Lexus to launch compact model in '08

[sciguy_0504]

FRANKFURT — Lexus is planning to launch its smallest car yet — a compact hatchback to compete with the BMW 1 Series, Mercedes A-Class and Audi A3 Sportback.

The move will pitch Lexus into a fast-growing sector of the European market when the car, said to be called Lexus BS, is launched in 2008. But it's not certain that the car will be launched in the U.S. market. Mercedes and BMW have both resisted launching their smallest models in North America, blaming the weak dollar, although Audi looks set to launch the A3 Sportback next year.

German newspaper Automobilwoche said the BS will be based on the BMW 3 Series-size Lexus IS 250 platform. At launch, engines will be a 2.5-liter V6 with 208 horsepower, and a 177-hp diesel. A 250-hp, 3.0-liter V6 and a hybrid version will follow at a later date.

What this means to you: Much depends on the currency exchange situation before these compact luxury cars are sold in the U.S. market. But a lot can happen between now and 2008, and you can bet the car companies are hoping the dollar gains some strength. Someone ought to tell them what "BS" means before they name the car!

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108338

[Northstar]

Wow, what a grand name, the Lexus BullShit. Personally, I think this would hurt Lexus' image. Isn't the IS already small enough?

[sciguy_0504]

In Europe, I think, it would improve Lexus' image, minus the really bad name.

[El Scorcho]

What a name. I thought the IS was small enough as it was. I still don't understand the concept of a luxury subcompact "economy" car.

[Carguy]

This must be JOKE!!-------Lexus (((BS??)))--------Come ON!---------Can they REALLY BE THAT STUPID??? :huh:-------(BS?)-------I think BS is BS!!-------They should call it the AS!--- :o ---Yah and a SPORT version could be called (ASS!)--- :blink: ---(NO?)-------WHATEVER!! <_<

[CSpec]

I sort of doubt this will make its way here, and BS isn't a problem in Europe.

[Sixty8panther]

WOW!!! Cool, I've always wondered what an Echo based E100 would look like. :P

[sciguy_0504]

Sixty, I'm liking the Hollister t-shirt-esque signature.

[Paolino]

They aren't seriously going to call it the BS, are they?! My God, that's worse than what would have happened if Buick kept the "LaCrosse" in Canada. :P

[PurdueGuy]

I think it would be a good idea (with a name change if it came to the US). Some people really appreciate a small car, but want a lot of the upscale/performance features.

[sciguy_0504]

They aren't seriously going to call it the BS, are they?!

My God, that's worse than what would have happened if Buick kept the "LaCrosse" in Canada.  :P

[post="52145"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

I took French for 2 years in high school but I don't know what that means. Can you help me out?

[Variance]

In Quebec, "LaCrosse" is slang for "masturbation".

[Sixty8panther]

Sixty, I'm liking the Hollister t-shirt-esque signature.

[post="52058"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Thank You Sir. :)

[thegriffon]

:rotflmao: :bs: I doubt it would be any smaller than the out-going IS. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this was the one of Kanto Auto Works ideas. If it's rwd then they have to be stupid not to be thinking of a Toyota coupe to rival the rwd Nissan Fiora (the rwd Tiburon with it's V6 will really be gunning for the 350Z and Mustang)..

[sciguy_0504]

In Quebec, "LaCrosse" is slang for "masturbation".

[post="52174"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

That's good to know, thanks.