03LX470

Other than the rumors and photoshop pics that have been floating around for the last couple of years on various message boards, does anyone have any new information on the next generation LX i.e. when it will be introduced (2006 model year?), engine upgrade, it's looks,
etc.?

Since the GS has just come out and the official announcement was made 6-8 months back, I presume for a my 2006 introduction for the LX, the announcement should be coming some time soon?

ktiger

I believe it will be later this year or in Detroit in Jan. 2006 since the new IS has been introduced. All of the "future vehicle" sites are claiming that Lexus will replace the current model in 2007. That mean it should go on sale in late 2006 as a 2007 model.

Rx900

The LX and LS will have totally redesign by next year (says my salesperson who thinks he can sell me something). Add to that, the prototype HPX we've been hearing about is about to be launched next year also.

DallasLex

iTrader: (1)

Well, this is what Motor Trend/Truck Trend say about the 2007 Lexus:

"2007 Lexus JX 470 : The Lexus sport/ute range is expanded with a version of the full-size Toyota Sequoia."

Gohawks63

Interesting note is that they said "expanded", and not "replacing the LX470".

If they are actually adding another sport ute, they'll really be narrowing the gap between trucks. The LX would have to significantly upmarket.

Another thing to consider is if they do introduce a JX, keep the Land Cruiser platform for the LX, and drive it upmarket, I would question how beneficial it will be for the Land Cruiser to remain in the Toyota lineup since I'm sure the prices of a JX and the LC would overlap.

Most people don't understand the heritage the LC brings to the table and understand what differentiates the LC from the Sequoia. They're going to see that they can either spend $60K for a Toyota (LC), or they can buy a Lexus (JX) for the same amount of money.

Again I'm generalizing, but off-road prowess are not the highest priority for those in the luxury SUV market. Just look at all the Escalades and Navigators out there.

I have owned Land Cruisers because the vehicle is bulletproof, and it just a different vehicle with respect to ride and handling compared to the other truck platforms in the Toyota lineup.

Due to other priorities, I couldn't quite swing an LX. I could have bought a GX for slightly less than my LC. The GX has the same V8, and towing capacity as the LC, but it wasn't the "Lexus" name I wanted. The LC/LX is just a "different" vehicle, and that's what I wanted. Not everyone will see it that way.

The only way I see the LC badge living, is if Toyota acknowledges that it will only serve a niche market understanding that the majority of it's sales will be as a rebadged LX. Kind of like a car representing it's heritage.

Look at Acura and the NSX. Acura acknowledges that they'll never sell a ton of them, not when you can buy similar performance with a Corvette, for much less money. I would argue though that the NSX from a technological and quality standpoint is a much more advanced vehicle. It has become their halo car.