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Why the Lexus GS death rumors aren't surprising

For months, rumors have persisted that the Lexus GS is dying, to be replaced in the lineup by the ever-growing ES. After spending some time with one, we can't really figure out why it hasn't happened sooner. For a long time, the smaller, less expensive, more efficient front-wheel-drive Lexus ES has been growing in size and dominating the rear-wheel-drive GS in sales. As customers move from sedans into crossovers, Lexus' five-car lineup of the CT, IS, ES, GS, and LS is looking a bit too crowded. We shouldn't lament the loss of another rear-wheel-drive sedan. Lexus customers sure as hell haven't. There are better options available. Outside of the GS F, the Lexus GS isn't a car that encourages you to drive in a way that would take advantage of a rear-wheel setup. In the rain and the snow, the front-wheel drive ES is likely to be a more stable and sure-footed car. If you want power, the less expensive ES 350 actually has a more powerful engine than the base GS 200t. It's nearly a second quicker to 60 mph as well. Stepping up to a GS 350 puts a nearly $12,000 divide between the ES and the GS. Yes, you can get the GS with all-wheel drive, but how many people well and truly need it? Size-wise, the ES is nearly identical to the GS, with the ES being longer but narrower by just over an inch in either direction. Being front-wheel drive, the ES has better rear packaging, meaning a roomier rear seat. The GS does beat the ES on cargo capacity, but on nearly every other measurement the ES is roughly identical or better. Another editor noticed the exact same thing when the current ES debuted nearly four years ago. That goes for pre- and post-refresh models. The ES isn't quite as handsome as the GS (as long as you ignore the spindle situation up front). From some angles, the ES looks like nothing more than the tarted up Toyota Avalon it is. From behind the wheel, the GS fails to convey any sense of excitement or occasion. It's simply a shoulder shrug of a car. When competition like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class offer both refinement and a decent infusion of fun, it's hard to make a case for the Lexus. The ES isn't any better, but with a base price of $39,895 it's a far more reasonable proposition than a $47,305 GS. Our test car was starting to show its age, as the competition has long sailed by when it comes to noise, vibration, and harshness. Lexus quiet this GS 200t was not. All that said, it seems that customers have already spoken.

Lexus promises to unveil two updated models at Pebble Beach

Lexus has announced it will stage the global debuts of two updated models at Pebble Beach later this week. But it isn't saying which models they will be. However we can take an educated guess or two. Two of the oldest nameplates in the Lexus lineup at present are its flagship models: namely, the LS sedan and the LX sport-ute. The original LS was first introduced back in 1989, with the current fourth-generation model rolled out in 2006. (That's the Pebble Beach edition of the 2009 LS 600h pictured above.) It's undergone incremental updates in the decade since, with the last one having arrived in 2012. With much newer examples of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series having recently been launched, Toyota will likely want to keep its flagship sedan up to date and competitive with newer rivals. Meanwhile the LX first launched in 1995 as a rebadged and luxed-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. The current third-generation model arrived in 2007, and was updated in 2012 alongside the aforementioned LS sedan. Sales of the LX have been floundering, spurring Lexus to potentially launch an entirely different flagship crossover to take its place. But before that happens, it is expected to launch another facelift for the existing model. Photos of that updated version have already leaked out and begun circulating, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the new LX 570 debut in Monterey as well. Both are expected to adopt more aggressive styling in line with other, newer models in the lineup, along with the latest technologies Toyota has to offer. Whatever form they take, we won't have to wait long to find out what Lexus has in store for us. The unveiling of both its freshly updated new models is set to take place on Thursday, so watch this space. Related Video: MEDIA ADVISORY - LEXUS TO UNVEIL TWO UPDATED MODELS AT PEBBLE BEACH August 10, 2015 -- Lexus plans to stage the global premiere of two updated models in Pebble Beach during the days leading up to the 2015 Concours d' Elegance. The reveal will take place at 7 p.m. PDT, Thursday, Aug. 13, and all materials will be available on www.LexusNewsroom.com simultaneously.

Will.I.Am stars in new Lexus NX commercial, designs a version for Paris

Whether you love or hate its chiseled, angular lines and spindle grille, the Lexus NX is a big step for the brand as it jumps into the sea of luxury compact crossovers. We've already checked out the new CUV, and to promote its European launch, along with a different nose, Lexus has teamed up with producer and musician Will.I.Am for a commercial titled Striking Angles.
As the name suggests, the ad imagines a futuristic world where practically everything shares the NX's sharp-angled design aesthetic, including the wildlife. Over a thumping remix of his Dreamin' About the Future, the luxury CUV rolls through the misty city streets for Will.I.Am to check out.
That's not the end of Lexus' promotional efforts for its newest addition, though. The brand is also displaying a one-off NX styled by Will.I.Am during Paris Fashion Week. Read the automaker's entire release about its marketing plan for the CUV, below.