Lack of 2017 LS Spy Shots
03-13-16, 11:22 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Lack of 2017 LS Spy Shots
I'm really curious about the next gen LS. One thing that perplexes me is the utter lack of credible spy shots.
Typically, at this stage, there are usually numerous test beds running on actual city streets, somewhere, going through their paces. Of course, they are usually highly camouflaged, but these test beds get photographed and splashed all over the Internet.
The lack of these shots is curious to me. Of course, Toyota could have done a superb job hiding them while testing, but it just seems strange not to see anything driving around, which in itself really piques my curiosity.
The second quarter of 2016 is almost upon us. Ramping up production takes time, especially if they want to release at the end of the year.
Typically, at this stage, there are usually numerous test beds running on actual city streets, somewhere, going through their paces. Of course, they are usually highly camouflaged, but these test beds get photographed and splashed all over the Internet.
The lack of these shots is curious to me. Of course, Toyota could have done a superb job hiding them while testing, but it just seems strange not to see anything driving around, which in itself really piques my curiosity.
The second quarter of 2016 is almost upon us. Ramping up production takes time, especially if they want to release at the end of the year.
03-13-16, 01:31 PM
#5
Yeah but in 2013 they redesigned over half of the components along with the addition of the spindle grill used across the line up. With the focus on their sports cars trying to attract the younger demographic there's no reason for them to release the 5th gen in 2017.
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03-13-16, 10:07 PM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
My guess is no change for 2017.
Lexus IS really good at hiding this stuff though.
Lexus IS really good at hiding this stuff though.
03-14-16, 05:19 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Yeah, just seems strange. I mean, if they really do plan on releasing MY 2017 in the fall, production must start pretty soon, which means any testing should be done to ensure everything is in place and finalized for actual production runs.
Why we haven't seen any real credible spy shots of highly-camouflaged "test beds" wandering around is just curious to me. There's an army of people out there who do nothing else but to try and photograph these cars. I know the LA area is a hotbed of testing, the desert areas to the east and mountainous regions nearby as well to fully vet these things. Millions upon millions of people and not one peep. Maybe they test them in Japan?
Why we haven't seen any real credible spy shots of highly-camouflaged "test beds" wandering around is just curious to me. There's an army of people out there who do nothing else but to try and photograph these cars. I know the LA area is a hotbed of testing, the desert areas to the east and mountainous regions nearby as well to fully vet these things. Millions upon millions of people and not one peep. Maybe they test them in Japan?
03-14-16, 05:39 AM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
If they don't change something soon, they are only shooting themselves in the foot. The entire Mercedes lineup has changed and is well received. Lexus needs to get moving, and it better have massaging seats and carplay or I'm flying to Japan and hand delivering a very strongly worded letter to the secretary.
03-14-16, 06:16 AM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Actually, the last two MB S series generations are very similar looking: 2007-2013 and now 2014-??? aesthetically speaking. I think the lights, some minor body sculpting are the main differences as far as I can tell. BMW 7 series have gone through minor iterative changes as well between major generational shifts. Porsche and Audi are even more stoic in regards to major aesthetic changes. In fact, the Germans are pretty conservative in regards to major body changes.
They do look different, but I think the changes are fairly minor and concentrated on areas that seem to especially enhance the look or appearance of change, like lights. Look at the last two S and 7 series. Other than minor sculpting differences and light revisions, the changes were fairly minor, but concentrated in areas that really did give the generations a different look.
Of course, that is not to say they don't completely overhaul, especially if they feel it is needed, but that begs the question: what will Lexus do? I also think a major overhaul is needed, but will we get it?
If they follow the scheme of MB, maybe all we will see are some minor cosmetic changes, like lights, minor sculpting differences and other features that greatly enhance the appearance of change, but in fact are fairly minor. Of course, technology and mechanical changes are where the major enhancements occur, constituting enough of a change to warrant a generational shift (like the MB change), but aesthetically speaking, who knows? I'm really curious, though.
They do look different, but I think the changes are fairly minor and concentrated on areas that seem to especially enhance the look or appearance of change, like lights. Look at the last two S and 7 series. Other than minor sculpting differences and light revisions, the changes were fairly minor, but concentrated in areas that really did give the generations a different look.
Of course, that is not to say they don't completely overhaul, especially if they feel it is needed, but that begs the question: what will Lexus do? I also think a major overhaul is needed, but will we get it?
If they follow the scheme of MB, maybe all we will see are some minor cosmetic changes, like lights, minor sculpting differences and other features that greatly enhance the appearance of change, but in fact are fairly minor. Of course, technology and mechanical changes are where the major enhancements occur, constituting enough of a change to warrant a generational shift (like the MB change), but aesthetically speaking, who knows? I'm really curious, though.
03-14-16, 06:25 AM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
ive noticed this too. but it only makes sense that the new one will show up in 2017, think about it. the ls460 has had 3 facelifts like the Ls400 had back in the 90s, in 3 year cycles.
Ls460
2007-2009
2010-2012
2013-2016?
3rd year of the 3rd refresh is here.
Ls400 statistics,
1990-1992
1993-1994
1995-1997
1998-2000
Ls430
2001-2003
2004-2006
seems to go in 3 year cycles of refreshes per LS, with the Ls430 being the exeption cause it was odd. 5 years with only 1 refresh. the Ls460 seems to follow the path of the 400 with production. but yeah it should hopefully be coming soon
Ls460
2007-2009
2010-2012
2013-2016?
3rd year of the 3rd refresh is here.
Ls400 statistics,
1990-1992
1993-1994
1995-1997
1998-2000
Ls430
2001-2003
2004-2006
seems to go in 3 year cycles of refreshes per LS, with the Ls430 being the exeption cause it was odd. 5 years with only 1 refresh. the Ls460 seems to follow the path of the 400 with production. but yeah it should hopefully be coming soon
03-14-16, 06:40 AM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Just FYI, the LS400 was pretty much all new in 1995, it was not a heavy refresh like the 2013 460 was. The underpinnings and engine were reworked from the gen 1 car but the whole body, interior, etc are different.
As for the S Class, the 2014 S is all new from the previous car and quite different. Same for the new 7.
As for the S Class, the 2014 S is all new from the previous car and quite different. Same for the new 7.