When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
A few other notes: It's using GS rims from the pre-facelift. The exhaust "bladders" and tailpipe tips are pure Toyota/Lexus. The exhaust stains on those tips would lead one to believe this is a gas motor and not a hybrid (plus Toyota/Lexus hybrids usually don't have added exhaust tips). Looking forward to the next GS- a car Lexus must keep and expand.
Yeah it's definitely not a Lexus GS or Lexus for that matter. That is in fact the next Toyota Crown, a simple Google search brought it up. I don't know why they would say it's the next GS, I think they just threw out the first thing that came to mind and wrote the article without any research or getting any facts... fake news! lol
Yeah it's definitely not a Lexus GS or Lexus for that matter. That is in fact the next Toyota Crown, a simple Google search brought it up. I don't know why they would say it's the next GS, I think they just threw out the first thing that came to mind and wrote the article without any research or getting any facts... fake news! lol
Why would they think it is a Lexus GS and not a related Toyota Crown? Because the Toyota Crown is not sold in Europe but the GS is. So why test the new Crown on European streets if it will not be sold there?
Another source says these photos are of the next-generation Lexus ES but then corrects itself, claiming that it is the Toyota Crown.
A mysterious prototype for what’s believed to be the next-generation Lexus ES sedan has been spied testing near the Nurburgring in Germany.
Not much is known about this tester, but to our eye, it looks as though it’s an all-new Lexus ES based on the 2018 Toyota Camry’s updated platform. The current ES, which has been with us since 2012, is riding on the outgoing Camry’s architecture. It seems imminent that Toyota will make a new ES based on the latest version of the Camry, then, and we get the feeling this prototype is it.
With how similar the two are in size, it’s also possible this is a prototype for a next-generation Lexus GS, as other outlets are reporting. However, rumors point to Lexus killing off the rear-wheel drive GS, with the front-wheel drive ES continuing on as the brand’s only mid-size four-door. This would make the most financial sense, as the ES shares a platform with a more widely produced model and is thus cheaper to produce. Additionally, with the GS gone, Lexus won’t have to worry about its two mid-size offerings stepping on each other’s toes.
The heavily camouflaged prototype doesn’t give us much to work with. The front end appears vaguely Toyota-like, while out back we see a trunk lid with a subtle integrated lip spoiler. A vaguely sporty rear bumper is also seen and is joined by a set of dual exhaust tips.
The next-generation Lexus ES could be set to arrive by as early as next year.
Update: Sources indicate this vehicle is a prototype for neither the Lexus ES or Lexus GS, but for the Toyota Crown sedan. The Crown, which is developed mainly for the Japanese market, is a full-size four-door that shares its rear-wheel drive platform with the Lexus GS.
The forthcoming 2018 Camry has a long front overhang with the front door tightly butted against the front wheel arches.
On the other hand, this prototype has a short front overhang and its front door and front wheel arches separated by around 6 inches, so that the engine can be longitudinally mounted for a near 50/50 weight distribution.
Hoovey is probably right. The front styling is that of a Toyota Crown. The difference between a Crown and GS is only skin deep, and it's a good idea to use a Crown nose for prototype disguise.
New 5GS looks much bigger than 4GS.
Looks like the 5GS is getting the 5LS's totally different 6-light window design similar to Audi, as opposed to the traditional GS chopped off apex in the rear windows similar to BMW.
Sounds like they're using the 6-light window design in the C-pillar to distance Lexus from Toyotas.
It's funny how styling has cycles, where things go into fashion, and then certain styling cues go out of fashion.
For example, the 3GS was very aerodynamic with raked rear windscreens, and a short impractically small trunk opening.
The 4GS became more practical with a higher coefficient of drag, and a larger trunk opening.
Now, the 5GS is back to the sleek aerodynamic shapes with a short small trunk opening.
One thing different this time around is that while the forthcoming Camry goes for a lower and sportier seating position, the 5LS and 5GS seem to be as tall as ever.
It's not a bad idea to make the cheaper Camry sportier, because the entry level Camry draws a younger audience who generally drive faster, and who generally have less finances at that early stage in life.
Meanwhile, Lexus luxury vehicles draw a more mature owner, with more finances and more of a cruising attitude to driving.
Lexus has the F Sport model for those who want it really fast.
Last edited by peteharvey; Jun 30, 2017 at 08:45 PM.
Definitely RWD prototype - hopefully its the new GS.
Lexus really needs to hit a Grand Slam in styling, quality and power for the GS to have any success.
Also if its slated to go in production in August 2019, it will only hit US dealers probably October / November, how in the world is the current GS will survive all that time selling less than 500 units per month?
Definitely RWD prototype - hopefully its the new GS.
Lexus really needs to hit a Grand Slam in styling, quality and power for the GS to have any success.
Also if its slated to go in production in August 2019, it will only hit US dealers probably October / November, how in the world is the current GS will survive all that time selling less than 500 units per month?
Hopefully they don't wait that long. It was refreshed for 2016, right? Usually two to three years after a facelift is when the new model debuts. Anything longer and they are just shooting themselves in the foot. The last IS lingered way too long and so is the LS, GX, and CT. It seems like only the ES and RX get attention from corporate. In Lexus's defense, most other brands have the same lag. We used to have new models much quicker 20 years ago.
Hopefully they don't wait that long. It was refreshed for 2016, right? Usually two to three years after a facelift is when the new model debuts. Anything longer and they are just shooting themselves in the foot. The last IS lingered way too long and so is the LS, GX, and CT. It seems like only the ES and RX get attention from corporate. In Lexus's defense, most other brands have the same lag. We used to have new models much quicker 20 years ago.
Typically 4 years for GS - Lexus is very conservative on model cycles (perhaps too much so, as is discussed often and in many threads). For example, 3GS refresh came out in 2007 as MY2008 and 4GS did not officially debut until Pebble Beach Concours in summer 2011.
Let's not even get started on the LS, what with its nearly 12-year cycle for current gen.
I wonder how much the GS shares with the Crown. Not sure if I like the roofline of the newer cars
Thanks a million.
You just unveiled the forthcoming new 2018 Toyota Crown, and the Crown shares platforms with GS, and the Crown normally has shorter model cycles than GS.
Here is a translation below.
The wheelbase has been stretched about 3".
Similar height to current model.
I'm not so sure I like TMC's new 6-glass window design in the 5LS, Crown and forthcoming 5GS.
At least this Crown/5GS's C-pillar styling is an improvement on 5LS.
I prefer the Italian designed chopped-off apex to the rear windows as used by BMW and all previous generation of GS's...
In the best car of this issue, we expanded a magazine catalog of 15th New Crown who officially debut in February 2018 (there is also information on January).
Huh? Why can we make a catalog of cars that have not yet released? Is it? And all of you, that is right. Although it looks like it, of course, it is "anticipation" based on the information that was caught earlier. However, the release is nine months ahead. It should not be all that I am making.
And it is no doubt that the new crown will become a car with power. Adopting the chassis and engine of TNGA (Newly developed technology over Toyota's whole body of multifaceted area / Toyota New Global Architecture), it is said that running is finished to a level that can be tolerated from Europe directly against the European premium brand. Really? Does it suddenly go well? It is a new information full load plan that such doubts and expectations are mixed up.
Sentence: Best car editing department Scoop team
best car July 10, 2017 issue■ What I aimed for was the ability to drive beyond the European Premium Sedan
Let 's make a better car. Toyota NEW Crown embodies our longstanding efforts. Japanese luxury cars are comfortable, but running is not moving. For several generations of Crown, we have thoroughly introduced the technologies we can have to overturn such evaluation that the development team can not find out. And, its completed form is this 15th crown. Finally, a car competing with the European premium brand competing for "the power of running" was completed.
Historical change to abolish V6
Both the athlete and the royal NEW Crown are equipped with an inline 4 cylinder engine (2.0 direct injection turbo & 2.5 hybrid). Since the first generation it has not set up a 6-cylinder engine in the long history of Crown. However, as a result of thoroughly refining the performance and pursuing efficiency, we have secured quality and performance of more than 6 cylinders. In addition, the traditional Crown 6-cylinder engine will be handed down to NEW Crown Majesta, which will be released late.
■ With a newly developed dynamic force engine
NEW Crown's power train is a 2-liter direct injection turbo inline 4 cylinder and a 2.5-liter hybrid. The 2.5L engine for hybrids is a new power unit called Toyota's new dynamic unit developed by the technology of Toyota's new global architecture "TNGA" (Toyota New Global Architecture), achieving the world's top thermal efficiency of 41%, high response & Achieving exhilarating running which has never been done with high torque in the whole area.
■ TNGA changed everything
TNGA is a technology that improves the performance of the entire car such as chassis, engine, body, and suspension. NEW Crown was born as a culmination of it. The more solid body moves the suspension exactly, realizing the stability that sucks on the road surface and the lightness feeling beyond the area of the luxury sedan. Moreover, it is also contributing to the improvement of exercise performance by considerably lightening the weight. Of course, comfortable ride comfort suitable for the name of the crown is also compatible.Interior where car interior becomes the best space
The interior of NEW Crown places emphasis on ease of use as well as fine quality suitable for luxury cars in Japan. The body size is 4880 × full width 1800 × total height 1455 mm, wheel base 2920 mm, and the wheelbase which has been extended by 70 mm more than the conventional type further improves the comfortability. The center panel has a touch panel type large monitor, and the latest "connecting technology" is also easy to use. We realize an indoor space that combines heaviness and newness.
■ Advanced equipment approaching automatic driving as much as possible
Crown has always introduced innovative technology. This 15th generation also adopts the latest technology boasted by Toyota. Equipped with a system that maintains the lane while automatically operating automatic braking and steering with high precision. It greatly reduces the fatigue of long drives and enhances safety.■ In addition to athlete & royal "GR" also standby
The NEW Crown has two series of "Royal" to make you feel stately and "Athlete" to appeal sporty driving and atmosphere. Both are styling coupé sticks, adopting the design of 6 lights which also add windows to the rear quarter for the first time in the past. Royal series 17 to 18 inches, athlete series 18 to 19 inch wheels as standard equipment.
【Crown athlete 2.0 GT】
Total length 4880 × full width 1800 × total height 1455 mm, wheel base 2920 mm, vehicle weight 1550 kg, direct 4, 2 L turbo, 235 ps / 35.7 kgf, JC 08 mode fuel economy 14.0 km / L, Price 5.5 million yen 【Crown Royal Saloon Hybrid G】
Overall length 4880 × full width 1800 × total height 1455 mm, wheel base 2920 mm, vehicle weight 1600 kg, straight 4, 2.5 L + motor (hybrid), 178 ps / 22.5 kgm & motor output 143 ps / 30.6 kgm, JC 08 mode fuel economy 25.0 km / L, front and rear multilink, expected price 5.9 million yen
In addition, "GR" developed by GAZOO Racing as the ultimate sports grade of the Crown series has also been decided to join. Equipped with high tune V6 turbo engine, body reinforcement, strengthening of underbody, etc. are also carried out. We plan to launch it in 2019 as an authentic sports model competing straight from the Mercedes Benz AMG, the BMW M series, the Audi RS series and so on.
NEW CROWN with Royal, athletes, GR and three series is the culmination of Toyota's "better car making". With a potential far surpassing conventional models, it will color your life.
★ ★ ★
How was it, NEW Crown magazine catalog with expectation?
Just to be sure, instrument panel CG is totally anticipated. Even though it is the best car, the information to that point has not been received indeed. However, the exterior design of 6 lights is almost definite. The figure should be confirmed at the autumn Tokyo motor show, which appears as a concept model.
NEW crown is 4 cylinder, 2L direct injection turbo and 2 · 5L hybrid only. Apart from the rumor Gazo Racing "GR" rumored to load the V6 turbo (the latest information that it will become GR instead of TGR), it will be a crown without the 6-cylinder engine since the first generation.
This is a big change. After all, it seems to change from the 12th generation which appeared in 2003, so-called zero crown. I guess that the reader's interest is also great as it comes from design. Does the crown that cars like cheering really realize? I am really looking forward to its appearance! It is!
■ With a newly developed dynamic force engine
■ TNGA changed everything
■ Advanced equipment approaching automatic driving as much as possible
【Crown athlete 2.0 GT】
【Crown Royal Saloon Hybrid G】