TRD version of the Avalon? In addition to having the Sport model? Talk about a radical shift into the Avalon platform- not necessarily bad but definitely different.

 

Well, assuming the SM is correct in matters like this (and not all of them are)...that would be quite a move, considering that other manufacturers are restricting, cutting back, or even eliminating sedan offerings in the American market. I personally don't think a TRD version of the Avalon will sell very well, though.....Toyota tried a firm Touring suspension on the 2013 model, and was forced to soften it up some for the 2016 model year mid-cycle refresh.

 

 

Also Prius e-four and ES AWD.

 

To quote, what you said to me in the other post:
Same reference to this: you really have no idea if an AWD will arrive.

In my opinion - the Sales Manager and dealers knows as much as we do. SM don't really get the inside scoop on these things. Sure - maybe hes right and maybe hes wrong. I'm just saying a SM is a bad source intel for future directions of a vehicle, when said vehicle isn't even on sale yet...

I think TRD Models of the Avalon will yield awful sales figures. No one that buys Avalon will pay extra for TRD packaging of it. I don't believe the core demographics of the Avalon do not care about TRD nor will enthusiasts. Toyota Avalon sales are already good - why would they waste money to develop something that won't draw a high net amount of money in return?

Similarity - this is how I feel about the Camry, Avalon and ES AWD debate. The Camry, Avalon and ES sales are already pretty good considering the SUV craze in the USA. Adding AWD to the Camry, Avalon and ES will only increase the price of the vehicle. With that price-tag increase - the question remains - would anyone pay the premium for AWD? Would anyone pay extra for a AWD Camry, Avalon and ES over RAV4 or NX/RX? I believe they won't. There was no demand for a AWD ES during the 6G ES - not sure why all of sudden we start to believe Toyota will start giving us an AWD Camry, Avalon and ES now.
Besides - the Camry XSE loaded cost about 37K. An AWD Camry XSE loaded, I assume, would probably be closing onto 40K. I don't think that will sell.

 

To be fair, there will be an AWD Altima. We saw an AWD Fusion not long ago. It kinda makes sense. It gives buyers another option if they want an AWD vehicle and gives the manufacturer a slightly larger target market. Does Toyota need to do it? No. But, I don't think it is a far-fetched idea.

 

Sounds like mid cycle refresh. Which makes sense. You dont want to **** off the early adopters.

 

Petty much?

She is simply relaying what the sales manager told her. She isnt predicting these things on her own while sitting in the bathroom.

 

I'm with you on this one........I will be very surprised if a TRD Avalon manages to get significant sales figures. Like the Lacrosse with its slow-selling 20" wheel and Hi-Per Strut suspension option, it simply doesn't fit most of the car's demographics. And, though we'll have to wait and see, I don't think that the upcoming ES350 F-Sport models are going to do very well, either. The manufacturers seem to have forgotten that the vast majority of those who buy these vehicles (although, admittedly, a dwindling customer-base) are NOT looking for sport-orientation.

 

I don't think its petty. I just used a quote she said to me. Its a fair quote to use back on her.
Because, after-all, no one knows what will happen to the Lexus ES in 1-3 years time except for the higher-ups. This means, the dealer (sales manager) will likely not know.

I agree with you on the ES350 F-Sport as well. I don't think the F-Sport model will do very well either. I think, based on the core demographics of the ES, the model that is likely to sell is the Base (especially with Apple Car Play now), Premium, and Premium + Luxury Pack. Ultra Luxury Pack and F-Sport will probably be the less popular choices. The only reason I think Lexus even added a F-Sport model to the ES is that they are adding F-Sport to everything. Lol.
I don't think the Lexus LS needs a F-Sport too. I think it needs a LS-F though.

 

Clearly you were offended and fuming and was waiting for a chance to throw it back at her face. Just...let it go. It's the internet.

 

What? In what part of my post is considered me "fuming" or feeling "offended". All I did was replied to her exactly what she replied to me. She pointed out a fair and reasonable comment towards me - that no one knows what will happen. And I told her the same thing - its fair.

To assume that I stalk the forums waiting for a chance to reply that comment back to her is ludicrous - how would I ever know when she will ever post?

Maybe you should let it go - you clearly more offended by this am I. And you are clearly more offended by this than she is. Lets get back on topic - the Avalon.

 

BippuLexus, please exit this thread.

 

I too am having a hard time seeing a TRD Avalon or understanding what it is supposed to accomplish.

But I think the ES F Sport will do well. Lexus is expecting 50k ES sales per year, with 25% being F Sport, and I can see that happening. I wonder what the take rate is on the RX F Sport. I wouldn't be surprised if the ES F Sport can do better in sales than the RX F Sport.