Seven new Lexus models by January

Lexus Australia has committed to releasing seven new or upgraded models by January, starting with this month's new IS 200t and facelifted ES sedans.

Next up will be the redesigned RX crossover in November, followed in December by the RC 200t, GS 200t and facelifted LX 570.

While the latter brings fresh exterior and interior designs and 21-inch wheels, all others will be headlined by the new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that debuted in the NX, and the new Lexus Safety System (LSS+) that debuted in the ES, comprising Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS), Active Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Automatic High Beam (AHB).

Further afield, Lexus should launch a redesigned LS limousine later next year, following its expected world debut at the Tokyo motor show next month.

The new flagship sedan is expected to form the basis of the all-new LC Coupe – Lexus' new sports flagship and spiritual successor the SC 430 – which could emerge just a few months later at the Detroit show in January.

Lexus' second full-blown F model, the long-awaited GS F will be the last of the seven confirmed models to arrive by January, but Lexus is also expected to release a convertible version of the RC Coupe next year.

There are also reports of Lexus collaborating with BMW produce a successor for its LFA hypercar, and Lexus has previewed its first compact SUV with the LF-SA concept.

Of course, the Japanese luxury brand's first compact car, the CT 200h, is also approaching its use-by date, having been launched Down Under in March 2011. Its successor should be based on the same new Toyota global platform that will debut under the fourth-generation Prius here early next year.

Lexus' Australian sales are up more than 33 per cent so far this year, following record sales in July and August, and exceed 5900 with four months to go.

However, most of that growth was driven by the all-new NX crossover, with core models including the CT, IS, ES and GS all proving less popular this year.

The NX has ridden a wave of new buyers to the luxury market in recent times, with 63 per cent of NX buyers being new to Lexus and 65 per cent of them choosing the entry-level NX 200t.

"Lexus is perfectly positioned to attract new customers to our brand," said Lexus Australia chief executive Sean Hanley at this week's launch of the IS 200t. "NX and RC have been key drivers in our sales plan.

"The new IS 200t brings a level of performance, equipment, style and economy that will appeal to luxury buyers from all backgrounds – it's a very comprehensive and balanced package.

"It is also positioned in the market to appeal to what we like to call 'step-up buyers' – people who have worked hard and are interested in rewarding themselves with a vehicle that is a cut above what they're already driving.

"It joins a solid array of Lexus vehicles that meet that part of the market – the newly launched NX SUV and RC coupe, as well as CT luxury hatch and ES sedan.

"Lexus takes step-up buyers seriously and we've now got the right vehicles to meet their needs being sold through a growing dealer network offering an unforgettable customer experience," he said.

To capture more of those 'step-up' buyers, Lexus continues to expand its Australian dealer network, with Lexus of Springwood in Brisbane's south-east being its newest addition earlier this year.

Lexus of Toowoomba is due to open in 2016, along with Lexus of Macarthur in the booming south-west of Sydney, and then Lexus of Gosford to capitalise on rapid growth in the NSW central coast region in 2017.

Overall, 40 per cent of the Toyota premium brand's Australian sales are hybrid models, but Lexus expects petrol-electric models to account for more than half of its sales within five years.