I read the LS430 thread on Vortex that somebody had linked to in the LS forum. One of the posts mentioned that Toyota should have made a car known in Japan as the Brevis the IS, rather than the Altezza. Check this car out--it looks about the size of the IS, but with a very luxurious interior (front seats look like the ones in the 95-00 LS 400) Front 3/4 view makes it look like a mini-LS 430. Does anybody know more about this car (price, engine, etc)? It looks like a nice car, something with the luxury of the ES but the compact RWD setup of the IS.

http://www.motormagazinesha.co.jp/me...20/car.html#03

 

They need something sporty looking and handling like the Altezza. Lexus don't need a luxury car that's smaller than the ES they need something to compete against the 3 series. That's why they used Altezza.

 

I like it. Think it would fit into the lineup good. Notice the GS in the wheels.

James

 

Is it just me or does the pics put people to sleep?

The last thing Lexus need is another car to be labeled as "boring" or "uninspiring". Although the current IS sale is nothing compared to ES (in america that is), the car is very successful at bringing young and 1st time customers.

I doubt this is something Brevis can achieve. Being a RWD platform, its cost also makes it compete directly with a roomier GS300.

 

Rode around Barbados in a Majesta and I really liked that car, maybe close in size to the Aristo though. To me, the MKII Chaser would be the car to bridge the IS and ES gap. So long as it is a RWD...

 

The Majestas are really nice... I saw a couple of them when I went over to the Philippines.

 

well.... that car looks huge compared to 3series/IS

and its not that hot looking, uninspiring... i wouldnt drive it

lexus chose to split their lower line into luxury car and sport car, not a mix which is why there isnt a low end car that has both qualities

they need to give more engien possibilities for the IS, and make the handling better

 

I like the interior but the exterior doesn't get me exited.