http://www.burlappcars.com/2009/02/2...-ls.html#links

Looks like the LS is getting updated with a V6 and a minor facelift similar to the GS in 08 and IS for 09. I wonder what to expect with a V6 in the LS, I suppose it's going to be called LS 350.

 

Like everyone else, their offering a v6 or hybrid engine for their super sedans, like merc s class and bmw 7 series....don't like the new look hehe

 

What a find. It has been a reaccuring theme in my posts. The LS is not the LS is once was as the competition has move farther upscale. The current LS is not the class leader that the LS430 once was. To move sales, Lexus either moves the LS into S class/Maybach territory or move in down class. The GS has to go. The LS is the new GS.

Acura got it right by not offering a v8
Infiniti got it right by canning the Q
BMW has confirmed no more V8 for the 7 series.
Even Cadillac got it right by not redesigning the 4.6 Northstar.


Lexus needs to get there act together. Either move Lexus farther upscale or stay behind by going down a level with a v6 for their flagship.

There are some members who will be dissappointed to read this news when they wake up this Monday morning....

 

I love that car, But the V6... might not be something I'm looking forward too.

 

... What if I want a regular V8?

I'm not sure I'm on board with this V6 or hybrid choice. I like V8s.

 

The LS V6 rumors have been discussed here:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...the-works.html

Adding a V6 to the LS flagship range would probably occur in Asia and other markets where the S-Class etc. have V6 engines, and luxury buyers are taxed by engine displacement etc. Lexus has been disadvantaged in Asian markets where the LS 460 is the only option vs. vehicles like the S300, S350. etc. IMO the offering of a V6 on some models will have less effect on prestige as the V8 chart-toppers are still there; from what I understand there still are V8s for the 7-series, just no V12s. The S-Class also was offered in an 6-cylinder version in the U.S. through the 1990's. In the modern timeframe, the V8s remain a prestige and top-shelf mainstay for the LS/S/7 but a V6 option may be a needed reality for these frugal times.

As I mentioned in the other thread, the LS was second only to the S-Class worldwide in previous years, at 71,000+ sales (over half outside U.S.) vs. 85,000+ for the S-Class. Will a V6 option add more sales and close the gap? Just speculation...

 

LS with a V6 sounds cool to me. Like anyone is trying to drive an LS hard. Its made to cruise and ball it hardcore

 

I like the idea of selling a LS350. Not every one needs a V8. It all depends on how much is it. If it starts at $58k I would say go for it. A well equipped M-B E350 costs that much already.

 

I beg to differ, the 600hL ****s on the LS430 and not to mention it being as good if not better than the S class IMO. And since when was an "S" class Maybach territory? I agree with lexus maybe making a model above the LS to compete with the likes of Maybach but there is no way that the LS is the new GS. I suppose the "E" class in the benz is pointless too?

 

And just to note, although the Burlapp site is quite interesting, this report originates entirely from other sources. The LS V6 rumor comes from: http://paultan.org/archives/2009/01/...ine-v6-engine/ It's an Asian automotive site, which may have gotten its info from Lexus Asia representatives..makes sense given the market conditions.

Additionally, the pictures used are from a Japanese automotive magazine, it's part of a two-page spread, I saw it in December. The image itself is a photoshop of an existing LS 460 L press photo.

 

Sorry, but this is the most ridiculous post I've ever read.

LS the new GS and not S and 7 competition??? Wow.

For me and many others the S and 7 are inferior to the LS. It is more luxurious, has much more technology, the best styling, ect...

Come on man.

 

Rumor: Lexus to Bring v6 to LS Line-Up
February 1st, 2009

Lexus might be making good use of the tree hugging economic slump by introducing a base V6 to its flagship LS range. Sources cited by Paul Tan suggest the baby LS, if the rumors are infact true, will draw upon the 2GR-FSE 3.5 liter V6 engine incorporating Toyota’s D4-S twin injection technology. The engine is said to produce 377Nm of torque, putting it in line with the F01/F02 BMW 740i.

The Lexus LS currently makes use of a 4.6L and 5.0L V8 in the LS460 and LS600h respectively. The V6 LS would help Lexus push for even greater market share among “green” consumers. [PaulTan via AutoBlog]

 

Overall I think it's a bad decision. I think it takes away from the prestige of the car, in an unintentional way.

 

Mercedes doesn't seem to be worried about reduced prestige of a V6, since they are bringing in the S400.

 

If that's the case battle of the V6 ultra luxury sedans!