Disclaimer: I may be completely wrong but this is something I was thinking of recently.

Lexus could resolve their lacking of competitive engine choices in all their sedan models with just 1 new engine. The new engine would be the rumored twin turbo V8 for the LC-F with about 550-600 hp. This is how I think that 1 engine can make them competitive across all sedans. I will leave out hybrids in my list.

1. LC - Base LC remains with the current V8. LC-F receives the twin turbo V8
2. LS - base engine remains the 3.5 V6 twin turbo. Then the optional twin turbo V8 from the LC-F (can be detuned a bit). Wouldn't be a LS-F just an engine choice.
3. GS - base can be either the current V6 in the 350 or the 2.0 turbo. GS500 with the 3.5 V6 twin turbo from the LS500. This should be pretty fuel efficient since the LS500 gets almost the same MPG as the GS350 while weighing over 1000 pounds more. Then the GSF gets the twin turbo V8.
4. IS - Same as the GS above excluding the twin turbo V8. If an ISF model is needed I think the current V8 in the GSF would be good or possibly the V6 twin turbo from the LS500. However, I feel there would be issues fitting that in the IS.
5. RC - Same as GS.

Side note: I wish they would bring back the CT200 with the 2.0 turbo.

Now I don't know about packaging and the technicalities but I think this line up would be really competitive with the germans while only requiring the development of 1 new engine.

 

Other OEMs have definitely been better about engine development and utilizing them across multiple model lines. For full benefit they'd need to move their volume SUVs to RWD platforms.

Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and now even Genesis, can use their engines across most of their sedan and SUV models.

As you note, Lexus has a 2.0T, but in the US we only get it in the IS and RC RWD (can't be paired with AWD). GS has dropped the 2.0T.
They have the V6 turbo now, but currently LS only.
V8 turbo is reportedly on the way.

Lexus hasn't really chased the push from other luxury brands into the M, RS, AMG levels of insane power (500-600+ HP), so it'll be interesting to watch if they do.

Genesis has resisted this as well, despite the mainstream Hyundai brand launching the N subbrand.

 

Is there any benefit for Lexus keeping the RX front wheel drive? I am assuming because it is on the highlander platform?

Honestly, I don't care if Lexus makes more F cars. But I think being more competitive in the non performance versions would help. A 328i will outperform even the 350 with a simple and cheap tune. The 3.3T in the G70 outclasses anything Lexus has to offer apart from their F cars.

I assume Toyota / Lexus is playing it safe as discussed in the Toyota future strategy thread. However, as outlined here, they only need to invest in 1 new engine and rework models engine compartments so the other engines fit.

I wonder if the rumored twin turbo v8 will find its way in the Supra.

 

Lexus already has the best selling luxury cross-over. What full benefit are they going to get?

They already do what was suggested. The best selling Lexus cross over, the RX has the same engine that is used in the GS. That same identical engine is used in the GS350 and the RX350

 

Didn't know the RX and GS 3.5 v6 was the same. Don't think Lexus needs to make any changes in the RX in regards to their powertrains. But the engine line up for their sedans needs an overhaul.

 

its the same 3.5 block, its designed to be mounted longitudinal or transverse

 

They were different. But now they are the exact same. Same with the Avalon or ES and Tacoma. All using the same GS350 engine.

 

just put the 5.0 in everything and call it a day.

 

I'll take a UX500, please.

 

Front wheel drive 5.0L V8 RX500 FTW!

 

Lexus is dropping the 2.0T from the GS. The GS will only come in GS350 and GS F variants only for this generation.

 

As for powertrains, someone on Lexus Enthusiast might of figured out what the new 'Lexus work horse' will be to replace the GR series:

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For the LC F engine, it is one of the two circled. The other and this is IMO, is the engine for the LX600.

 

yeah I thought I read that here but wasnt sure. Initially I was thinking lexus could do the GS350 with the current v6, GS500 with the 5.0 and the GSF with the rumored twin turbo v8. But current gsf owners might be upset lol so I thought the GS500 should have the same engine as the current LS500. Just like how they had the GS400, 430 and 460.