Can Lexus Cross Over?

[1931Chevy]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...TOKEN=13572308

Lexus may build a crossover similar to the 2003 HPX concept.

PHOENIX -- High-flying Lexus is studying a plan to slot new vehicles in several key niches, which would fortify an already fast-growing lineup.

America's best-selling luxury brand is conducting market research on:

A seven-passenger crossover larger than the RX 330.

A compact crossover smaller than the RX 330.

A Lexus hybrid with a unique body style.

The fact that Lexus admits to "studying" these segments is a strong indication that it plans to produce the vehicles.

"Lexus does not intend to stop growing," said Bob Carter, the division's general manager. "We have not reached our limit."

The seven-passenger crossover, which probably would be the first of the three to appear, would be similar to the HPX concept that has been around since 2003. Lexus won't talk timing, but it could debut in the spring of 2008 using the rear-drive Lexus GS platform -- and might even appear sooner.

The HPX concept rides on a 116.5-inch wheelbase and is 194.3 inches long, bigger than Lexus' GX 470 SUV. Sources say the new vehicle would not replace the body-on-frame GX in Lexus' lineup.

The compact crossover under study would compete with the BMW X3 and Acura RDX.

The Lexus hybrid being considered would not be a hybrid version of an existing model. It would have its own body style, like Toyota's Prius sedan.

[69Firebird400]

The concept/illustration in that photo looks a lot more like an FX35 than any Lexus.

Car and Driver just had a long-term test wrapup of the Lexus RX400h, and they didn't speak very favorably of it. They said that the drivetrain was very difficult to modulate smoothly (both acceleration and braking) and they got 23 mpg combined from it (not bad for an SUV, but it's really just a tall ES350 wagon). They only saw a performance benefit from the hybrid drivetrain when they had just done a while of steady-state cruising so the batteries could fully recharge. I still think they're leaders in hybrid technology, but they still have some work ahead of them in terms of software and integration from what I'm reading.

[FordFan]

"Lexus does not intend to stop growing," said Bob Carter, the division's general manager. "We have not reached our limit."

You will never reach your limit, I am still waiting for the day Lexus gets cancelled from the US and Saudi.

[AdmiralViscen]

Never saw that concept before, it matches perfectly Lexus' new design language. I didn't realize they had that planned so long ago.

[jon21]

Originally Posted by FordFan

You will never reach your limit, I am still waiting for the day Lexus gets cancelled from the US and Saudi.

So ford, lincoln, mercury, jag, land-rollover, volvo, and Mazda can start selling more cars?