2017 Lexus LS 600h: News, Pricing and Release Date

News

 The Lexus LS 600h is due for a redesign for the 2017 model year.

Perhaps the most notable change is a reportedly planned shift from a hybrid powertrain to a hydrogen fuel cell system akin to the 2016 Toyota Mirai.

Little is currently known about the next LS 600h. A report via Green Car Reports suggests the car may be powered by a 150 kW fuel cell and 220 kW electric motor with a potential driving range of 238 miles.

Based on Lexus' current pricing strategy, the new car could become the most expensive model in its lineup. Expect more details to become available closer to the launch date.

Release Date

The next generation Lexus LS 600h is currently expected to debut sometime in 2017 or 2018. Stay tuned for the latest info.

Pictured: 2015 Lexus LS 600h (Source: Lexus)

2017 Lexus LC 350 Convertible: Price, Horsepower and Release Date

The upcoming 2017 Lexus LC 350 Convertible is a 2-door Convertible with seating for four and will eventually fill the void that the current IS 250C and IS 350C will leave when they retire next year. Think of it as an RC 350 Convertible. The name you see emblazoned in the pictures are the concept name, LF-C2.

As it stands today, the average age of a Lexus customer is 60 years old--something that Lexus wants to change, albeit slightly. "We definitely like our older customers," says Lexus Division GM, Jeff Bracken. "It's just that we need younger buyers in addition to that. When you look at the size of the [market for] younger buyers, it's bigger than baby boomers and seniors, so just from a pure business standpoint, it would be foolish for us not to consider Gen X and Gen Y." The RC Convertible will go after customers in their 30's and 40's.

So What Will It Be Called?

The safe bet will be RC Convertible, but taking into account past nomenclature, we surmise LC 350 since the LF-LC Concept ended up being dubbed the RC 350 Coupe.

How Much Horsepower Does It Make?

It will probably make around 300 - 320 horsepower since the current 2015 RC 350 produces 306 horsepower. If Lexus really wants to get wild, they might cut loose a 467-horsepower LC 500 Convertible.

How Much Will It Cost?

Pricing should be set at around $45,000 but when well-equipped, should come closer to $50,000.

When Will It Come Out?

Should it get the green light from Lexus brass, expect it to come out late in 2016 as a 2017 model.

   

Pictured: 2017 Lexus LC 350 Convertible (Source: Lexus)

2016 Lexus GS-F: Pictures, Pricing and Release Date

 

It might. Everything looks absolutely fantastic on paper. It has the power, the suspension and the braking. But all too often, we see all those numbers merely add up to a silver medal. As is always the case, we have to take the wait and see approach. But one thing you can count on is the bulletproof reliability that all Lexus models seem to inherit--regardless of horsepower.

 

Lexus is taking its 2015 Lexus GS 350 and really beefing things up with the new GS-F which will be officially unveiled in January at the NAIAS. The images here were leaked before the official unveiling. 

 

Pricing should check in around $67k and will be available in the middle to end of 2015.

2016 Lexus GS-F Specifications

Price: Est. $66,995
Engine: 5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8
Horsepower: 467 at 7,100 RPM
Torque: 389 pound-feet
Weight: 4,034 lbs.
Tire Size: F: 255/35/19 R: 275/35/19
Brakes: F: 14.9-inch Rotors + 6 Piston Calipers | R: 13.5-inch Rotors + 4 Piston Calipers

Pictured: 2016 Lexus GS-F (Source: Lexus)

2016 Lexus GS 450h: Key Updates, Pricing, Release Date

 

Overview

The Lexus GS 450h gets minor updates for the 2016 model year.

While the GS lineup is getting interesting this year with a new turbo model called the GS 200t, the hybrid variant will receive no major changes. The car will continue to be powered by an Atkinson cycle 3.5L V6 engine and electric motor producing a combined 338 hp. The CVT transmission carries over unchanged as well.

Notable changes for 2016 include new 18-inch 5-spoke wheels with machined finish and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. A revised full-screen navigation system with 12.3-inch high resolution screen will dominate the center stack. The car's interior will continue to impress, with new "laser cut wood trim" and a new interior color dubbed "Chateau."

Expect further details to become available closer to launch.

Pricing & Release Date

Official pricing has not yet been released. At this time, it's reasonable to expect a base price in line with the current model, which starts at $62,270 including destination.

The 2016 Lexus GS 450h is expected to go on sale in Fall 2015. Stay tuned for the latest release info.

Pictured: 2016 Lexus GS 450h (Source: Lexus)

2016 Lexus GS 350: Key Updates, Pricing, Release Date

 

Overview

The Lexus GS 350 is due for a substantial refresh for the 2016 model year. Notable updates include a more powerful engine, revised front fascia, and enhanced multimedia features.

Although the GS will continue to be powered by a 3.5-liter aluminum V6 engine, power has been increased to 311 hp with 280 lb-ft of torque. That's compared with 306 hp with 277 lb-ft on the 2015 model.

The exterior of the car will get minor updates such as Bi-LED headlamps and turn signals with 18-inch 5-spoke wheels in machined finish. A new color dubbed Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 will be available exclusively on F Sport models.

Inside the cabin, some updates to the infotainment system are aimed at delighting drivers. An available 12.3-inch high resolution screen will be capable of displaying full-screen navigation. A revised version of the automaker's Remote Touch Interface is intended to make it easier to control key features such as climate control, audio, and navigation. Apple users may appreciate Siri Eyes Free integration for turn-by-turn directions.

Shoppers looking for the latest safety technology may appreciate the addition of Lexus Safety System Plus. In addition to the 10 airbags found in the car, the new system includes pre-collision warning, lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise, and automatically-adjusted high beams. Standard blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert will assist in day-to-day driving.

Expect further details to become available as we approach the vehicle's launch.

Pricing & Release Date

Official pricing has not yet been released. Based on the range of updates it will get, we expect a modest increase over the current model, which starts at $48,600 before adding a $940 destination charge.

The 2016 Lexus GS 350 is expected to become available in Fall 2015. Stay tuned for the latest release info.

Pictured: 2016 Lexus GS 350 (Source: Lexus)

2016 Lexus IS 200t: Overview, Pricing & Release Date

Overview

The Lexus IS 200t is an all-new model for the 2016 model year.

The new car will mark an unusual shift in strategy toward splitting up the IS lineup by drive type. The IS 200t will be offered in rear-wheel drive only, unlike the current IS 250. Shoppers requiring all-wheel drive will need to upgrade to the upcoming IS 300 or IS 350.

The IS 200t will also be the first IS to receive a turbo engine. A 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder sourced from the popular NX 200t crossover will power the new car. It will come with a single transmission choice, an 8-speed automatic. Lexus is claiming a power output of 241 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque. Note that the next step up will be the upcoming IS 300, which will have a 3.5L V6 producing 255 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.

The exterior of the car will largely be a carryover of the 2015 model. The spindle grille that has become a signature feature across the brand continues, with a more three-dimensional look this time and a chrome-plated frame. Shoppers wanting a sportier look will want to consider the F Sport package, which features some unique design touches and more aggressive suspension.

The interior will continue to feature a driver-centric design Lexus says is inspired by the LFA supercar. A Bluetooth-enabled display audio system featuring a 7-inch display will be standard. Interestingly, the system will have a feature dubbed "cache radio" able to pause live radio. The navigation system will continue to feature the brand's Remote Touch Interface, which is akin to a point-and-click controller. Expect more details to become available closer to launch.

Pricing & Release Date

Although official pricing has not yet been released, it's reasonable to expect a modest premium over the IS 250, which currently starts at $36,550 excluding destination.

The 2016 Lexus IS 200t is expected to go on sale in Fall 2015.

Pictured: 2016 Lexus IS 200t (Source: Lexus)

2016 Lexus GS 200t: Features, Pricing, Release Date

 

Overview

The Lexus GS 200t is an all-new model for the 2016 model year. It will become the new entry model in the GS lineup of sport sedans. Like the 2016 IS 200t, the new GS will get a turbocharged engine from the NX crossover. The new car will feature some of the most advanced safety technology ever offered in a GS.

Beneath the hood, power will come from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 241 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque. This is in contrast to the 2016 GS 350, which will be powered by a revised 3.5-liter V6 making 311 hp with 280 lb-ft of torque. The GS 200t will come with an 8-speed automatic transmission with no option for a manual. Lexus is claiming an estimated highway fuel economy of 33 mpg (compared with 29 mpg on the 2015 GS 350).

 

The car's exterior will get the latest version of the Lexus spindle grille featuring a one-piece look surrounded by dark chrome. Revised Bi-LED headlights and updated taillights will lend a sharper appearance than the previous GS. 17-inch 9-spoke alloy wheels will be offered. Inside the cabin, a large 12.3-inch high resolution screen will be capable of full-screen navigation controlled by the latest version of the automaker's Remote Touch Interface.

Like many of the newest Lexus models, the GS 200t will get the Lexus Safety System Plus suite of assistance technology. The package includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and self-adjusting high beams. The car will come standard with blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Expect further details to become available closer to launch.

Learn why more automakers are switching to turbo engines »

Pricing & Release Date

Official pricing has not yet been announced. However, since we know it will slot below the GS 350, it's reasonable to expect a base price under $48,000 before adding destination. This estimate is based on pricing for the 2015 GS 350. Stay tuned for the official pricing announcement from Lexus.

  

Pictured: 2016 Lexus GS 200t (Source: Lexus)