Lexus preps more 'F' cars and hybrids, takes aim at BMW's 1 Series and confirms LF-A supercar
Newswheel staff :: 09 April 2008 :: Filed under Front engine sportscar, Lexus, Lexus GS, Lexus IS, Lexus LF-A, Lexus LS
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No more Mr. Nice Lexus
In the grand old US of A, Toyota’s luxury brand sweeps all asunder. But it hasn’t really hit critical mass in Europe. Odds are it will soon enough if Lexus' aggressive product plans are anything to go by. Following the well received IS-F V8 compact sports saloon, Lexus will also unleash a speedy ‘F’ derivative of the mid-sized GS luxury barge along with a new compact model that slots in below the IS and will take on BMW’s increasingly successful 1 Series. Needless to say, more hybrid Lexi are on the way, too…
Speaking to no less an automotive authority than The Australian (an antipodean broadsheet, if you’re wondering), Lexus Australia’s bossman John Roca confirmed that the IS-F was just the beginning for Lexus' high performance plans. Along with the aforementioned GS-F, a high performance F variant of the LS limo is possible, Roca reckons.
The ‘F’ word
Of course, the really big noise in the ‘F’ range is the hotly anticipated LF-A front engined supercar. It’s been something of an on again, off again projected, buffeted by the winds of change including a change if engine form factor in F1 and an acceleration in environmental concerns of late. But Roca says the LF-A is definitely a goer and should emerge by 2011. Strangely, given its Japanese origins, Roca said it may only be available in left-hand drive.
Perhaps more significant is a new model designed to squeeze in below the IS saloon and give BMW’s 1 Series and the Audi A3 something to think about. Certainly this new compact model will do more help Lexus hit its sales targets than the low-volume ‘F’ cars. “In the next two to three years, Lexus will deliver more than one million vehicles globally,” Roca says.
Hawking hybrids
Lexus' first mover advantage in the hybrid market won’t hurt, either. A hybrid option will soon be available on every Lexus model. What’s more, Lexus will show a purpose-built hybrid showcar yet at the Detroit show early next year. Not yet confirmed for production, the new model is Lexus' take on the Toyota Prius.
Meanwhile, the IS range will be bolstered by both coupe and convertible variants late next year, better to combat BMW’s burgeoning 3 Series family. For (a little) more, head on over to The Australian.
Linkage:
The Australian
