IS 300h not for the US (discussion thread)
01-19-13, 12:39 PM
#31
I doubt Lexus would go full hybrid with the IS line. Lexus could follow the pattern of the ES line (IS 300h/IS 350) or follow the GS line (IS 350/IS 450h).
Either way Lexus should definitely bring the IS 300h to the United States. The U.S and China are the two largest market in the world. I guess Lexus doesn't want to capitalize their hybrid technology within the IS line.
Take a look at the Cadillac ATS which has 16 trims and three different engine choices. Lexus needs to compete by expanding the IS line with the IS 250/350 sedan/convertible, rwd/awd, F Sport/non F Sport and IS 300h, F Sport/non F Sport and don't forget the IS F. As of current there is no ATS-V. C'mon Lexus bring the IS 300h and an IS coupe to the U.S.! What do you got to lose?
Either way Lexus should definitely bring the IS 300h to the United States. The U.S and China are the two largest market in the world. I guess Lexus doesn't want to capitalize their hybrid technology within the IS line.
Take a look at the Cadillac ATS which has 16 trims and three different engine choices. Lexus needs to compete by expanding the IS line with the IS 250/350 sedan/convertible, rwd/awd, F Sport/non F Sport and IS 300h, F Sport/non F Sport and don't forget the IS F. As of current there is no ATS-V. C'mon Lexus bring the IS 300h and an IS coupe to the U.S.! What do you got to lose?
So there is no way IS300h will ever be starting engine in US... they willl probably replace it with some 4cly turbo thats cheaper to make than hybrid.
As someone mentioned, it could be availability issue, so maybe it will come in to USA as well in a year or so.
01-19-13, 03:45 PM
#32
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In the uk we have never had a is350. I would love a is350. What the uk wants is a nice straight 6 turbo diesel it would sell great. I'll hope for a new is-f in 4 years only209 isf have been sold in the uk. So we might not get the new one.
01-24-13, 03:52 PM
#33
Intermediate
this is odd to me that it would be $5k apart from the 250 in europe. the ES is $2750 more...but thats not really a good comparison considering its an upgrade from a 3.5L engine. in theory, they would have to price it higher than the IS350 , rather than price it in between the 250 and 350. i, too, would love the 300...at a price BETWEEN the models as to make it worth it. i don't see them bringing this car here. i wish they'd put that 2.5 in the CT, i'd be REALLY tempted to get one with a little more oomph. the thing is just a slug and it just sucks the fun right out of it. the darker side...yeah, the darker side of fun = not fun.
01-25-13, 09:30 AM
#35
Lexus is playing it smart. Seems like they will gauge on the sales of the Infiniti Q50 hybrid sales prior to making a decision. Even then, the Q50 hybrid will be at 354hp combined, offer AWD & a 7Speed tranny, more performance oriented hybrid from Infiniti IMO.
01-27-13, 12:52 PM
#36
Moderator
Lexus has the GS 450h (performance hybrid) but the IS 300h is geared more towards fuel efficiency as oppose to performance hybrid. Lexus could put the GS hybrid powertrain into an IS (IS 450h?).
01-27-13, 01:19 PM
#37
I appears Infiniti is pushing performance hybrids with the M35h (360hp) and G37h (354hp?).
Lexus has the GS 450h (performance hybrid) but the IS 300h is geared more towards fuel efficiency as oppose to performance hybrid. Lexus could put the GS hybrid powertrain into an IS (IS 450h?).
Lexus has the GS 450h (performance hybrid) but the IS 300h is geared more towards fuel efficiency as oppose to performance hybrid. Lexus could put the GS hybrid powertrain into an IS (IS 450h?).
They are by far the market leader.
This IS300h will double Lexus sales in Europe, because in many countries it will be taxed a lot lower than other vehicles. This is why CT200h sells so well in Europe.
I know that here in my country, price of both CT200h and IS300h will go down by 10%-15% in pricing due to lower taxes. This is significant amount of money. Competitor is 320d ED (special low emissions) version which is significantly more expensive than 318d for instance, and still has 10% higher emissions than 220hp IS300h.
So with upcoming NX and IS300h, and maybe refresh of CT200h/300h, GS300h, Lexus quite possibly could reach 100k units in Europe, which is significant as it enables more dealers and more profitable dealers at that.
It is kind of crazy that for quite a while, best selling Lexus in Europe was RX450h, which is $80k-$100k car here. Imagine how many sales would Lexus have in US if their best selling model was starting at $80k... not many :-). So there is a lot of potential untapped for Lexus worldwide, which will become possible with new models as well as new 300h engine.
02-14-17, 03:49 PM
#40
Intermediate
Good thread bump!!
I am seeing that some countries have the IS300H in an F Sport version. IDK, I feel Lexus is leaving money on the table. Maybe I am bitter because I am getting about 17 mpg....
I am seeing that some countries have the IS300H in an F Sport version. IDK, I feel Lexus is leaving money on the table. Maybe I am bitter because I am getting about 17 mpg....
02-14-17, 10:47 PM
#41
Moderator
IS 200t
IS 300h
IS 300 awd
IS 350
IS F (Please bring back as well)
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