Lexus to show off IS Convertible, new RX and updated LS at LA show
11/12/2008, 11:46 AM
By Drew Johnson
General Motors may be skipping out on its 20 minute time slot at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but Toyota’s Lexus brand plans to take full advantage of its allocated press conference time. Lexus will show off at least three new models, with two making their world debuts.
Lexus took the wraps off its IS 250C at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, but the hard top convertible will be making its North American debut at the LA show. Like the Paris version, the LA-bound IS 250C will be packing a 204 horsepower 2.5L V6 engine, with the option of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Although not officially confirmed for the LA show, it remains possible that Lexus could unveil the up-level IS 350C. The IS 350C will use the same retractable hard top configurations as the IS 250C, but ups performance with a 306 horsepower 3.5L V6, exclusively mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Leaked images have already revealed Lexus’ next RX SUV, but the all-new ‘ute will make its first public appearance at next week’s show. In addition to the base RX 350, Lexus will also show the RX 450h hybrid version of the SUV, indicating that both models will be available at launch.
Lastly, Lexus plans to show a revised version of its flagship LS sedan. Updates are expected to be minor but should give the big four-door a fresher look.
Make sure to check back for live coverage of the LA Auto Show starting November 18th.
11/12, 12:07 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Alteeza, Higlander and the former Celsior.
Who’s excited!?
11/12, 12:21 PM
posted by:
Borat
jjt, u r back!
11/12, 12:55 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Los Angeles is like selling cars in Japan anyway. L.A.’ers don’t buy American cars, so why waste your time there, unless you’re a Japanese automaker. A Lexus convertible? Perfect for the land of fruits and nuts. You know, the same people who line up to pay $10k over sticker for the oxymoron called a Smart.
Not to mention of the three major U.S. auto shows, L.A. is the least significant of them all.
11/12, 1:14 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
You know Lexus makes a great car because it’s the perrenial favorite in Better Homes and Housekeeping.
11/12, 1:20 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Great. More boring and way overpriced cars to fill the stuck up dealerships.
11/12, 4:47 PM
posted by:
LQQK TwiCe
is it because LA’es like more for there money?
11/12, 6:46 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
jjt.. you mean Altezza, Harrier and Celsior.
11/12, 8:58 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Jack
Dude, you’re better than that!
Z06
Blowing off the West Coast……..
Um……something GM would do?
Right!
The RX debut should very interesting, especially the Hybrid, which will be revolutionary, as the tech will trickle down to Toyotas of the future.
DrFill
11/12, 10:11 PM
posted by:
eff1Fifty
Z06 – im not bashing you
I just disagree that LA is the least significant, especially since Ferarri Land Rover and Rolls are pulling out of Detroit
11/13, 1:40 AM
posted by:
KarLoveBoy88
This car is for the trophy wives and the executive women. Its good for them because us guys look way cooler in 3 series coupes.
11/13, 5:34 AM
posted by:
PW
Well, perhaps one reason why LA’ers buy Japanese cars is because the Japanese car companies are all based there. Just like in Detroit, everyone buys American.
11/13, 8:35 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Executive women don’t drive a 204 hp gussied up Corollas masquerading as a luxury car.
11/13, 12:14 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
PW: Everyone in detroit buys american because the impact on the local economy is more obvious. I guess in Maryshille, there are a disproportionate number of Hondas, and in Georgetown (the other one) are a disproportionate number of Toyotas.
11/14, 4:40 PM
posted by:
droptops4ever
jjt:
99.9% of People in Detroit do not consider the local economy when making their vehicle choice any more than those in Marysville or LA.
Anyone making a decision to dispose of many thousands of their hard earned dollars, thinks first and foremost of what’s best for themselves.
In Detroit they buy an awful lot American cars because of “Employee Pricing” which just helps the big 3 to lose even more money.
We’re really a pretty selfish society, unlike say, Germany and France, who have stuck pretty strongly with “local” brands through the Japanese domination elsewhere.
Anyway, now with Toyotas made in America and Dodges coming from Mexico, not to mention major mechanical systems coming from everywhere, it’s getting harder and harder to figure out what purchase would help our economy most anyway!