Lexus has been in the Latin American market in some countries, but has not had great success, in large part due to pricing and fierce existing European competition. Infiniti keeps a Q45 in the market in Mexico and Acura has almost their full range, but it doesn't compare in the entry models with the likes of Audi and BMW, the stalwart opponents. Thus, such a vehicle would help in the way of a branding concept in many markets that might not otherwise be possible.

 

Double the price of an Auris is the price of an IS...........

 

BOOOOOOOOOOOO, let Toyota continue to have this market.

 

What and you don't think that top spec versions of any sub-IS model wouldn't overlap low spec IS models? Happens with A3s and A4s, 1-series and 3 series BMWs, not to mention B & C class Mercs.

 

yep... and people buy executive hatches in europe, because other cars are too big for them... especially in continental europe...

 

Hi folks!

>> Lexus AS 200<<

This is possible smaller Lexus. The real car will def. look different, but from todays design ...who knows.

I called it AS200, perhaps it will be a CS200 or what ever. For our markets there will be a 200d version.

Greetings
André

 

That's an odd photoshop job. They used the GS grill and headlights...

 

Odd, but not too bad I doubt it will look close to that though.

 

Nope. I just used an IS and added the small GS lights beside the grill. The chrome parts behind the batch are taken from a LS...

 

No it wouldn't. Such a small Lexus being sold worldwide would do harm to the brand image and reputation of Lexus. Lexus US executives have already said such a car would not be fit for the US market. At most, this car might be sold in Asia as well as Europe if it ever comes to production.

 

Or they can consider selling only the most powerful & highest spec. version here that can justify a $30K+ price tag, just like what BMW is doing with the 135i coupe . . .

 

hmm, I would've said ES grille...

 

Luxury Corolla? Only if it gets the IS350 motor like the 135i.

 

LOL...Well I be damned... I thought Lexus was not going down market. 3.5 litre 306hp motor in a small package is not a bad thing imo.. There is a market out there for these luxury pocket rockets. BMW 135i will be a huge hit, so other companies (like Lexus) are looking to follow suit.

 

The only problem I see there is that BMW doesn't have a economy brand, they have Mini if you can call that an economy brand (more like niche market). Toyota already has hatches they could toss a 3.5 V6 in and just make an executive trim level. The only thing you'd be buying at that point would be badge if it was a Lexus.