Car Magazine has put in their two cents regarding the design of the Lexus LF-Xh concept, and they like what they see:

The concept’s exterior dimensions are similar to the RX400h’s, but crucially massaged in all the right ways to alleviate the current model’s slightly ungainly ‘body-disconnected-from-its wheels’ stance.

The LF-Xh is longer and wider (by 50mm), lower (by 70mm) and with a wheelbase stretched by 130mm. The result is an SUV that looks altogether more planted to the road and agile in a sporty coupe-like manner. The slatted razorblade-style front grille adds to the smooth feel.

I’m in total agreement about the current RX model looking a little uncomfortable on its wheels, but I think this concept takes it too far to the other extreme. However, if they simply “stretched” the entire body upwards when converting the LF-Xh concept to a production model, it’s going to be a winner, hands down.

With that in mind, I went ahead with my first ever automotive image manipulation, just to see (please ignore the rear wheel):

The front end is way off, but I like what it fortells.

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I was a little disappointed to read Car Magazine’s blurb on the LF-Xh interior:

‘Anticipation’ is apparently a keyword for the inside in a similar way to the light that illuminates the ground by the door when you unlock the production GS model before getting in. Trouble is, Lexus is clearly not fully happy with the interior their designers made as it wouldn’t let any journalists see the finished inside first hand.

That’s just too bad.

Fantastic news has emerged regarding the existence of a Lexus GS-F: According to Motortrend, the GS-F will be receiving the LF-A’s V10 engine, meaning 500-plus horsepower, making it a worthy entry into the super sedan class.

The next-gen GS, scheduled for a 2011 release, is being designed to allow for the V10 engine, which could mean a 2012 launch for the GS-F. There’s no guarantee that the car will be approved for production, but it definitely makes sense on a number of levels.

First off, the super sedan market has undeniable appeal, and bringing out a competitor to the BMW M5, the Mercedes E63 AMG and the Audi RS4 would certainly add credibility to Lexus’ F-line. Beyond that, there’s a substantial economic motivator, by increasing the volume of V10 engines produced, costs will drop accordingly.

Strictly speaking, I’ve always thought the F-styling seen on the IS-F would be even better suited to the GS, due to its bigger size. The above rendition, created by Motortrend, confirms my thoughts. This is a vehicle that captures my imagination, and until there’s rumors of an LS-F, will be the car I look most forward to seeing.

Today is full of next-gen RX news, this time from Auto Express. There’s the rather swell artist rendering (shown above), along with some speculation on the spy shots released last week:

At first glance, it looks like any other RX, but close inspection reveals that the rear lights no longer sit flush with the bodywork. That’s because the panels have been widened to account for the new platform’s bigger dimensions. This added size could pave the way for an optional third row of seats, which would put the Lexus up against BMW’s X5 when it arrives in dealers in 2009.

Judging from the other set of spy shots released today, it’s hard to tell if there’s enough to accommodate a third row of seating.

Another interesting fact from the Auto Express article is that Toyota will be eliminating the Harrier name in Japan, meaning that the next-gen RX will be released as a Lexus. I wonder how the lion-man will react?

Since the comments made by John Roca, the Lexus Australia District Manager, that there’s a possible IS Coupe in the pipeline, there’s been a resurgence in interest in the idea, along with a potential convertible version.

In light of that, egmcartech.com has dug up some renderings of the cars, created by Christian Shulte Design. In terms of quality, they have to be my favorite yet, with hardly a hint that these are digitally manipulated images of the existing IS. But how close will they be to the real thing? Not even John Roca knows for sure.

Photochopper CWW Cardesign has put together a virtual LS 460 Coupe and it’s a real beauty:

Imagined to compete with the Mercedes CL-Class and BMW 6-series, it’s nothing but a pipedream to think Lexus would actually release such a vehicle. Of all the sedans, an IS Coupe is much more likely.

[Source:Auto Spies]

From Japan’s car magazine Car Top comes a digital rendition of a Lexus IS Coupe & Convertible:

Keep in mind this is only a photochop and has no real basis in reality, though this car has been hinted at since 2005.

Really, it’s more a question of when we’ll be seeing these cars, because the addition of two IS variants would significantly level the playing field as Lexus tries to cut in on BMW 3-series and Mercedes C-Class sales. At the very least, there’s an IS convertible sized hole in the model lineup.

[Source: Nihon Car]