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Lexus BS ? Lexus to Launch Compact Luxury Model by 2008 - Edmunds
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!
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04 CR-V Ex Real Time 4WD
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) before... the name has stuck around in all the stories I have read. HOPEfully they will change it, I don't know what they're thinking at all.
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