insight. But with no t at the end, this sounds like a new naturally aspirated engine to me. Unless they plan on dropping that naming scheme.

GFerg

Or maybe they are simply using the detuned 3.5L from the IS300 AWD model and dropping it in the GS and NX. Creating a new base AWD GS option and a slightly more powerful NX option.

Sulu

My thoughts also. I was thinking that this could be similar to the 8AR / 6AR engine family (where the 8AR is the on-demand Atkinson cycle, direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine offered in the NX 200t and the 6AR is the N/A engine).

Offer the "300t" twin-turbo 3.0-litre (related to the current 3GR 6-cylinder?) for high-output models and the "300" N/A version for high-efficiency models.

Stroock639

good god, i actually gasped at this. someone really needs to open their eyes over there at lexus

makes me very happy i have an LS with a proper engine that gives you proper throttle response and makes the proper sound

Mr Bond

This is probably the same v6 as In the IS 300 awd.

A 3.0TT V6 means about 300-350 hp today ( + a lot of torque ) and I just can´t see how the NX chassi could handle that. They would have to rebuild the whole drivetrain and make it RWD as stock, more or less. A V6 of that kind will avaliable when the NX chassi handles somewhere between the BMW X3/4 or Porsche Macan, and thats not gonna happen in this NX generation.

Aron9000

It wouldn't be the drivetrain/chassis that couldn't handle the power. Make it AWD standard. Ford offers a focus with everything from a 100hp 3 cylinder to the RS with 350hp.

The tricky part would be fitting the V6, 2 turbos, 2 intercoolers, and all the pipes under the hood. But they wouldn't need to turn the engine around to a longitutinal arrangement with RWD to make it work.

evident

if it was indeed a new turbo they would have trademarked GS300T. instead i'd bet on getting the detuned 2GR-FSE from the IS300 AWD.

situman

It wouldnt make sense for the NX to have a detuned 3.5L like the IS. The 2.0t AWD already makes 235hp and 258 torques. Whats the point in offering the v6 with an extra 20hp? It made sense for the IS since the 2.0t isnt being offered with awd.

I don't see the GS going anywhere. Especially with the introduction of the GSF. Seems like there are long term plans for it unless Lexus is really shortsighted. It's not just the GS that's falling in sales. All lexus car models are falling in sales and so is most if not all of its competitor's cars. Just an industry trend.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

A major complaint of the NX is the lack of a refined V6. Maybe Lexus is listening

situman

The 2.0 engine is plenty smooth for the most part. What they need is to reduce the use of cheap plastic bits and add more sound insulation as road and wind noise is quite prevalent, at least in my gf's NX F Sport.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

It's 'ok' as a base engine but I believe Lexus needs a higher power option especially when you look at the arrary of powertrains the competition offers. Overall the cabin is nice, my major gripes are the lower panel plastics, window switches, and awful plastic bezels around the steering wheel controls. And yes more sound insulation is very much needed.

spwolf

I am thinking it is that or all-new 3.0 V6 based on latest GR engine with latest D4S and Atkinson cycle.

It is likely for markets that are not concerned with rated MPG but want smoother performance and NVH, like US, Russia, Australia.

AJT123

I hear that! The V8 is the best part!

situman

Yea plenty of cheap and flimsy plastic parts surrounding the instrument cluster and pillars and lower parts of the car. Well if they are going to shove a V6 in there to compete, then the RDX V6 has to be the benchmark. Once you offer customers a V6, they are going to say "oh but the RDX is close to 300hp, but Lexus is only 255hp?" (Based on IS300 specs). I'm sure the NX can handle the power of the 306hp GR as it has very solid bones.