I guess if no one associated the previously mentioned image problem, then Hyundai made the genesis brand separate for giggles I assume? I think the Genesis branding as its own entity, new original designs, dealership networks, and of course a CUV lineup will all go to help establish and separate Genesis the luxo brand from Hyundai/Kia the eco brand.

 

Hyundai/Kia sales in 2017 were down 13% and 9% YoY respectively, the worst performance of any mainstream brand not from FCA.

 

 

All in good time. Lexus needs to update its own SUV line otherwise it's going to get caught napping on its laurels. Genesis got a screwed up start because it didn't learn how Lexus established a dealership network before launching the LS. But eventually that should get ironed out and then Lexus might have a rival.

The Genesis GV80 might become reality sooner than people think.

https://www.genesis.com/us/en/genesi...cles-gv80.html

 

I don't like the look of the GV80 compared to the styling of the G80 and the RX.
However, I wonder if the GV80 can pressure Lexus to base the next generation of RX's off the Toyota Crown/Lexus GS RWD platform with multi-link suspension and aluminium components, as opposed to using the cheap Camry FWD-based platform?

 

pete, unlikely since the rx sells so well anyway. i don't think target customers care, but a rwd platform would have another benefit - improved packaging options without the current short wheelbase and giant front and rear overhangs.

 

 

 

Agreed a lot of my non car friends and family have no idea or even care about difference between FWD and RWD.

 

The main issues with FWD are traction and space-efficiency, though the traction issue has been lessened somewhat by electronic traction-aids. But FWD, particularly with transverse-engine set-ups (which, of course, is the way the vast majority of FWD systems are done) allows that big, family-size room inside with relatively compact exterior dimensions, lower weight, better fuel economy, and easier maneuverability/parking.

 

Right. Plus isn't lexus introducing a premium 5 seat SUV anyways? So that could be based on the GA-L

 

That would be my next step if I were Lexus. Replace both the GX and LX with a new SUV off the GA-L platform. Short wheelbase to compete with X-5 and long wheelbase to compete with the coming X-7. Leave the RX as-is as the value/volume choice.

 

The reason carmakers make FWD products is expense.

 

Well, if you look at the history of FWD (particularly in the U.S), except for the Olds Toronado and Caddy Eldorado of the 1960s, you didn't see it proliferate until CAFE and emission laws forced the downsizing of most vehicles and smaller engines. At the time, the overriding issue was fuel-economy, and the burden of meeting the government-imposed CAFE laws. RWD was not necessarily more expensive, or cars like the RWD Chevy Chevette and Toyota Starlet could not have been sold at those dirt-cheap prices. I can remember the Chevette Scooter starting at $2899, which was less than even the ill-fated Yugo.

 

I should not have pondered if Genesis GV80 would pressure Lexus to use RWD-based platform on ES & RX etc, but I meant if RWD-based GV80 would pressure Lexus to use their "premium" TNGA GA-L platform for their future ES/RX/NX etc?

The premium Global Architecture Luxury GA-L platform isn't just about RWD with long wheelbase & engine mounted longitudinally behind the front axle for near 50/50 weight distribution for less understeer, but the "premium" architecture is also about using premium multilink suspension to keep the tires perpendicular to the road surface to maximize gripe, and the premium architecture also has a high aluminium chassis content for weight reduction, hence superior performance, economy & dynamics.