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Is The Lexus LF-A Betraying The Brand?

The fastest way to kill an automotive brand: sell a POS. The bloodletting caused by a brand new clunker can be spectacular. Anyone remember the 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood V-8-6-4? How about the Cimarron? It has taken Caddy more than 20 years to climb back from that double debacle if, indeed, they have. But there’s another, slower and more insidious way to ruin a storied car brand: distraction. When a car maker builds a vehicle that muddies the marque’s core message, it mortgages its future. To wit, the Lexus LF-A.

Talk to me in ten years, when the bloom is off the rose. Meanwhile, building a car that’s a genre too far is one thing. Offering a product that completely betrays your brand values is another. I don’t need to resurrect my arguments against the so-not-a-luxury-car Lexus IS-F. Actually, I do. The new LF-A supercar takes the exact same mistake made by the IS-F to the next level, combing brand betrayal with yet another cardinal sin for automotive brand managers: the halo car.

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Is The Lexus LF-A Betraying The Brand?



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kpaxxkpaxx - 5/27/2008 3:45:31 PM
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Silver-like suppository!

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dlindlin - 5/27/2008 9:53:59 PM
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What's a point of commenting on a car that's not even on the market? How funny. "Scared" is the only reason I can think of. People are scared of things that they did not see or imagine before.

If BMW comes up w/ a Ferrari beater, will he say this is a question no one asked? Who cares? 100% welcome. Did anyone asked for GOOGLE when there's already YAHOO? We all know what happed.




AdHominemAdHominem - 5/28/2008 3:44:44 AM
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The point of commenting on a non-existent car is to get people like us who are dumb enough to continually read these "articles" and thus be exposed to the ads that they sell. Inflammatory BS like usual.


sigmabodysigmabody - 5/27/2008 4:57:52 PM
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I agree they would be better off replacing the SC with something credible, but placing the LF-A as a halo car instead doesn't necessarily doom it or the company. What will hurt the LF-A and Lexus, though, is the virtual shutdown of reckless consumer deficit spending in the US, and the crowded/competitive space of the super-car market.

I thought Lexus was going to do very well with a V8 LF-A around 75k and a V10 around 100k, but it looks like they are aiming for super-car segment instead. I have decidedly less confidence in the success of the LF-A in that market, where image and racing prestige have more value than features and reliability.

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komododavekomododave - 5/27/2008 7:00:44 PM
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BoredBored - 5/27/2008 9:59:43 PM
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@ xdrive,
+1 (I wish I could give you +10!!! You've nailed it.)

Toyota can't even get into 3rd place of the F1 Constructors' Championship with a $400 million + annual budget, yet they felt the need to produce a $200K+ "supercar".

Hey Toyota, how about a Supra first!?

It's a nice car at the wrong place and time in the world today. It's compounded by the soon to be released Nissan GT-R, at least $150K (MSRP) cheaper.

Sorry Toyota fans if it sounds like I'm taking a dump on you and the company. It's fast, it's beautiful, it's technologically advanced -- but it's WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, my only true gripe.

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w209w114w209w114 - 5/28/2008 12:17:05 PMView My AgentSpace
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"where image and racing prestige have more value than features and reliability"

Well said! These customers dont care about reliability. Lamborghini customers drive on average less than 5,000 miles a year and the same can be said for other competitive brands like Ferrari. These cars arent driven every day so therefore reliability is placed last when it comes to prestige, name brand, and racing heritage.

Take watches for example... This is like a $10,000K Movado versus a $10,000 Cartier. I dont care how good the Movado is, They are still considered low tier by contrast. So I'll still go for the Cartier.

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autoproautopro - 5/28/2008 2:06:35 PMView My AgentSpace
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X-drive give Lexus time to develop more models,they have only been around 17 yrs.It seems like alot longer,just ask their competition.

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ricerricer - 5/27/2008 4:07:35 PM
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I agree, this LF-A will fail.

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LexSucksLexSucks - 5/27/2008 6:38:41 PM
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The LF-A has "New Money" written all over it.


Agent63Agent63 - 5/28/2008 2:01:08 AMView My AgentSpace
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Even new money will consider something German or Italian for that kind of money.


w209w114w209w114 - 5/28/2008 12:21:42 PMView My AgentSpace
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New Money??? I cant see this car being marketed towards anybody. Old people with money will still go for the Lambos and Ferraris for their sportiness and Younger people with money will think this Lexus has too much of an "old mans brand" stigma attached to it. Good luck Lexus, answers to questions nobody every asked usually go by unnoticed.


lovecars11lovecars11 - 5/30/2008 11:16:31 PM
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I love the Lexus bashers. In 20 years after others fail Lexus will still be there. You cares what care you so long as you like it. The lexus bashers need to grow up or buy a BMW and be like the rest of the wankers.


DROOPYSAKKDROOPYSAKK - 5/27/2008 4:12:34 PM
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IS convertible no brainier.



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Peyton18Peyton18 - 5/27/2008 4:25:04 PM
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This car is for a halo effect mainly. Like "I bought an IS and it has the same badge as that LFA thingy...I must be cool.

If it ever comes out that is...

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nybimmernybimmer - 5/27/2008 4:33:19 PM
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Lexus (nee Toyota) would have been better served by improving the brakes (stronger, less fade-resistant)on all its products.

Lexi (and Toyota's) have always had really, really long stopping distances - which is unacceptable in a market where they shovel all other kinds of needless stuff into their vehicles (i.e. self-park systems)

Take an LS460, ES, or RX and brake it hard from speed (say 70MPH) - its spooky how bad the brakes are on such an otherwise good car. One panic stop, fade sets in. All the Germans have great brakes - Lexus should too.

The author of this comment is spot-on. It is pretentious of Lexus to introduce a $200K supercar when the benchmark they hold the rest of their product line to is keeping passengers comfortable while sitting in traffic with the A/C running and beautiful music coming out of the stereo.

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WhelanWhelan - 5/27/2008 4:37:47 PM
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So your own opinion is based on?? The fact that your a German lover?

I rarely reply to these articles as all it does is spawn up hate and debate over a few things:

1) Is Lexus really luxury?
2) Why do they think they can make cars to compete with BMW, Merc., Audi?

3) Since they don't win in competitions, they must suck.


Well there are more, but for the most part that is just a huge irk for me. I understand people have brand affections and yes the germans have been around longer. But to point, the IS-F was not a failure, it is a different twist on a segment dominated by germans. And for a first effort, each car review on it has given it the proper respect for its power, performance and the ability for Lexus to create something that is competitive.

The fact that Lexus is made by Toyota really drives people nuts. But you don't hear them complaining about Infiniti's being Nissans or Cadillac's being glorified Pontiac's. Or even that Fords are volvo's underneath. Just because a brand makes only one type of car mainly, does not make it better or worse.

The Lexus IS is a great car that was a great remodel. The original IS300 was not a competitor for the 3 series, but it sure got attention and was bought and loved by a lot of mid 20's to early 30's young professionals who did not want a german car with $$$ repair and operating costs. The newest IS was a HUGE move up for Lexus with what they can offer in an entry level luxury segment. It combines a little performance with some luxury. I personally notice them more than I notice a 3 series unless it is a 328xi coupe.

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komododavekomododave - 5/27/2008 6:33:40 PM
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2 comments:
1) The IS-F is hardly worthy of a past tense reference when referring to it's success or failure. It's only been on the market for a few months, there is no precedent for it being a success or failure yet.

2) Low blow to Infinity and Cadillac. You started out saying that Lexus was MADE by Toyota, but then devolved into saying the competitors are glorified versions of their boring company cousins. Infinity has only TWO vehicles sharing platforms with nissan, the FX, which is drastically different, and the QX, which doesn't really count as an infiniti to me. And as for cadillac, exactly which model is a glorified pontiac?? The Escalade is the only one based on anybody else, and it's a chevy. And before you go "wait, the DTS shares with Buick!", remember the DTS came first.
As a comparison, Lexus has FOUR vehicles that share with toyota, and soon to be five. The ES as we all know is a camry, the RX shares with the Highlander, the GX has the 4runners platform, and the LX is a gussied up Landcruiser. The last one? The upcoming Lexus version of the Prius. People talk about Toyota the most because they do this the most. (GM not withstanding because most of their sharing is horizontal)
I agree that judging a company because they make one kind of car is bad, but making such general and spitefull comments will achieve exactly what you claim you don't want, controversy and negative comments.

And why is using Volvo platforms under Fords something to complain about?? Volvo makes solid comfortable cars , why wouldn't you want to use their platforms?



ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/28/2008 2:51:40 AM
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toyota makes comfortable, solid, and RELIABLE cars.

why do people complain about lexi using toyota platforms?

in the case of the Land Cruiser, it is ALREADY a $55,000 car, and well worth every penny to the thousands of loyal owners.




answeranswer - 5/27/2008 4:45:13 PMView My AgentSpace
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First, where can I buy one of those cool crystal balls guys like this have, that allow them to see into the future?

Second, I don't think the idea and execution of the LF-A is an automatic mistake. The writer says Toyota has the money, so why the hell not do something crazy. The only way the LF-A could hurt the Lexus image is if each one came only in a metallic pink color, and spontaneously burst into flames at the 10,000 mile mark on the odometer.

My only problem with the LF-A would be if it prevents a new Lexus coupe from coming into production in the near future. Yeah, there is going to be a IS coupe, but I want a cool SC replacement that isn't a convertible.

But, since I cannot see into the future, I can't complain yet.

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SSP350SSP350 - 5/27/2008 4:46:50 PM
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I'm reading a lot of hatred against Lexus for producing the LF-A. Why? If a brand wants to experiment, let it. No one asked Audi to produce the R8 or Lamborghini to produce the Reventon for that matter and its because they can. So Lexus wants to play with the big boys and I say let it. This only makes the competition fierce and produce better products for us consumers.
No one bitched about Porsche when they completely stepped out of their boundary and created the hideous Cayenne not to mention a 4 door Porsche in a couple of years. All I'm saying is if Lexus wants to sell itself to others, who in the beginning, wouldn't even look at a Lexus, shouldn't they be given a chance to take a part of that niche crowd? And seriously, this car isn't even out, yet. Why are we talking about how bad it is? Lexus is not betraying their brand in my opinion. They're still going to produce the kind of cars they've always produce, just now, they'll have other products for the consumer to choose from? Is that so bad to have a sport division? BMW and Benz have certainly profit from that standpoint.

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2JayZee2JayZee - 5/27/2008 6:05:18 PM
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If everybody could reason like you sir this site would be so much better.


85bmw745i85bmw745i - 5/27/2008 6:38:02 PMView My AgentSpace
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+1 for you


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/27/2008 8:24:10 PMView My AgentSpace
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"No one asked Audi to produce the R8 or Lamborghini to produce the Reventon for that matter and its because they can."

This isn't about the R8 or the Reventon. Thing is, those two cars fit into the rest of their lineups. Audi had won the 24hrs of LeMans over and over with the R8 race car and has an illustrious racing history. The Réventon is simply the ultimate expression of a Lamborghini.

I understand this author's reasoning, to an extent. Lexus is not a performance brand. There is no reason why they should be making a supercar.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/27/2008 8:59:58 PM
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And BMW, Merceded, and Audi didn't start as performance cars. They took the same path Lexus is taking. You've got to start somewhere.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/27/2008 11:37:33 PMView My AgentSpace
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What are you talking about?

In the modern automotive world--i.e., after WW2--BMW has always been a sporty brand. Obviously, Mercedes-Benz has never been a performance brand but it has had AMG for decades. Audi has been a leader in racing since the '30s.


lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/28/2008 12:22:26 AM
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What am I talking about? What are you talking about?

"Obviously, Mercedes-Benz has never been a performance brand but it has had AMG for decades."

So you're saying that just because Mercedes has had a performance variation of their models for several years, that makes a difference? Mercedes started building performance cars. Lexus is starting to build performance cars. I see no difference in their beginnings.


AdHominemAdHominem - 5/28/2008 3:58:41 AM
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lexusis350, BMW set an altitude world record with one of their airplane engines in 1919 and won the Alpine Trial with the 315 Roadster in 1934. Yes, BMW has ALWAYS been a performance company.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/28/2008 5:18:00 PMView My AgentSpace
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GRR!

LEXUS IS NOT A PERFORMANCE COMPANY. IT IS A LUXURY COMPANY. THEY HAVE NEVER MADE A TRUE PERFORMANCE CAR BEFORE THE IS-F.

MERCEDES HAS ALWAYS HAD AT LEAST ONE SPORTS CAR IN ITS LINEUP!


PorschinatorPorschinator - 5/27/2008 5:08:02 PM
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Not sure about that. Why is Lexus making the LF-A? Is it necessary? NO! Will it somehow try to make Lexus like MB? YES! How? Copy the idea of the MB McLaren SLR.

Apparently by making the LF-A will make Lexus as a whole more prestigious. Any make that has a $200K plus ride in its line up MUST be fancy...lol. Well thats the idea...

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VISOVISO - 5/27/2008 10:28:26 PM
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Not necessarily true lexusis350. You need to study your history a little bit more. MB and Audi were started out by engineers who were obscessed by the "engineering" of their cars. August Horch began racing his cars almost imediately upon forming Horch and then Audi. The tradition is the quite sound. MB and Audi see racing and motor sports as a way to build better engineered cars. Lexus started out simply to be an Japanese version of Buick, and now it wants to jump into the sports fray. The problem is Lexus is NOT going to the track to prove itself and challenge its competitors.

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nsmattnsmatt - 5/27/2008 5:04:20 PM
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I honestly don't even think this car is that impressive to look at, I couldn't really see sales being that high even if brand betrayal wasn't a factor.

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lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 5/27/2008 8:17:45 PM
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the above picture isnt even close to the current testing pony....duh! havent you seen the latest spy shots??


AudiphileAudiphile - 5/27/2008 5:08:42 PM
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As the LF-A isn't even in production yet, isn't the author's condemnation of this car and of Lexus premature?

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EL34EL34 - 5/27/2008 5:15:15 PM
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Who are the boobs in charge that wanna sell this car for $225,000.00 :-?

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nsu_mednsu_med - 5/27/2008 5:19:24 PM
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The author of the article, Robert Farago, shows his lack of knowledge here.

His assertion that Halo cars are a "cardinal sin" of any manufacturer is simply unfounded. It has been shown that more times than not, the Halo does serve to boost the brands image. While the Porsche CGT may have ended its run early, you cannot measure on a balance sheet the value of its display to the world of Porsche's state-of-the-art engineering ability. I think there is plenty of proof out there that majority of the public does not associate "performance" with the brand Lexus. If it is executed properly, this car will serve to change that.

Also, the Lexus SC has a long product cycle, just as the Mercedes SL does. The next model is not due for a couple of years still. Just because we see shots of the LF-A running around in Europe does not mean the company has no resources left to be developing the next SC model back in Japan.

Another thing, I think it is quite a stretch to say the original LS400 looked just like an E-Class.

Finally, there is no such thing as a Lexus stockholder.

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2JayZee2JayZee - 5/27/2008 6:02:25 PM
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Hmm. Rubbish article.

First of all the author states "it WILL sticker for $225k" ..... When did that press release come out? Passing speculation of as fact is poor journalism.

Secondly, the author assumes that this car is a halo car for the Lexus brand. No sir. This car has ALWAYS been shown with an 'F' badge. It is a halo car for their F marquee, the same one they created for the enthusiast that own Lexii and had to go outside of the brand for cars that stirred their passion. The same one they created, because YOU the auto journalist, kept complaining that they were too boring.

Lastly, the author starts the article with the line "The fastest way to kill an automotive brand: sell a POS." Is he trying to imply that the LF-A will be one? You sir, and all the 'experts' who agreed with you on your site and here on autospies, can merrily go and mold your opinion into a carbon fibre rod and take it up the tail pipe.

It bothers you that someone is upsetting the status quo, doing something different, and most of all, it eats you out from the inside that it is Toyota/Lexus.

You haters will never go away, and you call yourselves enthusiasts...you disgust me.

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komododavekomododave - 5/27/2008 6:51:37 PM
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Actually, Lexus execs said it will sticker for more than $200k. "Speaking with Edmunds, Lexus corporate product planning manager Ben Mitchell confirmed the price of the car would “begin with a two.” An inside source has also stated that the final price is likely to be closer to $225,000. A planed convertible roadster will most certainly cost even more." http://www.motorauthority.com/news/supercars/lexus-lf-a-supercar-to-cost-more-than-200k/
He didn't make up that part. Also, he didn't say the LF-A was going to be a POS. He said one of the ways to kill a brand image is to make a POS. He then went on to say making a halo car can also hurt a brands image by muddying the intent of the company. Muddying the company's message is what he claims the LF-A will do, and to be honest, it is possible.
By being a halo car for the the F series, it is a halo car for Lexus. Thats like saying the M3 isn't the halo car for the three series because it has an M. If the F series breaks away from lexus then I will agree. The F division isn't established enough to be considered a separate entity. AMG and M are separate divisions of the same company, but the F isn't. It's just another badge, not a series of handbuilt engines and hand tuned suspension systems built at a separate factory by automotive masters. In 15 years, the Fs can have their halo and lexus can have a different halo.


komododavekomododave - 5/29/2008 4:47:38 PM
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Wow, a negative boost. And all I did was tell the truth. Doesn't anyone want to comment intelligently so that there may be discussion and not a flame and deboost war?


PorschinatorPorschinator - 5/30/2008 12:25:50 AM
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Neg feedback are from the Toy/Lex fanboys targeting...hehe...its ok German, US guys do it too =) Besides who the hell cares?!?


LexSucksLexSucks - 5/27/2008 6:39:53 PM
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I agree 100% with the article.

You know what really disgusts me?

Answer: Blind Loyalists.

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ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/28/2008 3:04:17 AM
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who are ALMOST as disgusting as blind haters. almost, because the latter are in a class by themselves.




hao420hao420 - 5/27/2008 6:42:15 PM
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Said one more time...........WORTH IT.........

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utahnkidutahnkid - 5/27/2008 6:59:21 PM
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I have better things to do then read someone's obviously biased view of something based off of nothing except their own opinion. I'm sorry but you don't matter quite enough to be taken for your word alone. Next please.

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komododavekomododave - 5/27/2008 7:00:14 PM
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People, you all need to read the article FULLY before commenting, not just the blurb inserted by the submitter. The author makes some valid points for the LF-A damaging Lexus' image and not sellng like it should by siting other companies that did the same thing. He's not saying the car will kill Lexus, he's saying the F series and the LF-A could dillute the well established premium luxury image that Lexus has fostered and draw focus away from the kind of engineering that made them so popular: quiet, comfortable, dependable, luxurious cars.

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komododavekomododave - 5/29/2008 4:55:55 PM
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Isn't that kind of the point when someone posts an article, you read it? You must have lots of fun at the book store. You must read 100 or 200 books a day!

I think everyone thinks I'm supporting the article and the assertion that the LF-A is a piece of crap, which I'm not. I'm pointing out that this knee jerk reaction to someone blatently trying to goad you all on is silly. He does make a good comparison with Mercedes. Mercedes is a much more storied brand with motor sports heritige, yet they couldn't pull off the McLarren AMG sportscar with an outrageouse price tag, it's possible Lexus can't pull enough customers for a car twice as expensive as anything else they sell. It'll no doubt be flawlessly executed and stupid fast, but over 200k is asking a lot for a company that barely crosses the 100k mark on anything else.


olscuulolscuul - 5/27/2008 7:07:40 PM
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unless it undercuts the gt-r on price, it is doomed.

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Maverick2020Maverick2020 - 5/27/2008 7:40:16 PM
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Lexus is losing its original focus.

What, exactly, is a Lexus anymore?

I do not see how the LF-A fits into Toyota's strategy for a premium lux brand, even if they want to have a so-called halo car. Not sure this is it.

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EL34EL34 - 5/27/2008 10:38:34 PM
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I didn't know Lexus ever had a focus.


DenaliDenali - 5/27/2008 8:07:49 PM
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wow, i smell Prestigious written all over the HALO car/company

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richardp996richardp996 - 5/27/2008 8:17:18 PM
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The LF-A isn't betraying anything because it's a car. It doesn't possess a soul that can back stab the very company it represents. That's like walking by a Cayenne at a Porsche dealership and saying under your breath, 'traitor.' That is plain stupid. Yes, in fact I am making fun of the title of this topic.

The only facet that is doing the betraying is the company to the loyalist costumers to the brand. So you can blame the marketing department to the higher ups that gave this car the green light. Anyone else might not even care or be bothered.

The LF-A might have a smaller production run for the brand. Just an image boost. If someone buys the IS-F and finds it too 'extreme' can always opt for the basic IS250/350 cars. It's not like Lexus if forcing it down anyone's throat. They have choices to buy other vehicles within the lineup that are more... 'plush.'

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g2okg2ok - 5/27/2008 8:36:50 PM
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I never liked the IS-F as a Lexus, but this won't hurt Lexus. It looks good.

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lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/27/2008 8:54:00 PM
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I really don't think the LF-A is "betraying". Just because it focuses on sport rather than luxury doesn't mean squat. If the LF-A betrays Lexus' image, then the SLR betrayed MB and the R8 betrayed Audi. As for the IS-F: it's basically a souped up IS 350. And has anyone heard of the M3, S4, or C63? Talk about thinking to deeply to butt heads with Lexus.

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/27/2008 11:40:07 PMView My AgentSpace
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"If the LF-A betrays Lexus' image, then the SLR betrayed MB and the R8 betrayed Audi."

How so? Remember the original Gullwing? Auto Union Silver Arrow? CLK-GTR? urQuattro? R8 racer? DTM from both brands?


lexusis350lexusis350 - 5/28/2008 2:18:07 AM
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What I was trying to say was the addition of the SLR to the Mercedes lineup did not ruin their reputation. If anything, it enhanced it. That car has gotten a lot of publicity. The same goes for the R8.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 5/28/2008 5:18:52 PMView My AgentSpace
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"AUDI can't build exotic cars, so they buy up lamborghini and Bugatti to give them credibility."

Oh, you're such an EFFING IDIOT. I'm not even going to BOTHER.


flozel1flozel1 - 5/27/2008 9:12:39 PM
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So basically, what the author is really saying is that if Lexus introduces something exciting, he (and alot of Autospies posters) can no longer criticize Lexus for making "bland appliance automobiles" they so like to complain about. IOW, they'd be really reaching for a reason to despise Lexus. Amazing what fear does to people.

Hey how about renaming this site "European Auto Spies". This would discourage non-European fans to post here. I sense they're never welcome here anyway. You guys can spout your pointless BS drivel amongst yourselves and feel happy at the end of the day.

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auto001auto001 - 5/27/2008 10:25:00 PM
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a telegram from all the German fanatics (aka. Germ fanatics) to Lexus:

Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t...

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huu76huu76 - 5/27/2008 10:40:49 PM
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I think this guy has meant to say BMW, not LF-A. The only company selling out of laste is BMW with their sports-activity-anything as long as its marketed with that propellor.

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 5/28/2008 1:14:36 AM
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the LFA is totally inconsistent with the brand. lexus is about luxurious, totally reliable, but boring cars that are value priced. in other words, the RX and ES which make up 2/3 of the brand. the LFA has nothing in common with these cars. and the ES buyer has precisely nothing in common with an LFA buyer.

so, yes, you end up with a schizophrenic brand.



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ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/28/2008 3:11:50 AM
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so what?

the corvette has nothing in common with any other chevrolet car either. does the corvette betray the chevy image?



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 5/28/2008 12:10:37 PM
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corvette is an anomaly. it stands on its own. do you know anyone with a corvette that refers to their cars as a 'chevy?' no.

got another analogy?


SoSnootySoSoSnootySo - 5/28/2008 1:52:14 PM
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You made a stupid argument. So since you yourself classified Lexus as a boring car company, they should remain there and produce more boring cars.... Right... So that they remain in your classification. Or else everyone else will be confused because your classification is inconsistent... Okie dokie.


ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/29/2008 12:41:35 AM
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entx11: "got another analogy?"

dodge Viper.

absolutely NOTHING in common with other dodges.
oh, except the dodge truck with a detuned v10.




Agent63Agent63 - 5/28/2008 2:11:34 AMView My AgentSpace
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Lexus should have concentrated on creating an actual SL competitor instead of getting too ahead of themselves. Since most of their line is rides that are plush and comfortable I don't see why they would jump out of their circle and try and tackle a "Super Car" segment.

They need to phase out that SC430 because it was a dud. Like one person said above they should concentrate on making some coupes. That would diversify their lineup with more appealing cars instead of a super car off the bat expecting it to be as prestigious as the European's.

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993Turbo993Turbo - 5/28/2008 8:14:30 AM
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What's wrong with making the supercar first and having the tech trickle down into production? Many car companies do this, including Porsche.


Agent63Agent63 - 5/28/2008 9:24:14 AMView My AgentSpace
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Yes but Lexus is not Porsche.


Agent63Agent63 - 5/28/2008 11:58:26 PMView My AgentSpace
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If they were flawed designs they wouldn't be such a rich company.

Porsche >> Volkswagen AG >> Audi (Lamborghini, Bentley, & Bugatti)

To be able to afford a big stake of the parent company sure shows a lot. Remember Toyota is an eco-brand that's how they get most of their money. Compare all the models of Toyota & Lexus to Porsche's.


EL44EL44 - 5/28/2008 3:39:42 AMView My AgentSpace
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With TTAC you can be sure that every article is against LEXUS. He maintain his position about ISF? And what about other magazines like TopGear , C&D and EVO who praised the ISF. This is one of the most Schizo car magazine i've ever seen.And do anyone realy think that LEXUS LFA will be a POS? This man hate realy LEXUS's and it's interesting to know why.

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stevenv1999stevenv1999 - 5/28/2008 8:41:08 AM
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I agree with the article. I feel the same way when it comes to Alfa releasing a $250,000 car and then following that up with a sub $30,000 MiTo. It will be a flop as will the Lexus using an opposite strategy.

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kpaxxkpaxx - 5/28/2008 9:28:47 AM
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Wow, me make cool expensive car, so more people buy my cheap poorly engineered cars! Brilliant marketing strategy! (sarcasm)

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ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/29/2008 12:49:01 AM
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if you're implying toyotas are "cheap poorly engineered cars" you TRULY have your head stuck up your anal cavity.

the LEAST expensive toyota will still be more reliable than 90% of all other cars on the road.

AND, they all also have state of the art 4-valve twin cam engines to boot!

and finally, NO OTHER maker of quality mass market cars ALSO has, at the top of their range, under the SAME nameplate, a v12 rolls-royce competitor. (toyota Century).







ChicaneShooterChicaneShooter - 5/29/2008 1:32:38 AM
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and what's with the "me make" racist semi-literate statement?

do YOU know more than 5 words of japanese? i'd suspect the lowest level floor worker in a japanese plant is more intelligent and literate than you!

and judging by corporate profits, there's no question toyota/lexus executives are smarter than their counterparts in ANY other car company.



StarStar - 5/28/2008 9:41:23 AM
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Let's face it, Lexus never had any direction with their cars anyway. Nobody buys Lexus cars based on the driving experience. If the LF-A sells, it will certainly not sell based on the driving experience.

The potential buyers for this car are people who buy things just so they can brag about how different they are from the rest of the world. The type of person that would say "Look at me, I could buy a Ferrari and have a blast driving it but I will get a Lexus LF-A instead because everybody else has a Ferrari". Yes, we are talking about the ultimate snob. The ultimate snob, the one that claims people that buy Ferrari and Lamborghini are snobs even though there is nothing out there that can offer you the driving experience you get with a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
Same type of snob that will make retarded claims about the buyers of a BMW or Mercedes. We all know that nothing offers the driving experience you get with a Mercedes or BMW, but we still hear some morons saying that is the badge that sells them. Same morons that buy a rebadged Toyota or Nissan and think they got "value" for the money. I'm sure that one of these morons will actually believe that LF-A is more value for the money than a Ferrari.

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adamsaf723adamsaf723 - 5/28/2008 9:42:21 AM
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There is a lot of negative talk on a car that isn't even out yet.

The F-Series of cars is designed to betray the brand. The slogan for the IS-F was verbatim "everything you thought we weren't" or something