Edmunds: Lexus Ponders Small Crossovers
Original Article:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109352
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109352
TOKYO — Toyota's upscale Lexus brand, as part of an ongoing expansion of its product portfolio, plans to introduce at least one more luxury crossover and is considering the addition of a smaller near luxury crossover based on the recently redesigned RAV4.
The proposed compact Lexus CUV would be positioned as a smaller sibling to the popular RX 330 and would be targeted at Acura's Accord-based RDX, which goes into production this summer. Sources familiar with Toyota's plans say the company could bring the smaller Lexus, which as yet has no name, to market as early as 2008.
The compact Lexus crossover would be built on Toyota's new MC global midsize platform, which also underpins the '07 Camry and '07 ES 350 sedans. The same platform will be used as the foundation for the 2009 RX 350, which replaces the current RX 330 in fall 2008.
Supplier sources say Toyota is also studying a proposal to consolidate production of the three Lexus vehicles — the ES 350, the RX 350, and the new compact crossover — at its new plant in Woodstock, Ontario, in 2008-'09.
The Lexus brand is planning to add a high-end crossover vehicle, based on its 2003 HPX concept, in 2008. The all-wheel-drive CUV, which will share its underpinnings with the IS sedan, will be imported from Japan and will be positioned to compete with the Infiniti FX.
The proposed compact Lexus CUV would be positioned as a smaller sibling to the popular RX 330 and would be targeted at Acura's Accord-based RDX, which goes into production this summer. Sources familiar with Toyota's plans say the company could bring the smaller Lexus, which as yet has no name, to market as early as 2008.
The compact Lexus crossover would be built on Toyota's new MC global midsize platform, which also underpins the '07 Camry and '07 ES 350 sedans. The same platform will be used as the foundation for the 2009 RX 350, which replaces the current RX 330 in fall 2008.
Supplier sources say Toyota is also studying a proposal to consolidate production of the three Lexus vehicles — the ES 350, the RX 350, and the new compact crossover — at its new plant in Woodstock, Ontario, in 2008-'09.
The Lexus brand is planning to add a high-end crossover vehicle, based on its 2003 HPX concept, in 2008. The all-wheel-drive CUV, which will share its underpinnings with the IS sedan, will be imported from Japan and will be positioned to compete with the Infiniti FX.
And I ask... why is this necessary? the RX is already pretty small, but i'm sure it will quite capably compete at both ends of the spectrum, both RDX and infinity FX. If anything maybe an RX 350 and 460 ? Why two more cross overs? Jesus i'm tired of seeing SUV's and there wanna be a SUV cousins, crossovers. Maybe I wouldnt be so ____ed if we could see a sports car for every two SUVs/CUVs. dammit
The RAV4 is an amazing vehicle. IMHO, very underrated.
Once you own one, you know why.
As to Lexus making one, dunno. Most folks who own the brand want to show-off, and the RAV4 is not a showoff vehicle in that crowd...
Now you Lexus guys/gals don't get bent out of shape with that - you know deep down that you don't get a lot more for the money than a similar Toyota
Scott
Once you own one, you know why.
As to Lexus making one, dunno. Most folks who own the brand want to show-off, and the RAV4 is not a showoff vehicle in that crowd...
Now you Lexus guys/gals don't get bent out of shape with that - you know deep down that you don't get a lot more for the money than a similar Toyota

Scott
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