Future of Lexus discussion 2013-2015
01-19-14, 03:09 PM
#77
Lexus is serious about shortening the product life cycles. The redesigned 2015 RX is coming sooner than later. Production may start as early as April and news/info in May with possible sales in June or July. Personally I haven't see any mules or spy shots, so let's see if this holds up. If so, Lexus isn't worried about NX/RC overlap or stealing the show from their own models. There is a meeting next week, which I hope to confirm or report more on this topic and Lexus's future. Stay tuned 
I would have to disagree with you. What you said could apply to other vehicles, however, this is not the case with the LC/LX.
I will give you an example
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( PRE-FACELIFT )
2012-2014 200 Series Facelift #1 ( I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? Facelift #2
2017
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
I will give you an example
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( PRE-FACELIFT )
2012-2014 200 Series Facelift #1 ( I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? Facelift #2
2017
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
FJ80 ran from October 1989 to December 1997. Sales took place from December 1989/January 1990 to February 1998.
1989-1992 model
(1992-1994) Received updates in late 1992 for MY1993 with 1FZ-FE engines.
(1995-1997) In January 1995, the FJ80 received a heavy update with std. dual airbags, several months after 100 Series design was frozen in mid-1994.
(1996-1998) Production of LX450 began in November 1995 for January 1996 launch and overall FJ80 production ended in December 1997.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 01-19-14 at 06:35 PM.
01-19-14, 03:16 PM
#78
What you said could apply to other vehicles, however, this is not the case with the LC/LX.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
(September 2000-August 2002) A minor update/refresh in September 2000(added GPS, ML sound for Lexus, etc) for MY2001.
(September 2002-April 2005) In September 2002, heavy update/facelift for 2003 model year. 200 development begins in 2002.
(May 2005-December 2007) In May 2005, a secondary facelift for MY2006 follows on the heels of the (future) J200 design freeze in 2004-early 2005.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 01-19-14 at 06:52 PM. Reason: Minor corrections to release months.
01-19-14, 03:20 PM
#79
What you said could apply to other vehicles, however, this is not the case with the LC/LX.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
(November 2007-January 2010) Redesigned LC200 launched in November 2007, Lexus J200 in January 2008.
(February 2010-January 2012) Like in late 2000, a minor LC200/LX570 refresh came in February 2010 in non-US markets. The 5.7 litre became available in more non-US markets. Ironically, Lexus had just finalized design of the future L10 GS in late 2009, shortly before that was introduced, so which model really debuted the spindle grille?
(February 2012-present) Like in late 2002, in early 2012 a major 200 facelift arrived and for Lexus with the full-fledged spindle grille.
At this rate, should one believe that Toyota has one last 2014 design update to the 200 waiting in the wings? A 2016 LC300/J300 launch is highly expected, as early 2012 was virtually late 2011, early 2010, was virtually late 2009. By now a new design should've been completed, moving into the second half of development. A period of 2.5 years passed between the 100 launch and the first update in 2000. Two years passed between autumn 2000 and autumn 2002 when the facelift was launched. Another 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 years passed between the 2002 facelift and the 2005 refresh. Perhaps your speculations are right and a last refresh will occur in mid-late 2014.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 01-19-14 at 07:17 PM.
01-19-14, 04:22 PM
#80
Well, I am interested in what a revolutionary RX would become. Here's an RX200t test mule printed in a Japanese magazine. Accounting for when the photographs may have been taken, they might date back to August-mid September 2013. (Not sure if I'm on your ignore list or something)
um no? I have no reason to ignore you.That's the first time I've seen that picutre of the mule you posted.
01-19-14, 04:58 PM
#81
Okay, just wanted to be sure. There's been an odd pattern the past year with many here, that I very much lost interest posting at CL for such a reason. It's unfortunate no one posted that here 4 months ago, so that it could help clear up mysteries regarding the 4RX.
01-19-14, 05:30 PM
#82
Back to the 4RX. It may or may not have been posted, and if it had been was lost in the CL archives as we didn't have a thread at the time to document it like we do now
. But thank you for the addition 
01-19-14, 06:19 PM
#83
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Great post(s) cmk1. I love the pics. Please, if you find any info about future LX/LC models, let me know. Thank you.
01-19-14, 06:23 PM
#84
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For some strange reason, i seem to be pretty excited about the next gen RX, more excited than i need to be
Last edited by UZJ100GXR; 01-19-14 at 06:29 PM.
01-19-14, 07:01 PM
#85
While you get wild cards and some very opinionated members from time to time (like the current bmw hitler guy who randomly showed up a few days ago), I'd say the 40ish+ members who consistently post in Car Chat and call it home are mostly respectful of each other. Of course I feel like we're all a dysfunctional family here on CL too
Back to the 4RX. It may or may not have been posted, and if it had been was lost in the CL archives as we didn't have a thread at the time to document it like we do now. But thank you for the addition
Back to the 4RX. It may or may not have been posted, and if it had been was lost in the CL archives as we didn't have a thread at the time to document it like we do now
. But thank you for the addition Thanks, it took a little while to compile! I'll try to find more information, but I might be considered the enemy to Toyota J.K.K. in some ways (JLR) and make them more guarded about secret info. I did make some corrections to my posts regarding some photos and dates of past updates. I'm sure your theory of 2014 changes is for certain. You'll probably do a much better job than I could finding new information.
Last edited by Carmaker1; 01-19-14 at 07:07 PM.
01-19-14, 08:20 PM
#86
What you said could apply to other vehicles, however, this is not the case with the LC/LX.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
I will give you a few examples;
60 series started production in 1980 and ended in 1989
80 series started production in 1989 and ended in early 1998.
100 series started production in 1998 and ended in 2007.
200 series started production in 2007 and if it follows the cycle, should end in 2016.
Facelift cycles do differ though between models..
2008 - 2011 200 series ( Pre-facelift )
2012-2014 200 Series ( Facelift #1 ) I understand in the US Toyota skipped the 2012 model year for a long 2013 while overseas it was different )
2015 - 2016? (Facelift #2 )
2017??? ( Next gen LC/LX, possibly unveiled in late 2016 - I remember reading earlier that Toyota is going to produce a hybrid version of the LC/LX in 2016. It would make sense for them to introduce it with the next generation models )
( Main rival Nissan Patrol just received a facelift for the 2014 model year ) and Toyota usually updates the LC the following MY)
Lots of talk about an updated LC/LX coming out int he next few months.
In general, Toyota does 3+2... but for cars that dont sell that much, they extend the life-cycle, like for LC and Hilux.
Not sure what exactly they can do with LC when it comes to facelift though.
01-19-14, 10:36 PM
#87
Okay thanks! It only seems to be a very few that truly made me feel unwelcome, but most of everyone else is relatively rational here. I don't personally own a Lexus (have a few in my family), but look forward to the expansion of F models and the upper tier of the Lexus range (LX, LS, SC, LF-LC). The 4RX appears to be arriving earlier than expected, possibly due to the 3RX being originally delayed from an autumn 2008 release as a 2009 model. At the moment, 4RX design patents should've been filed in Japan already and likely being deferred from publication.
Thanks, it took a little while to compile! I'll try to find more information, but I might be considered the enemy to Toyota J.K.K. in some ways (JLR) and make them more guarded about secret info. I did make some corrections to my posts regarding some photos and dates of past updates. I'm sure your theory of 2014 changes is for certain. You'll probably do a much better job than I could finding new information.
Thanks, it took a little while to compile! I'll try to find more information, but I might be considered the enemy to Toyota J.K.K. in some ways (JLR) and make them more guarded about secret info. I did make some corrections to my posts regarding some photos and dates of past updates. I'm sure your theory of 2014 changes is for certain. You'll probably do a much better job than I could finding new information.
Hmm interesting point. I've read somewhere that by the time a vehicle actually comes to market it is already 4-8 years behind when it was fathomed.
01-20-14, 02:15 AM
#88
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2015 = Facelift for the LC200/LX. I heard it will be released in the next few months.
01-20-14, 02:40 AM
#89
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Having met with Lexus for two days last week it really made me feel extremely confident and excited for the future. They have some really brilliant minds and Akio's influence is legendary already.
01-20-14, 03:35 AM
#90
Lexus Champion
Their future is very bright! Im mostly interested in the motorsport aspect, but Toyota/Lexus had my interest since I was a young boy in the early 90's with the MR2 Supra and Lexus LS & GS400. The things that are in the pipeline are going to make the competition really take notice. They wont fill every niche companies like Audi BMW and Mercedes offer, but their unique vehicles and hybrids will set them apart. The RX is the industry leader. Every other company copied them, but they owe it to Lexus for making that small luxury 'SUV' a segment worth being in. Same thing with hybrids. I cant wait to see their new products... now I just gotta make some more money and get some good investments!