On January 9 at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, Lexus will show off a new concept designed by Lexus' Newport Beach design center, Calty that "showcases the new design direction embraced by Lexus." And with that bit of information you know exactly as much about this new concept vehicle as we do.
IS seems all wrong. GS is freshly designed. ES is a worse guess than IS but better than GX, RX, LX or LS.
So we're either looking at an FR-S/BRZ in Lexus clothes or a 2014 Lexus SC that might actually capitalize on the Sport Coupe name.
What say you?
shouldermonkey says:
11:04 AM, 12/12/11
Supra concept would be nice.
trackwrex says:
11:29 AM, 12/12/11
toyota soarer - aka: lexus sc
vhorizon says:
11:41 AM, 12/12/11
sc would be my guess too.
throwback says:
01:07 PM, 12/12/11
That looks pretty agressive for Lexus. I guess Mr. Toyoda was serious about more expressive cars, hopefully the driving experience will match the looks. I guess there are a few car guys left at Toyota
louiswei says:
01:32 PM, 12/12/11
Why is IS "seems all wrong"? Personally I think it's the new IS concept because it aligns well with the rumor (and logical) Fall 2012 release date for the next generation IS. We can't tell if the concept is a coupe or sedan but if it's a sedan then it's definitely the IS. Even if it's a coupe It could very well be the concept for the future IS coupe which Lexus has said over and over that the next IS will be designed with a coupe version in mind.
I don't see the SC making its way back, if anything Lexus will do a GS coupe before they bring back the SC.
throwback says:
01:47 PM, 12/12/11
Lexus certainly needs a new IS more than they need a new SC. The following competitiors have come out since the IS was redone, 3 series, C class, A4, G37, TSX and the upcoming Caddy ATS is due next year.
sniperruff says:
01:52 PM, 12/12/11
It will be the LFA Type RR Fuel Injected Bi-turbo FQ1000 convertible GT coupe
Realistically, another vote for the SC.
mrjost55 says:
01:53 PM, 12/12/11
Looks like the new SC
louiswei says:
02:38 PM, 12/12/11
By the way, if IL has done their homework they would know that the production model of the next generation ES is coming in the 2012 New York Auto Show. Also, it will be very unlikely for Lexus to do a concept for the ES which is basically just a glorified Camry.
It certainly could be the SC but more likely it's going to be the IS given the rumored Fall 2012 release date. Lets not forgive that Lexus introduced the LF-C concept (which is a convertible by the way) back in the 2004 New York Auto Show, at the time everyone thought it hinted the next generation SC but turned out to be the desgin concept for the current generation IS, which debut a year later at the Geneva Auto Show.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_LF
So I am calling it here, it's going to be a coupe and will be the design concept for the next generation IS.
ptcdawg says:
02:59 PM, 12/12/11
The original SC was some of Lexus's best work EVER. I should know, I still have a 92 SC300 with the manual that my Son drives on a daily basis around his college campus. :)
coolb944 says:
04:26 PM, 12/12/11
The hood line looks super low to be a sedan (engine mounted low for low CG). Maybe an enlarged version of the 86 chassis to create an SC, a la first gen SC vs Supra?
I'd guess some sort of 2 door car, whether it's purely a design study or a look at the next SC.
tempesting says:
05:03 PM, 12/12/11
Luxo hardtop SC succesor please
cr_driver says:
05:17 PM, 12/12/11
Whatever it is,that looks positively bizarre.
stovt001 says:
05:27 PM, 12/12/11
No doubt a rebadged FRS. Toyota is probably going through some serious FRS concept withdrawal symptoms.
louiswei says:
06:34 PM, 12/12/11
stovt001, what do you want to bet that this is not a rebadged FR-S?
blackdynamite1 says:
07:43 PM, 12/12/11
A new ES comes this Spring
The Next IS comes this fall
You can see a very severe "Spindle Grille"
21" wheels means it's not a Lexus sedan
Money on a future SC concept, probably based on the GS/IS platform, which actually has ties to the Supra Turbo and SC400 platform from back in the day
BD
DLu says:
08:11 AM, 12/14/11
Agree with ptcdawg, the original SC was very cool and very good. Then they just turned into a blob. I hope this is the next SC after the Insanity (or whatever your favorite program) workout.