2003 Lexus Rx 300 on 2040-cars

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Lexus nixes RC convertible in favor of LS-based 3-row crossover [w/poll]

When Lexus unveiled the LF-C2 concept at the LA Auto Show last week, it did two things: it previewed the direction in which the Japanese luxury automaker's design department was looking for the immediate future, and it previewed a cabrio version of the RC coupe (to replace the IS Convertible) on the other. But the latter, according to new reports, was ruled out before the concept ever took the stage. Although the prospect of a convertible version was engineered right into the RC coupe's chassis, Motor Trend reports that plans to put such a vehicle into production were met with hostility by Lexus dealers, who were offered a two-door convertible instead of the three-row crossover they've been lobbying for. As a result – and with a finite amount of development bucks on hand – Lexus is reportedly listening to its dealers, axing the RC Convertible program and proceeding instead with a seven-seat crossover. Plans to stretch the RX were reportedly ruled out, so Toyota is reportedly proceeding instead with a new model to be based on the LS sedan. The new model would take aim at the likes of the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Infiniti QX60 when it arrives in three years as a 2018 model. It's not the first time we've seen Toyota listen to dealers asking for a high-end people-mover: Earlier this year, dealers in Japan asked the automaker for a luxed-out minivan, prompting it to build the Esquire van just for the Japanese Domestic Market.

Lexus to reveal new concept in Geneva

When Lexus rolls in to the Geneva Motor Show this year, it will have some exciting metal to show off to the Old World crowds. Both the GS F performance sedan and the LF-C2 concept will be marking their European debuts at the Swiss expo. But it will have a new concept to showcase, as well. Just what form that concept will take is anyone's guess at this point, and Lexus isn't saying. The Japanese luxury marque's lineup consists primarily of sedans and crossovers, with the RC coupe and CT hybrid hatchback thrown in for good measure. The likelihood is that we'll be looking at either a new compact model or a large crossover, but that's all up in the air at the moment. Recent show cars from Toyota's upscale brand have included the RC F GT3 racer, the aforementioned LF-C2 convertible, the LF-LC sports coupe and the LF-NX concept that previewed the new NX compact crossover. Watch this space for more. Related Video: 03 Feb 2015 LEXUS AT THE 2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW • European Premiere of the new Lexus F-performance model, the 477PS GS F • European Premiere of the LF-C2 concept • World Premiere of a new Lexus concept Brussels, Belgium - The 2015 Geneva Motor Show will host a European introduction of the recent addition to the Lexus high-performance F-brand, the new GS F. World Premiered at this year's Detroit MS, the GS F is a refined four-door coupe with the speed and agility of a premium sports car. Equipped with a normally-aspirated 5.0l V8 engine, the GS F produces maximum power of 477PS and maximum torque of 530Nm. The GS F is the first Lexus to include the new comprehensive Lexus Safety System +. World Premiered at 2014 Los Angeles Motor Show, the LF-C2 concept will also have its European Premiere at this year's Geneva MS. The concept is a design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster that explores key styling themes involved in the Lexus brand's future, bolder styling direction. The LF-C2 is a luxury Grand Touring concept inspired by Lexus' passion for driving. Its open-air design derives from a pure sports coupe idea. Finally, during the Lexus press conference, a new Lexus concept will have its World Premiere. The Lexus Press Conference will take place on March 3, at 12:30 at the Lexus stand (number 4211) in Hall 4.

2015 Lexus GS F is camo-free and frisky

Other than some missing badges and (hopefully) a not-yet-finished rear fascia, what you see here is an undisguised look at the long-awaited Lexus GS F high-performance sedan. Lexus' answer to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, the GS F has been spotted again.
Unlike our previous spy shots, though, this time around, the sporty Lexus has been caught testing on the Nürburgring, so our spy shooters have managed to get a look at the car from all angles. Building on the aggressive styling of the GS F-Sport, the GS F gets bigger air intakes and a lower chin spoiler up front. Like before, we see the signature stacked exhaust outlets, but they still seemed roughed into rear fascia, which gets an aero-aiding diffuser.
We still only have guesses as to what will be under the hood, but a 465-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 sounds good to us. Expect to see the production GS F on the road by 2015.