KaiserSea1

I thought the LFA was a glimpse of what was next for the SC430. Now ten years old, my SC430 still competes well with the competition, so I thought the replacement would set a new standard. Kind of embarassing that the IS350C is the best Lexus does at the moment for a convertable coupe. The new GS is well... what do you all think. If someone could grab the picture, I have limited editing at work.



http://www.insideline.com/lexus/gs/p..._ns_52812.html


2014 Lexus GS Coupe Picture

A GS-based performance coupe is likely to debut next year as a 2014 model. | May 25, 2012 | Mark Takahashi for Edmunds
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Lexus GS Coupe To Arrive in 2013

By Ed Hellwig, Editor | Published May 28, 2012

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Just the Facts:
Lexus is likely to add a GS-based performance coupe to its lineup in 2013.
The new model will fill the gap left by the departure of the SC 430.
It will be designed to compete against the Audi A5/S5, BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe.


SANTA MONICA, California — Lexus plans to add a new performance coupe to its lineup for the 2014 model year. The two-door performance car will take the place of the former SC 430 coupe that was discontinued in 2010.

Lexus officials have not been shy about discussing the company's need for a high-end coupe. Last summer, a U.S.-based Lexus product planner told Inside Line that he would love to see a coupe in the lineup to help boost the emotional appeal of the brand. Earlier this year, Karl Schlicht, head of global product planning for Lexus, told Automotive News that the brand needs a sporty coupe to go with its renewed lineup of sedans and crossovers. The U.S. head of Lexus, Mark Templin, also said he wants a sport coupe in the $60,000-$70,000 range.

The two-door version of the GS you see here is the most likely candidate to fill that role. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and midsize proportions make it the perfect candidate to take on competing luxury coupes like the Audi A5/S5, BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe. The current top-of-the-line GS sedan starts at around $60,000, so a coupe version would slide right into Templin's vision.

The only major hurdle for Lexus to overcome is deciding which drivetrains to use. The GS sedan uses a hybrid V6 in the top-of the-line GS 450h, while the GS 350 gets a V6 only. Neither setup is ideal for a true performance sedan, so it's possible that the coupe could arrive as a GS-F model with a unique drivetrain and tuning.

Given the heavy rollout of new Lexus models in 2012, the introduction of the GS coupe isn't likely until the first quarter of 2013 at the earliest, with sales beginning later in the year.

Inside Line says: If Lexus really wants to invigorate its lineup, a high-powered coupe based on the rear-wheel-drive GS would be a good start.

husker741

That would be great to make this coupe, especially if it were the GSF. Now they just need to actually make the ISF coupe and Lexus would be beating the Germans in no time.

12monster

It looks like a Lexus version of the Scion tC. I still like the SC better

dag8882

IM with you man. this GS is lame looking, seems like not much design thought went into this model. No offense to those of you who like it. but IMHO the sc rocks. I own a few rides as we speak, including 3 sports coupes & my SC receives more complements then my M3 or the XK. dont know what it is about these cars but they just SCREAM look at me. major props to whomever designed the SC430. WELL DONE! Perhaps the final products will be much better looking then this image we have here. ( Ill be crossing my finger)

take it ez guys

bacardi

i don't like it. ..... 430sc any day

jasone36

As long as they don't call it an SC then I'm happy. This way we could all still brag that we drive the newest (body-style wise) SC on the road. Nothing kills perceived value like a new version of your car on the market, but the GS coupe would be considered something 'different'.