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Ded 2003 Toyota/Lexus/Scion De-Classified Report

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Old Dec 3, 2003 | 10:17 PM
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Default Ded 2003 Toyota/Lexus/Scion De-Classified Report

This was posted on a toyota board....

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2005 Lexus LS 450: Lexus is readying an all-new flagship. We have seen a computer-generated rendering they say is very close to what we'll see in showrooms in late 2004. The new model will likely be powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that's an updated version of the current 4.3-liter and is said to make close to 360 hp. It will be paired to an all-new 6-speed automatic but still drive the rear wheels. Rumors are swirling that the new LS will, for the first time, have a larger optional engine--possibly an all-new V12 producing well over 400 hp. Other sources hint the optional engine will be a 5.5-liter V8 worth about 400 hp. You can expect a sport package with a semiactive suspension system and 19-in. tires to be on the options list.

2005 Toyota Solara Convertible: Thanks to our insiders, we got an advance look at the new Toyota Solara convertible. The convertible, like the coupe, will be Camry based, built in Kentucky and offer a choice of engines. The base model will get a 4-cylinder while uplevel models will get the 225-hp 3.0-liter V6. And like the coupe, the Solara convertible will be sportier than the Camry and come with 4-wheel disc brakes as well as more luxurious trim.

2006 Lexus SportCross: The next model to wear the SportCross badge will be larger than the current RX 330 crossover SUV. In fact, it will be based on the newly introduced Toyota Sienna minivan, according to our inside sources. Expect the new SportCross to have a very large sunroof, room for seven, and ample storage space. Because it will be a Lexus, it will boast the latest technological and luxury innovations. Initially, power will be from the familiar 230-hp 3.3-liter V6 paired with a 5-speed automatic. Down the road, look for a version of the company's 4.3-liter V8 and an automatic transmission with race car-style paddle shifters. Lexus's IS 300 currently wears the SportCross badge, but it will be replaced by 2006.

2004 Toyota Sequoia SUT: At first glance, this truck looked like a Tundra development test bed. But a closer look revealed a Sequoia front bumper and taillamps. Surprise! It will be Toyota's answer to the Chevrolet Avalanche. It's unlikely the Sequoia SUT will offer a powertrain other than the 240-hp V8 found on today's trucks. And, this truck looked nearly finished to us, so expect to see something like it in Toyota stores soon.

2006 Toyota Corolla Verso4: Toyota is at it again this time targeting their competior. This time the unlucky victim is the Subaru Forester with the 2006 Corolla Verso4. While filling the gap in between the Matrix and Rav4, this Toyota will feature 4 wheel disc brakes as well as all-wheel drive. The Verso4 will be powered by either the Corolla 130 hp 1.8 4cyl engine or the new Rav4 161 hp 2.4L engine. A hybrid version is also in the works possiblying using the drivetrain from the redesigned Prius.
Editors Note: The Verso4 has been on sale throughout Europe Japan already for the past couple of years.

Pics will be coming soon, so stay tuned!

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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 10:28 AM
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good find. i really hope toyota decides to put a V-12 into the LS, i think its time. that verso4 also looks pretty cool.
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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 10:48 AM
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Ick, no thanks to the Corolla Verso.

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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 12:02 PM
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Originally posted by MrFatbooty
Ick, no thanks to the Corolla Verso.

doesn't look like much of a forester competitor..looks more like a bigger matrix (yuck)

does anyone know how well the forester sells worldwide? i'm wondering if it's successful enough to warrant marketting a car specifically aimed at it, or if toyota just wants to add another model to their already crowded lineup..
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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 12:08 PM
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Well they already sell it in the rest of the world, I got the picture right off the Toyota UK web site. So I wouldn't say they're directly aiming for the Forster. That's probably marketing gobbledegook from some executive.
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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 01:22 PM
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Keep in mind the entire Corolla lineup in the UK looks different than ours...I doubt they'll rebadge the UK verso and send it here.
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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 03:01 PM
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The Corolla Verso looks like it would be more at home in Scion's line-up. With the Corolla sedan, the RAV4 mini-SUV, and the Matrix sportwagon I don't see why Toyota would bother importing the Corolla Verso.

The LS was just refreshed for 2004 with some fairly substantial changes, so I doubt an all-new model would arrive so soon. I predict 2006 or 2007 at best.

The Lexus SportCross sounds like the HPX concept in the flesh. However, I'm guessing that Lexus will stick with its alphanumeric scheme and badge it was the HX or something like that. I'm questioning Lexus' motives for having 4 SUV-type vehicles in its line-up...
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Old Dec 4, 2003 | 03:25 PM
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Originally posted by velfarretokyo
I'm questioning Lexus' motives for having 4 SUV-type vehicles in its line-up...
Because its biggest market is America and Americans love their trucks.
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Old Dec 5, 2003 | 12:17 AM
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bah 95% of this is probably bogus.
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Old Dec 5, 2003 | 06:00 PM
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You're right, Americans love their trucks. But sales of the GX470 have been dismal, proving that you can only have so many SUVs in their line-up. Adding another will probably end up cannibalizing the RX and GX sales more than adding new buyers to the brand.
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