The Lexus motor company is really hitting the pavement running with its all new designs and model line ups, or at least the planning and endless chitchat about such changes are becoming rife. This includes a rumoured BMW X1 rival being planned as well as a newer \u2018ES\u2019 version which will no doubt be based on the next model Camry, like its predecessor.<\/p>\n
Lexus needs a bit of a refresh as its sales numbers have dropped off in recent times. The ‘Sports Hybrid’ CT 200h has got the ball rolling, averaging around 150 units per month in Australia, similar numbers to the established IS250.<\/p>\n
The next change we can see in showrooms is the next \u00a0Lexus GS model which is set to make great changes into the 21st<\/sup> century of \u2018fun\u2019 motoring \u2013 FINALLY. One of the world\u2019s most boring cars is now being tweaked to within an inch of it \u2018old-man\u2019 status into a mid-sized interesting driving experience.<\/p>\n The design is still strong and very \u2018GS\u2019 in this 4th<\/sup> generation styling but its true performance comes with its engagement of the driver. The Australian market will be receiving the GS350 and the GS450h, but not the lovely F Sports which is only designated to the cold countries at this stage.<\/p>\n The designers have obviously looked at the LFA supercar for styling and performance cues. It is bolder, stronger and nearly confidently shouting \u2018look at me\u2019. That is what Lexus has been lacking in the past few years \u2013 something to shout \u2018hey look at Lexus\u201d. We all know the Lexus is reliable, practical and generally very sound. This is not all we want or we would all be driving Prius\u2019. A great reliable car that handles like it is on rails…and fits all the kids \u2013 now that\u2019s a winner.<\/p>\n This has obviously come from the Toyota Corporation \u2018internationalising\u2019 the Lexus brand and making it a separate and individual division which includes engineering, design and marketing.<\/p>\n Peter Evans, Lexus\u2019 Australian Marketing Director, has said that there is will be a much broader offering including 4-cylinder and diesel models to compete with the Mercedes E220 and BMW 520d. For a brand that currently starts at just short of $100K that is good news to allow more people to even consider looking at the wonderful Lexus brand.<\/p>\n So next time you are looking for a new family sized sedan put the GS Lexus on your list, as it is an up and coming star in this market space.<\/p>\n