End of the Line for Lexus GS?

Toyota Motor Corp. may phase out the slow-selling Lexus GS midsize luxury sedan next year.

Development of the next-generation GS has been suspended, reports MAG-X. The Japanese magazine, which doesn’t name its sources, says Lexus decided there is too much overlap between the GS and the larger LS and more affordable ES sedans.

The redesigned 2018 LS flagship model, for example, is adding a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine. The car previously was available only with a V-8 engine, while the GS focused on V-6 mills.

The continued global shift from cars to crossover vehicles also is cited as a contributing factor for nixing the GS. The fourth-generation GS 350 and its 450h hybrid derivative were launched in 2012. Lexus had tentatively scheduled to update the vehicles next year.