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Old 12-16-04, 08:11 AM
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MikeP
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Default Lexus set to expand product line

Lexus set to expand product line; more engines, hybrids likely coming soon
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 12/16/04
LOS ANGELES -- Lexus will expand its product line with more engines, two gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles and another SUV, all likely within the next 18 months.

The move shows the intent of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. to challenge the German luxury brands, which have a choice of engines for nearly all of their nameplates. It also shows Toyota's commitment to use hybrid technology in premium vehicles.

This expansion comes as Lexus looks to be the best-selling luxury brand in America for the fifth straight year in 2004.

Toyota sources and U.S. government filings state that Lexus will offer more and larger engines in IS and GS sedans.

The biggest change comes in fall 2005 with the redesign of the IS 300 sedan, which is powered only by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The next IS sedan will have a choice of a 2.5-liter V-6 or 3.5-liter V-6, according to Toyota sources and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filings. Lexus executives have said broadening the lineup is necessary to challenge BMW 3-series sedans.

The V-6s are from a new engine family that will have front- and rear-drive applications. Both Toyota and Lexus vehicles will use the engines, which can be as large as 4.0 liters.

The redesigned GS sedan will arrive in the spring. It will come with either a 3.5-liter V-6 or 4.6-liter V-8. That is an upgrade from today's 3.3-liter V-6 and 4.3-liter V-8 engines.

The GS sedan lineup also will get a hybrid derivative, called the GS 450h, according to trademark filings. It will team a 4.5-liter V-8 with an electric motor, which Toyota sources boast will create V-12 performance with V-6 fuel economy.

The launch date for the GS 450h has not been established. Japanese media reports say production will begin next spring. The GS 450h will join the RX 400h hybrid sport wagon, which goes on sale April 15.

On the SUV side, the LX 470 is showing its age. Lexus will give the high-end line some support in the form of the JX 470. The JX 470 comes from the Toyota Sequoia platform, while the LX 470 is derived from the smaller Land Cruiser platform.

The JX 470 should arrive in spring 2006. It is not certain whether the JX 470 will replace the LX 470 or supplement it.

Lexus this year has sold 255,446 units through November, a 10.3 percent increase over the year-ago period.
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Old 12-16-04, 08:21 AM
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About bloody time. We all knew the 4.3 wasn't going to last long. 4.6 isn't much growth especially considering that going from 4l to 4.3 didn't increase power at all but the hybrid sounds pretty interesting. Then again, bimmer is supposedly taking the v8 from 4.5 to 4.8 liters and making around 400hp with it. Sort of have to with even Chrysler making 340hp with the hemi. Have to wait and see what the v8 ends up at and what the hybrid really does. Honda has some very good performance on the Accord hybrid and if that technology is going to go somewhere, it needs to move out of econoboxes.
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Old 12-16-04, 08:53 AM
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it would be interesting to see how toyota will try to lead the whole industry with their new lineup. it would be nice to see a damn fast car from lexus, very luxury, and with high fuel efficiency

i need more power too
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Old 12-16-04, 09:00 AM
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Hmmm JX ? this is going to be interesting.
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Old 12-16-04, 10:08 AM
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Show them ALL how it should be done. Lexus is NOT resting on its laurels. It is NOT satisfied. Lexus is already a top 3 marque in 15 years. Now they are going for #1.
 
Old 12-16-04, 10:08 AM
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Just my opinion but I think having multiple versions of the V-6 engine in 2.5L and 3.5L is the wrong way to go.

The Nissan strategy of re-purposing an engine platform into multiple vehicle platforms (i.e. their VQ35DE 3.5L V-6 in the Maxima, Altima, Murano, 350Z, Quest, FX35, G35 etc.) is better for the company since they have less variety in manufacturing (think repeatable and sustainable manufacturing = less variability, higher reliability, lower cost) and better for the consumer since it's essentially the same platform means more people better understand it for better maintenance practices and aftermarket tuning as well.

And ditto for the V-8 lineup, according to the press release I count at least 3 different V-8s to be produced, a 4.5, 4.6 and a 4.7?

Last edited by ShadyJC; 12-16-04 at 10:11 AM.
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Old 12-16-04, 10:14 AM
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Thumbs down I don't trust this news (but thanks for posting)

I highly doubt if this is really news from some authoritive source or if it's just a speculation of the recent trademark filings from some random journalist.

It really offers nothing more than what we already knew from the trademark filings, except for saying that the new GS450h will be powered by a name-matching 4.5L V8, rather than a V6. Yet by saying so it loses all its credibility to me since it's very, very highly unlikely that Lexus will make a 4.5L V8 just for the GS hybrid, while the regular V8 GS gets a 4.6L. It just doesn't make any economic sense. Plus the RX400h is named after its equivalent power to a conventional powertrain--so should the GS hybrid.
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Old 12-16-04, 10:27 AM
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Originally posted by ShadyJC
Just my opinion but I think having multiple versions of the V-6 engine in 2.5L and 3.5L is the wrong way to go.

The Nissan strategy of re-purposing an engine platform into multiple vehicle platforms (i.e. their VQ35DE 3.5L V-6 in the Maxima, Altima, Murano, 350Z, Quest, FX35, G35 etc.) is better for the company since they have less variety in manufacturing (think repeatable and sustainable manufacturing = less variability, higher reliability, lower cost) and better for the consumer since it's essentially the same platform means more people better understand it for better maintenance practices and aftermarket tuning as well.

And ditto for the V-8 lineup, according to the press release I count at least 3 different V-8s to be produced, a 4.5, 4.6 and a 4.7?
Yeah the VQ is an awesome engine. It seems to be so versitile you can put it in different cars/SUVs/Vans and tune it accordingly. But it is also kind of lame to have your engine in every damn product sold.

Also Lexus is sold worldwide. Infintii is not (rumors are they will be sold in Europe in 2007/2008). The IS 300 is already an IS 200/300 overseas. So that is why we will get 2 engines. The world is getting 2 engine offerings as well. Lexus stated 2 years ago, the next IS will go head to head with the 3-series offering multiple engine choices and bodystyles. Not the 1size fits all crap.
 
Old 12-16-04, 10:42 AM
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Originally posted by ShadyJC
Just my opinion but I think having multiple versions of the V-6 engine in 2.5L and 3.5L is the wrong way to go.

The Nissan strategy of re-purposing an engine platform into multiple vehicle platforms (i.e. their VQ35DE 3.5L V-6 in the Maxima, Altima, Murano, 350Z, Quest, FX35, G35 etc.) is better for the company since they have less variety in manufacturing (think repeatable and sustainable manufacturing = less variability, higher reliability, lower cost) and better for the consumer since it's essentially the same platform means more people better understand it for better maintenance practices and aftermarket tuning as well.

And ditto for the V-8 lineup, according to the press release I count at least 3 different V-8s to be produced, a 4.5, 4.6 and a 4.7?
Actually, Nissan offers many engine variants as well, more than Toyota if you will. The VQ engine is offered as VQ20DE, VQ25DE, VQ30DE and VQ35DE, even though North American buyers only get the VQ35DE.

Having multiple versions of an engine is good for BOTH the customers and the company, IMO. It's a good way for a company to reach a wider range of potential customers, who would otherwise not be able to afford a car if it were only available with an expensive large engine that they don't really care about.

Last edited by XeroK00L; 12-16-04 at 10:43 AM.
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Old 12-16-04, 10:56 AM
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Originally posted by XeroK00L
Actually, Nissan offers many engine variants as well, more than Toyota if you will. The VQ engine is offered as VQ20DE, VQ25DE, VQ30DE and VQ35DE, even though North American buyers only get the VQ35DE.

Having multiple versions of an engine is good for BOTH the customers and the company, IMO. It's a good way for a company to reach a wider range of potential customers, who would otherwise not be able to afford a car if it were only available with an expensive large engine that they don't really care about.
Right. BMW sells tons of 325s and 5252, 530s compared to the 330/545. Benz sells way more C230s than 320s. Lexus will now have an IS series, I am sure the cheaper 250 will outsell the more expensive 350.

I am though, totally lost why Lexus has a new 3.0 in the GS and not the 3.5 from the IS.
 
Old 12-16-04, 11:23 AM
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Originally posted by XeroK00L
Actually, Nissan offers many engine variants as well, more than Toyota if you will. The
That's not true. Nissan only makes a fraction of engines that Toyota has produced...

Source: Toysport

SZ SERIES L4 1SZ 997 69.0 66.7 DOHC+VVT-i FE

NZ SERIES L4 2NZ 1298 75.0 73.5 DOHC+VVT-i FE

E SERIES L4 2E 1295 SOHC
3E 1456 73.0 87.0 SOHC
4E 1331 74.0 77.4 DOHC
5E 1496 74.0 87.0 DOHC

K SERIES L4 K 1077 75.0 OHV
2K 993 OHV
3K 1166 75.0 66.0 OHV
4K 1290 75.0 73.0 OHV
5K 1496 80.5 73.0 OHV
7K 1781 80.5 87.5 OHV

A SERIES L4 1A 1452 SOHC
2A 1295 76.0 71.4 SOHC
3A 1452 77.5 77.0 SOHC
4A 1587 81.0 77.0 SOHC / DOHC FE / GE
5A 1498 78.7 77.0 DOHC FE
7A 1762 81.0 85.5 DOHC FE

T SERIES OHV HEMI L4 T 1407 80.0 70.0 OHV
2T 1588 85.0 70.0 OHV / DOHC
3T 1770 85.0 78.0 OHV / DOHC

ZZ SERIES ALLOY BLOCK L4 1ZZ 1794 79.0 91.5 DOHC FE
2ZZ 1796 82.0 85.0 DOHC+VVTL-i GE

S SERIES L4 1S 1832 80.5 90.0 SOHC
2S 1995 84.0 90.0 SOHC
3S 1998 86.0 86.0 DOHC FE / GE
4S 1838 82.5 86.0 DOHC F
5S 2163 86.0 DOHC FE

Y SERIES L4 1Y 1626
2Y 1812
3Y 1998 86.0 86.0
4Y 2237

R SERIES L4 6R 1707 SOHC
7R 1591 SOHC
8R 1858 86.0 80.0 SOHC / DOHC
10R 1858 86.0 80.0 DOHC
16R 1808 SOHC
18R 1968 88.5 80.0 SOHC / DOHC

20/21/22R L4 20R 2189 88.5 3.5 SOHC
21R 1972 84.0 89.0 SOHC
22R 2366 3.6 3.5 SOHC

TZ SERIES DOHC L4 2TZ-FE 2438 95.0 86.0 DOHC

RZ SERIES L4 1RZ-E 1998 86.0 86.0 SOHC
2RZ-FE 2.4l DOHC
3RZ-FE 2693 95.0 95.0 DOHC

G SERIES L6 1G 1988 75.0 75.0 DOHC FE / GE

M SERIES L6 M 1988 75.0 75.0 SOHC
2M 2253 74.9 85.0 SOHC
3M 1988 75.0 75.0 DOHC
4M 2563 80.0 85.0 SOHC
5M 2759 83.0 85.0 SOHC / DOHC
6M 2954 83.0 91.0 DOHC GE
7M 2954 83.0 91.0 DOHC GE / GTE

JZ SERIES DOHC L6 1JZ 2491 86.0 71.5 DOHC GE / GTE
2JZ 2997 86.0 86.0 DOHC GE / GTE

F SERIES L6 F 3878 90.0 102.0 OHV
2F 4230 94.0 102.0 OHV
3F 3956 94.0 95.0 OHV

VZ SERIES V6 DOHC V6 1VZ 1992* 78.0 69.5 DOHC FE
2VZ 2507 3.4 2.7 DOHC
3VZ 2958 87.5 82.0 DOHC
5VZ 3378 93.5 82.0 DOHC

V SERIES V6 V 2599 OHV
3V 2981 OHV
4V 3376 OHV
5V 3995 87.0 84.0 OHV

MZ SERIES V6 1MZ 2995 87.5 83.0 DOHC FE
2MZ 2496 87.5 69.2 DOHC
UZ SERIES V8 1UZ 3969 87.5 82.5 DOHC FE
2UZ 4633 DOHC
FZ SERIES L6 1FZ-FE 4477 DOHC

GZ SERIES V12 1GZ-FE DOHC+VVT
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Old 12-16-04, 11:34 AM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
I am though, totally lost why Lexus has a new 3.0 in the GS and not the 3.5 from the IS.
Well the article states that the GS WILL have the 3.5 liter V6 and a 4.6 liter V8. This is based off of the names that Lexus has registered for with the US Patent/Trademark Office. The 3.0 and 4.3 could have been preliminary engines that have been switched in a late decision just prior to production.
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Old 12-16-04, 11:38 AM
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Originally posted by flipside909
That's not true. Nissan only makes a fraction of engines that Toyota has produced...
I guess you're right. That's a lot of variants Toyota is making. Thanks for the correction.

T SERIES OHV HEMI L4 T 1407 80.0 70.0 OHV
2T 1588 85.0 70.0 OHV / DOHC
3T 1770 85.0 78.0 OHV / DOHC
A Hemi from Toyota?? And some tiny ones at that. Wonder what models they're used in...
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Old 12-16-04, 11:56 AM
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Originally posted by flipside909
That's not true. Nissan only makes a fraction of engines that Toyota has produced...

Source: Toysport

SZ SERIES L4 1SZ 997 69.0 66.7 DOHC+VVT-i FE

NZ SERIES L4 2NZ 1298 75.0 73.5 DOHC+VVT-i FE

E SERIES L4 2E 1295 SOHC
3E 1456 73.0 87.0 SOHC
4E 1331 74.0 77.4 DOHC
5E 1496 74.0 87.0 DOHC

K SERIES L4 K 1077 75.0 OHV
2K 993 OHV
3K 1166 75.0 66.0 OHV
4K 1290 75.0 73.0 OHV
5K 1496 80.5 73.0 OHV
7K 1781 80.5 87.5 OHV

A SERIES L4 1A 1452 SOHC
2A 1295 76.0 71.4 SOHC
3A 1452 77.5 77.0 SOHC
4A 1587 81.0 77.0 SOHC / DOHC FE / GE
5A 1498 78.7 77.0 DOHC FE
7A 1762 81.0 85.5 DOHC FE

T SERIES OHV HEMI L4 T 1407 80.0 70.0 OHV
2T 1588 85.0 70.0 OHV / DOHC
3T 1770 85.0 78.0 OHV / DOHC

ZZ SERIES ALLOY BLOCK L4 1ZZ 1794 79.0 91.5 DOHC FE
2ZZ 1796 82.0 85.0 DOHC+VVTL-i GE

S SERIES L4 1S 1832 80.5 90.0 SOHC
2S 1995 84.0 90.0 SOHC
3S 1998 86.0 86.0 DOHC FE / GE
4S 1838 82.5 86.0 DOHC F
5S 2163 86.0 DOHC FE

Y SERIES L4 1Y 1626
2Y 1812
3Y 1998 86.0 86.0
4Y 2237

R SERIES L4 6R 1707 SOHC
7R 1591 SOHC
8R 1858 86.0 80.0 SOHC / DOHC
10R 1858 86.0 80.0 DOHC
16R 1808 SOHC
18R 1968 88.5 80.0 SOHC / DOHC

20/21/22R L4 20R 2189 88.5 3.5 SOHC
21R 1972 84.0 89.0 SOHC
22R 2366 3.6 3.5 SOHC

TZ SERIES DOHC L4 2TZ-FE 2438 95.0 86.0 DOHC

RZ SERIES L4 1RZ-E 1998 86.0 86.0 SOHC
2RZ-FE 2.4l DOHC
3RZ-FE 2693 95.0 95.0 DOHC

G SERIES L6 1G 1988 75.0 75.0 DOHC FE / GE

M SERIES L6 M 1988 75.0 75.0 SOHC
2M 2253 74.9 85.0 SOHC
3M 1988 75.0 75.0 DOHC
4M 2563 80.0 85.0 SOHC
5M 2759 83.0 85.0 SOHC / DOHC
6M 2954 83.0 91.0 DOHC GE
7M 2954 83.0 91.0 DOHC GE / GTE

JZ SERIES DOHC L6 1JZ 2491 86.0 71.5 DOHC GE / GTE
2JZ 2997 86.0 86.0 DOHC GE / GTE

F SERIES L6 F 3878 90.0 102.0 OHV
2F 4230 94.0 102.0 OHV
3F 3956 94.0 95.0 OHV

VZ SERIES V6 DOHC V6 1VZ 1992* 78.0 69.5 DOHC FE
2VZ 2507 3.4 2.7 DOHC
3VZ 2958 87.5 82.0 DOHC
5VZ 3378 93.5 82.0 DOHC

V SERIES V6 V 2599 OHV
3V 2981 OHV
4V 3376 OHV
5V 3995 87.0 84.0 OHV

MZ SERIES V6 1MZ 2995 87.5 83.0 DOHC FE
2MZ 2496 87.5 69.2 DOHC
UZ SERIES V8 1UZ 3969 87.5 82.5 DOHC FE
2UZ 4633 DOHC
FZ SERIES L6 1FZ-FE 4477 DOHC

GZ SERIES V12 1GZ-FE DOHC+VVT

i think you left out the diesel line up

i cant find my favourite 1KZ-TE in there
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Old 12-16-04, 12:00 PM
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Originally posted by XeroK00L

A Hemi from Toyota?? And some tiny ones at that. Wonder what models they're used in...
The T series was found in the late 70s/early 80's Corolla, Corona, Celica.

Here's another comprehensive site...not fully complete but you get the idea.
http://www.toyotagtturbo.com/engines2.html

Last edited by flipside909; 12-16-04 at 12:19 PM.
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