Lexus LF-Xh
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You have to look at it from a worldwide scale, not just North American. All of the products using the Camry platform are high volume, so Toyota will continue to achieve very good economies of scale even if the RX and ES move off the platform.
Also keep in mind the ES is primarily a US product. Outside of North America, there are very few countries where the ES is sold.
There are new models like the Mark X Zio in Japan (which uses the Camry platform) which will make up some of the numbers lost if indeed the ES and RX move away from the Camry platform.
Personally I think for Lexus to become a prestigious luxury brand on a worldwide scale, and for them to gain respect and recognition in Europe, the brand needs to become more differentiated from Toyota. With Lexus, you cannot just look at it from a purely economic perspective. Toyota is very serious about the image and reputation of Lexus, and that's something you can't really buy. It's very hard to substantially improve your image and reputation as a luxury automaker. Sharing less parts and platforms with Toyota products would be one way for Lexus to become more respected. Even with more differentiation between Toyota and Lexus brands, you can be sure Toyota will come up some novel and innovative ways to continue to reduce costs and increase economies of scale.
Also keep in mind the ES is primarily a US product. Outside of North America, there are very few countries where the ES is sold.
There are new models like the Mark X Zio in Japan (which uses the Camry platform) which will make up some of the numbers lost if indeed the ES and RX move away from the Camry platform.
Personally I think for Lexus to become a prestigious luxury brand on a worldwide scale, and for them to gain respect and recognition in Europe, the brand needs to become more differentiated from Toyota. With Lexus, you cannot just look at it from a purely economic perspective. Toyota is very serious about the image and reputation of Lexus, and that's something you can't really buy. It's very hard to substantially improve your image and reputation as a luxury automaker. Sharing less parts and platforms with Toyota products would be one way for Lexus to become more respected. Even with more differentiation between Toyota and Lexus brands, you can be sure Toyota will come up some novel and innovative ways to continue to reduce costs and increase economies of scale.
The thing is, isn't that the point of the ES and IS? The reason why they have a lot of overlap and can still co-exist is because they're built differently and target to different audiences. Would moving the ES to RWD cannibalise some IS sales (or more significantly, the GS?)
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The styling is a matter of opinion. I remember when the 2IS debuted everyone said it was "too angular" and didn't fit L-Finesse. Here's a question: how do any of us EVEN KNOW what "fits" or "doesn't fit" L-Finesse? After all, it's a styling theme Lexus came up with so I'm pretty sure they know best in terms of what fits and what doesn't. Also, keep in mind L-Finesse is still a very new styling theme and it's evolving and changing.
I see your point, but honestly I don't know what Lexus will do. All I'm saying is having the ES and RX on a Camry platform detracts from the image and prestige of the Lexus brand.
I see.... so basically move everything to RWD/AWD? (Note that MB used FWD in the B-Class sold up here).
The thing is, isn't that the point of the ES and IS? The reason why they have a lot of overlap and can still co-exist is because they're built differently and target to different audiences. Would moving the ES to RWD cannibalise some IS sales (or more significantly, the GS?)
The thing is, isn't that the point of the ES and IS? The reason why they have a lot of overlap and can still co-exist is because they're built differently and target to different audiences. Would moving the ES to RWD cannibalise some IS sales (or more significantly, the GS?)
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Okay my 2 cents.
From my sources, the next RX will remain a 5 seater b/c all the proposed designs that had 7 seat space inside were deemed ugly for the RX. Then Lexus research showed the 3rd row is never used by owners, but its nice to say "it seats 7".
This concept has a flat roofline. It does not slope. It has a V-8. It has the same wb as the GS. The same engine of the 430. But looking at the seating positions, its a 5 seater.
I just noticed the flat bottom steering wheel. I had hoped the IS-F had it.
From my sources, the next RX will remain a 5 seater b/c all the proposed designs that had 7 seat space inside were deemed ugly for the RX. Then Lexus research showed the 3rd row is never used by owners, but its nice to say "it seats 7".
This concept has a flat roofline. It does not slope. It has a V-8. It has the same wb as the GS. The same engine of the 430. But looking at the seating positions, its a 5 seater.
I just noticed the flat bottom steering wheel. I had hoped the IS-F had it.
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sounds good. Honestly, we don't need the extra cost and weight of a 3rd row. It's a luxury 5-seater. If they want to, they can always move up to the 7-seater GX. This is something the Germans don't have - a midrange unit.
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From: What is G?
Lexus came to the Tokyo party with a decidedly un-Japanese vehicle, the LF-Xh – shining a (blue) light on the future of the luxury automaker's RX-series of crossovers. The L-finesse design theme is well represented, with sharp creases and smooth rakes flowing into a slightly derivative front clip and (even more so) rear end. The beltline is higher than most Florida retirees and its V6 gasoline engine is mated to an electric motor. The powertrain combo drives all four wheels
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Those real pictures look nicer than the renderings.
A video is said forthcoming:
http://lexus.jp/brand/ms/tms2007/
A video is said forthcoming:
http://lexus.jp/brand/ms/tms2007/
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From: The Bay Area, CA, USA
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hahah "The beltline is higher than most Florida retirees"
sounds like something clarkson would say
i think it looks alright, im sure they will tone it down a bit for production version (well i hope so anyways) so it wont be so busy
but yeah lower it a little bit so it wouldnt be so hard to get in
sounds like something clarkson would say
i think it looks alright, im sure they will tone it down a bit for production version (well i hope so anyways) so it wont be so busy
but yeah lower it a little bit so it wouldnt be so hard to get in
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