Toyota ’s Lexus brand is on a quest to sell 1 million vehicles worldwide in the next two to three years and the formula to reach that goal will be an easy one — offer more models. Over the next few years, Lexus will be moving into some uncharted waters for the brand — including a premium small car and more performance model.
In an interview with The Australian, Lexus Australia chief executive John Roca spilled the beens about Lexus’ future lineup. Roca says that the performance F-line will expand to more vehicles than just the IS sedan. The GS range will receive an F model — to compete with the likes of the BMW M5 – and Lexus is actually considering an F variation of the range-topping LS sedan. Roca didn’t give any further details on either vehicle, but it’s possible that both models could be powered by a V10 powerplant.
Roca also says that Lexus is developing a new volume model that would compete with the BMW 1-series and Audi A3. It remains unclear if the new model will be a sedan or hatchback, but it should hit the market around the turn of the decade.
As spy shots have indicated, Lexus is also preparing coupe and convertible versions of its IS sedan. No official word if the convertible will use a hard or soft top setup, but well placed sources have indicated that a hardtop is likely.
Development of Lexus’ halo LF-A is ongoing, and it now looks as though the supercar could finally enter production in 2011. However, Roca says that date remains fluid and it’s possible that the LF-A might only be available in left-hand drive when it finally does make production.
And, in true Toyota fashion, Roca says every Lexus model will have a hybrid counterpart. The Luxury brand will also show a concept for its first hybrid-only model — based on the Toyota Prius — at next year’s Detroit Auto Show.
