Lexus Takes Aim At Porsche With Its Newest Model

No, it's not a 911 fighter.

Lexus is missing a key player in its lineup that's been driving dealerships crazy for years but, fortunately, that'll change in the near future. As we've already reported, the production-spec version of the stunning Lexus LF-1 Concept is due to arrive for the 2022 model year; expect the official debut to have happened by this time next year. Chances are it'll be called the LQ and will be based on the flagship Lexus LS sedan's RWD platform.

As that debut date is becoming closer, some key details of the LQ's dimensions have emerged, courtesy of Japanese language magazine Best Car, and it appears the LQ will be very similar in size to the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Here's a sizing breakdown:

• Wheelbase: 117.7 inches

• Length: 197 inches

• Width: 78 inches

• Height: 62.8 inches

To compare, the Cayenne Coupe is 2.8 inches shorter in length, 3.2 inches lower, and has a three-inch wheelbase increase. The fact that Lexus is aiming directly at the sexy Cayenne Coupe is no mistake. The coupe-like styling has become a big draw for luxury buyers over the past few years instead of more traditional SUV-like designs, and the sportier styling allows manufacturers to focus on the performance attributes of such models.

Speaking of which, what's in store for the decade-old Lexus LX? Given that it's essentially a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser, a vehicle that's also due for a redesign, Lexus will either continue with this arrangement or drop it entirely. We'd bet on the latter option simply because Toyota previously indicated its new Land Cruiser will go even further upmarket. A new LX would also provide some unwanted internal competition and Lexus rightly will want the focus to be on the LQ.

As far as engines go, Japanese sources have learned that a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 will be optional, which makes sense given that the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, currently found in the Lexus LC 500, is being discontinued. Another likely engine, which very well could serve as the base, is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid. If so, this would be the luxury brand's first-ever turbocharged hybrid engine. More than likely, it'd replace the aging 3.5-liter V6 hybrid currently found in the LC and LS Hybrids. There's no word yet on when an official debut will happen, but sources also claim the vehicle is nearly ready to go. If all goes to plan, we'll probably see an unveiling in early 2021.