why? suvs and cuvs are so much more useful than sedans! the trend will continue to less sedans and more suvs/cuvs/hatches.

 

are you referring to lexus SUVs in general or specifically about the RX? because the RX450h does come in AWD.


if you are referring to hp only, the RX450h maxes out at 300 hp (combined gas/hybrid performance). it won't win any street races vs a bmw that has a twin turbo, but it is peppy enough to accelerate smoothly and quickly (for a hybrid SUV).

 

It's a good move.

Product diversification is the key to survival in todays automobile industry. And Lexus is lagging behind in that regard with certain models for other markets.

I'd like to see an IS and GS wagon and perhaps a "4-door-coupe" based on the GS, the next-generation, of course. Diesel engines would be nice, to.

Also, Lexus could use a lifestyle product, something fun and sporty, like a Z4, TT and SLK rival (and SL / 6er as well).

 

The car buying public has spoken. Thru June Venza sales = 18k and RX = 40k (at a higher price point).

 

Maybe I'm skipping too far ahead. I mean I would like to see some sort of high performance product that slots below the Lexus IS-F aka some sort of Audi RS3 or BMW 1 M competitor. Using these mainstream based FWD platforms for their lower level Lexus products I just don't see how they can do it. Even the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 have planned higher performance models for these two products. I would like to see Lexus provide some sort of competition in the near future.

They can still have fuel efficient powertrains just offer something more.

 

Q3 is FWD with an option for quattro by the way

 

So are the Audi TT and Audi A3. Volkswagen engineered their platform to incorporate that 330+ hp 2.5 turbo I5, AWD and a 7-speed dual clutch auto. I don't think the Toyota Avensis platform was designed for that many additions.

 

what does avensis has to do with anything? Thats not how Toyota "platforms" work anyway.

Rav4 already has 270hp V6 engine and AWD.

 

All I'm saying is I would like Lexus to bring out fuel efficient engines as well as high powered powertrains for their entry level products. If they could make a 270 hp AWD Lexus CT that would be awesome.(comparable to the Audi S3.)

 

I'm sure they could and it would be cool. But they probably won't because it won't make enough money

 

Hatches and wagons are far more useful than SUVs/CUVs that will never see off road and in fact even more useful when you consider half of them couldn't off road worth a damn. Consider also that more SUVs = more useless crappy cars to offset dive in average fuel economy that having more SUVs bring along with it.

The RX is what the market wants... other makers just couldn't find a way to compete, so the shoot above and below to try and gain market.... Lexus would be chasing their own tail following them. What advantage does an X3 have besides ground clearance that you couldn't get in an awd CT?

 

Gotta love the double standard.....

 

I agree 100%. If Lexus had a venza, which would be a bit smaller than the RX (although i know both are on the camry platform), but more practical than the IS/ES/GS, and priced right (a bit below the rx), i would jump in a heartbeat for it! I really hope the "baby RX" is true and comes out soon!

 

I don't see how that weight class would make a difference. Many small-to-medium size SUVs and CUVs are already in the 3500-4000 lb. (and up) class anyway, particularly those wth V6s and from premium-manufacturers with a lot of standard equipment.

Fine. IMO, we need more vehicles of that type on the market, not less.....particularly with AWD.

 

No. I'd consider the Venza (and a possible Lexus-version of it) a raised-suspension AWD wagon, like the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70 Cross-Country (though, unlike Subies, some Venzas come in FWD). The RX350, as I see it, is more of a conventional higher-stance car-based SUV, not a wagon.