Autoweek Predictions for Upcoming Toyota/Lexus Vehicles

[zeppelin]

In order to become the world's largest automaker you need a gameplan, and Toyota's apparently got one. AutoWeek has peered into its crystal ball and consulted each one of its inside sources to chart the changes at Toyota and Lexus over the next five years. Here's what they foresee for the Japanese juggernaut minus vehicles that have recently been introduced or substantially redesigned.

TOYOTA

* Prius

 

[toybox]

My only thought is, what would be the difference between the redesigned Highlander and the FT-SX? They sound like they will be exactly the same type of vehicle in size and potential buyers.

 

[Mark86]

Does this mean that the GX470 will be discontinued? I also heard that Lexus will be coming out with a small SUV as well.

 

[IIIBradIII]

Does this mean that the GX470 will be discontinued? I also heard that Lexus will be coming out with a small SUV as well.

Well both the 4Runner and the GX470 are missing, but I doubt that means they are going away. They probably just aren't getting a redesign very soon.

 

[toto]

Everybody's got their rumor mill.

ClubLexus has been talking about the JX470 for a while - that's supposed to be based on a Sequoia, like the GX is based on the 4Runner. That makes sense given the "470" in the name - that means it's got the same 4.7L V8.

The Highlander was due for a redesign for 2007 - Edmunds posted that prediction last winter. Sounds like maybe that didn't happen?? The Highlander should at least get the 3.5L V6 for 2007 like the RAV4 and the RX.

I've also heard rumblings of a small Lexus SUV based on the RAV4.

 

[qs933]

The Highlander was due for a redesign for 2007 - Edmunds posted that prediction last winter. Sounds like maybe that didn't happen?? The Highlander should at least get the 3.5L V6 for 2007 like the RAV4 and the RX.

The 2007 Highlander is a carryover design with some equipment tweaks (side/curtain airbags now standard). The RX is in the middle of it's current product cycle, so that's probably why it got the 3.5L engine (also to further differentiate it from the Highlander doesn't hurt).

I think the chart basically confirms that we won't see any major changes to the 4Runner for awhile. The last generation went 7 years. The 2007 Highlander and Sequoia are going into their 7th model year. If 7 is the lucky number, then we'll have the current model until 2009 with a redesign for 2010.

 

[loner]

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/FREE/60814015&Profile=1004

Read the whole article. It suggests a new 4Runner in '09.

 

[elemint]

2009?? I can't wait that long! Well, maybe they will just make the new 4R a 4 door FJ! Enough of these leather lounge 4x4s...

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060815/FREE/60814015&Profile=1004

Read the whole article. It suggests a new 4Runner in '09.