Lexus' new supercar push

Watching NBC today, they had the International Auto Show on, and shown Lexus' concept car, the LF-A or whatever, but they want to use it as a "supercar" to compete with the $100,000-plus market.

Your thoughts? I just don't see myself buying a Lexus for over $100,000, and the concept look too weird. Isn't MB and BMW having problems selling cars this high with the new cheaper-end models they are pushing out, what makes Lexus think any differnet? I know Acura has the NSX, which is just under the $100k, how are people responding to that and how well is that selling?

 

I like the car, it is nice to see different companies coming into the game. They are heavily involved in F1 so hopefully they can bring some of that technology to the road. It should be a good car, and if it performs I would look into it, I'm not going to discount a company just because they make cheaper cars too, that's pretty arrogant.

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Lexus LF-A concept
Vehicle: Lexus LF-A concept
Engine: High-output double overhead cam V-8
Horsepower: More than 500 hp
Height: 48.0 inches
Width: 73.2 inches
Length: 173.2 inches
What the automaker says: "The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. "Currently only a concept, it is a realistic vision of how we might address the boundaries that define the exotic sports car landscape." The Lexus LF-A concept features an engine capable of developing more than 500 horsepower from a displacement of less than five liters. With a combination of optimum gearing, weight and aerodynamics, the LF-A concept would produce a top speed in the neighborhood of 200 miles per hour.
What you should know: Lexus says the LF-A concept strongly hints at a high-end halo sports car for the brand. Look for it in showrooms three years from now.
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NSXs...selling, LOL. I wish i could find the article from a while ago but rest assure. NSXs sale far less than they make.

 

They're not selling now days, I think they sold 8 or something the year before the facelift. You can't expect a 15 year old supercar to sell too well though can you.

 

What does that even mean. Because Toyota's name is all over the F1 car, a Lexus can't benifit from the program? Everyone knows Toyota and Lexus are the same. Which ever badge it is marketed under, the underlying technologies will be the same.

It's not arrogant to make cheap cars no, it's arrogant to think because a company makes cheap cars their expensive offerings are somehow inferior.

 

Kinda mugly...And yes the toyota name is all over Lexus cars. Just open the hood and have a look at the wheels etc. Your not driving a Lexus..you driving an undercover Toyota.

 

Oh yeah, I know. Pretty much like every other car company out in the market shares technology, platforms, ect.

No, I meant it from a marketing and a purchasing standpoint. Look at BMW, Mercedes, Acura and the NSX, the top-line models are struggling because they are offering cars that compete price wise with the higher price models of the Toyota, Ford, ect. companies. People who spend $100k plus on a car and see the guy next too them in the same brand car for $25k-$30k, in when the car companies market the lines as luxury, prestige brands.

 

toyota says the car will have 500hp,v10 ,under 3000lbs...this will make a match for 430 ferrari, lambo etc....my problem is with the styling....they need an italian consultant...i love japanese cars and have owned many..they just cant seem to get a great looking car, imo of course.....i believe acura hasnt sold more than 200nsxs in a year since 1999

 

if they build a hybrid like this or a sexy convertible hybird they will have to beat customers off w a stick
Please not a hybrid SC430, that thing looks like a Weeblemobile
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William, what the hell is that, the Mega Track from Maranello?

Sunny

 

I'm so hyper for the Lexus supersedan.

Too bad they are ugly and designed for old republican bastards..

<-- drives a LS400, and eleven years later, a LS430.

One day I'll get a picture of both of them together.

 

LOL, no it was a Toyota hybrid show car designed by Guigaro

 

The same can be said for Ferrari these days.

 

Another problem with the NSX is its power. 290hp from a "supercar"? Bah. The EVO MR has that much. Or the 05 Infiniti G35. The NSX needed a design change 10 years ago. It is a mid engined car, but fails to produce 100hp/liter.

Lexus may make a powerful car, but it cannot match any of the styling cues of the italians.

 

Acutally, they sell every one they make, they just don't make very many. I love when people write stupid things they have no idea about.

 

they are only made to order, according to my acura dealer...and have less than 200 orders per year the past few years...still a great car..

 

If they're going to sell it for $100k+, it better look like the one from Minority Report. The LF-A is just hideous! I hope they never make it.

 

Sad but true. The 430 is nicer than the 360 at least, I have heard that Ken the Japanese designer at Pinifarina has left but then I heard he came back so I dont know who is designing Ferraris now

I vote for Fioravanti who designed the 308 amongst many other beauties

Here is 1 of his latest designs. Nice
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Who in the hell thought those wheels looked good!!! The wheels kill the whole look of the car!

 

Will, have any larger resolution versions of those pictures? I wouldnt mind seeing them.

 

I understand that Toyota/Lexus have had a supercar waiting in the wings for some time. They are just waiting for the F1 team to get some success so they can link the F1 team into the advertising. I suspect they'll be waiting a loooong time.....

 

Why, oh why can't Toyota hire Pininfarina to do their styling.........

I saw this car at the Auto Show and was very underwhelmed.

 

An interesting factoid about this car is Toyota has not even revealed where the engine is located. Sounds ridiculous, right? Go ahead, tell me where you it is....

Personally I think this design is dull. There is nothing sexy about it.

 

I would think the engine is in the front. Although, there are two giant fans in the rear. Seems like the seats are a little far back to have an engine back there, who knows