Lexus Adding Four New Models in the Next Four Years

LexusLexusJapan, 1989 > present26 models
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has become the leading Japanese luxury automaker but is facing stiffer competition from InfinitiInfinitiJapan, 1989 > present31 models
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and still needs to keep up with European competitors like BMWBMWGermany, 1918 > present87 models
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and AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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. In the last year, Lexus introduced new models of the ESLexus ES Gen.6Japan, 2012 > present2 versions
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, ISLexus Lexus IS Gen.3Japan, 2013 > present18 versions
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, GSLexus GS Gen.4Japan, 2012 > present19 versions
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and LSLexus LS Gen.4Japan, 2006 > present40 versions
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, and it is working on four new models in the next four years. 

The first of the new cars will be its compact crossover codenamed the NX that will share a platform with the RAV4Toyota Rav4 Gen.4Japan, 2013 > present24 versions
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. It will compete against the Q3Audi Q3Germany, 2011 > present66 versions
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and X1BMW X1Germany, 2009 > present51 versions
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. The crossover's main innovation is that it will debut Lexus' new 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 250hp. It is slated to go on sale in the fall of 2014.

The 2.0-liter turbo will probably also be placed in the IS after it has been introduced in the crossover.

Lexus is also adding a new coupe based on the same platform as the IS and GS, but it will be called the RC. The styling will be based on the LF-CC concept from last year, and it will use the 3.5-liter 306hp V6 already available in both cars. It will likely go on sale in early 2015. An F version is likely later with V8 power as a BMW M3BMW M3Germany, 2009 > present2 photos
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competitor. 

Now that the LFALexus LFAJapan, 2010 > 20129 photos
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has run its course of 500 models, the brand needs a new flagship model. It will be a sporty GT with styling from the LF-LCLexus LF-LCJapan, 2012 > present20 photos
from 2012. It will be priced at much less than the LFA at about $120,000 and be more of a luxury car. It is scheduled to go on sale in late 2015.

The last of the new models will replace the current Lexus GXLexus GX Gen.2 [J150]Japan, 2009 > present4 versions
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that shares a platform with the Toyota 4RunnerToyota 4 Runner Gen.5Japan, 2009 > present13 versions
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. The new model is being developed under the name TX and will be a seven-passenger unibody crossover, instead of the body-on-frame truck like it is now. It will not go on sale until late 2016. 

The NX will likely be among the bestsellers in the Lexus range, but the other new cars should add style to the brand. 

Source: Automotive News