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Toyota Banks On Lexus F Series To Polish Brand

Agent009 submitted on 10/04/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:02 PM
from: www.reuters.com

[63] user comments | category: New Cars

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Toyota Banks On Lexus F Series To Polish Brand

Toyota Motor Corp unveiled the production model of its Lexus IS F sports car on Thursday as it aims to close the gap with global luxury car heavyweights Mercedes-Benz.

The IS F is the first in a new series of muscle cars planned under the Lexus line christened "F", created to broaden the brand.

"Lexus has long been renowned as a luxury, high-quality brand," said Executive Vice President Akio Toyoda, responsible for Toyota's domestic operations.

"But to be recognized as a true global premium brand, we knew we needed more emotional vehicles," Toyoda, grandson of company founder Kiichiro Toyoda, said at the car's unveiling at Fuji Speedway, the automaker's racing circuit near Mount Fuji.

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1stgenaristoTT - 10/4/2007 3:23:29 PM

-4 Boost

hell yes

reply to this comment

r15mohd - 10/4/2007 3:59:28 PM

+3 Boost

yeah, the LF-A is going to be a real head turner...

hopefully it can perform as great as it looks

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 10/4/2007 4:07:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+8 Boost

Lexus King,

Of course it will, after the IS-F eats BMW's M and AMG for breakfast its going to destroy Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Bugatti. After that it will ascend to heaven with the gods to be worshipped by people of the entire world.

You Lexus radicals (not mentioning any names) seriously have issues...

reply to this comment

BMW_DRVR - 10/4/2007 4:43:52 PM

+4 Boost

LexusKing,
Does 001 pay you to generate more posts by inciting flame wars with your idiotic comments?

reply to this comment

Will_ - 10/4/2007 5:02:04 PM

-3 Boost

While "Wi11" is the biggest loser with nothing better to do in life by far.

Do I mind being on a Lexus "hit-list?" No. Am I worried that someone is mentally-retarted enough to create one? Yes.

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 10/4/2007 5:25:46 PM

+2 Boost

lexusking 4 president

reply to this comment

Designer1 - 10/4/2007 7:26:19 PM

-3 Boost

lool Lexus radicals, that's a nice one I swear.

Hey Lexus fan guys, now I'm one of you too but come on don't act like the German fans please, remember we have class. ;-)

I said my comments about the IS-F if it doesn't come up with at least 430hps it won't beat the M3.
So lets slow down on having it beat all cars when the car hasn't even been released nor tested against the others.

And again, if it DOES come out with 417 hps, then it will be a miserable failure and it better for Lexus not even make it, seriously.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:35:31 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"And again, if it DOES come out with 417 hps, then it will be a miserable failure and it better for Lexus not even make it, seriously."

What??? That is ridiculous. A pocket-rocket sedan with 417hp will be a "miserable failure???" I don't think so!

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:36:14 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

^Actually, it's quite the contrary.

I may not think it will "beat" the M3, RS4 or C63, but taken on its own, the IS-F is/will be an incredible sedan.

reply to this comment

Anti_Bangle - 10/5/2007 1:55:57 AM

-1 Boost

I love seeing Lexus IS-F on the market to generate more competitions. I would definitely test it out when it's available at my local dealer.

But I'm sick and tired of these Lexus radicals making retarded Lexus comments on every single article that is posted on AutoSpies.

"Would it kill anyone to give Lexus a positive comment?"

No, it wouldn't. But many so-called positive comments from Lexus radicals are just childish and non-constructive.

Anyway, if you're looking for one, here's my positive comment on Toyota/Lexus: I personally like the new Land Cruiser a lot, and I can't wait to see the Lexus version of it.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:33:16 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Anti_Bangle, the new Lexus LX570 was actually introduced awhile before the Land Cruiser. Just type it in on Google.

reply to this comment

r15mohd - 10/4/2007 3:44:45 PM

+4 Boost

i knew there was going to be another IS-F thread...

this is just too good...they have 423hp, lol!!!

let it start fanboys!!!

reply to this comment

LexSucks - 10/4/2007 3:50:34 PM

+5 Boost

I thought that Lexus was already Polished. I guess not.

reply to this comment

w209w114 - 10/4/2007 4:02:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

LOL. Now they are going to try and polish it with RICE. Interesting

jimmyjump - 10/4/2007 4:15:31 PM

+1 Boost

The highest polished rice makes the best sake...IS-F will be the daiginjo of the line.

Will_ - 10/4/2007 4:15:51 PM

0 Boost

Would it kill anyone to give Lexus a positive comment?

The LF-A and IS-F are nice cars that will do good things for the Lexus brand as far as their image.

I guess for the very reason that AMG , M and S/RS are getting competition from JAPAN is the same reason why people will hate.

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w209w114 - 10/4/2007 4:22:12 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Im sure a lot of people will infact like the IS-F. Those who want but cant afford performance figures the likes of the M3 and C63AMG.

Lexus is a variant of Toyota, a common affordable reliable car which is known to get people from point A to point B securely for the least money. Lexus should become its own independent company and stop sharing toyota parts. (my dad has a lexus RX and it has toyota written all over it, literally)

Lexus' purpose was never about racing (at all) so it completely goes away from their philosophy.

Thats why the majority of car fans see this as a joke.

answer - 10/4/2007 4:40:25 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

w209w114,

I seriously hope you aren't speaking on behalf of the majority of, well...anything really.

Your elitest BS is transparent, and yet you still feel a need to use the jerk-off Lexus fanboys as an excuse for your constant Lexus bashing.

We know you don't like Lexus. We all know that now.

Here is a tip. If you don't like Lexus, maybe avoid checking out Lexus stories here. Odds are some moron will come in and say that "this Lexus is the greatest thing ever, etc.".

Viewers of this website, viewers of any car websites, and readers of car magazines are such a small percentage of actual car buyers.

Please stop acting as if you know what every buyer thinks or wants. And please stop finding excuses for your anti Toyota/Lexus bias.

DaHarder - 10/4/2007 4:47:06 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not of the mind that the IS-F is for, "Those who want but cant afford performance figures the likes of the M3 and C63AMG", and don't feel it to be a compromise on any level.

The IS-F is fully capable of competing Head-To-Head with all comers, and is a viable alternative to any, with one exception...

It'll (most likely) be many times more reliable than ANY OF THEM!

Note: I currently drive both an E46/M3 and an E54/4.8is, so I am more than aware of BMW's (numerous) attributes as well as their (many) short-comings.

w209w114 - 10/4/2007 5:23:11 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Answer,

You would have never taken the time to reply to my comment if it did not have a sense of validity. I NEVER said the IS-F is a horrible car. As a matter of fact its a great car. That being said doesnt make it the "best" out there because it has the "L" on its hood. Please tell me whats better on the IS-F than the M3 and C63. Dont comment on looks because thats merely objective, or the reliability because this is Lexus' first performance car. Talk to me about numbers, technology, and craftsmanship of the engine and its parts.

"We know you don't like Lexus. We all know that now." I like Lexus a lot more than the majority of other brands however, being reliable isnt enough to compete with everyone.

"Your elitest BS is transparent" Maybe its because I choose a DTM inspired machine over a riced out IS?

All you do is talk and whine about me bashing Lexus. Give me a reason not to and stop crying over spilled milk.

LexSucks - 10/4/2007 5:48:08 PM

+5 Boost

Reliability? So what if the lexus requires one less trip to the dealership over a period of 3 years.

Lexus might be more reliable from day-to-day. But the lexus will not last as long as a BMW. There are certain lexus models that were plentiful 10 years ago that aren't even on the roads anymore. If you plan on keeping your car beyond 7 years than you are better off with the German brands. Every old lexus that I see looks worn, the body panels start to get warped and they look like crap. Old BMW's and MBs still look tight.

answer - 10/4/2007 5:55:15 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Your first statement is saying that people choosing a IS-F are doing so mostly because of a likely lower price point than the competition.

There's nothing valid there.

Some people choose cars because they...gasp..like them. Not because it costs less than something else, but just because they like it.

w209w114 - 10/4/2007 11:02:47 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Nicad,

Id feel ripped off if I paid premium for a car that has Toyota parts. Thats just me.

Answer,

Lexus is a value brand compared to BMW and Mercedes (in case I need to clarify myself, each equivalent competitor to each lexus model costs more) so it will be cheaper than the C63 and M3 and will therefore be more "attainable"

answer - 10/5/2007 11:09:07 AMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Nobody is debating that idiot.

A lower price doesn't always serve as the main reason people buy something.

I'd prefer a V10 R8 over a Ferrari F430. That's just me, and that has nothing to do with cost.

I'd take a fully loaded S class over a top-line Maybach everytime. Again, price isn't part of the decision process.

w209w114 - 10/5/2007 12:20:34 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Answer,

I dont know why you need to resort to name calling. Heres a familiar but more correct expression "Your lack of class shines through here"

I dont know what fairy tale or dreamworld you live in where price doesnt affect people's decisions. The more I dig into this argument with you, the more you come out looking like a loser fanboy.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:35:29 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

"I dont know what fairy tale or dreamworld you live in where price doesnt affect people's decisions."

w209, sometimes it really doesn't. I prefer plenty of cars that cost less than their competition. I agree with answer on the R8 V10 vs F430, or an S600/S65 vs. Maybach, and I would even buy the new M3 over an M6... well, maybe not quite, but you get the point.

w209w114 - 10/5/2007 5:42:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Sigh, I wasnt referring to you or anyone in particular when I said that price matters. Just most people in general. Do I really need to clarify myself even more? I will.

Example: "I would love to own a Bugatti Veyron, but thats out of my budget. So I will settle for an M3 even though its not my absolute favorite car" See, whether its hundreds of thousands of dollars or 10 thousand dollars the story is the same.

Why are you people still questioning an obvious fact?

Czelinski - 10/4/2007 4:21:05 PM

+1 Boost

"The LF-A and IS-F are nice cars that will do good things for the Lexus brand as far as their image."

Down to opinion i'm afraid.

reply to this comment

DaHarder - 10/4/2007 4:40:10 PM

+1 Boost

Who actually comes up with these (so-called) headlines?

LEXUS us already renowned for their refinement/polish, and (in many ways) are unmatched as a pure luxury brand.

What they need is some AGGRESSION, something to add a bit of GRIT to their otherwise 'squeaky clean' lineup, and as much as I am personally offended by what they did to the IS' (otherwise wonderful) styling, there's little doubt that it will be quite the performer.

reply to this comment

germeezy2 - 10/4/2007 4:43:27 PM

+1 Boost

Hey did someone just say "passion" and Lexus in the same sentence? So let me bow down then, Lexus in all there great wisdom has been able to develop a sports sedan that is the spiritual sucessor the the S Type R. The car that was but was not going after M or AMG.
Who would have thought that Cadillac would have more credibility in building sports sedans than Lexus?

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:40:47 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

nicad, STOP. NOW!

Bill - 10/5/2007 10:24:44 AM

+2 Boost

toyota has more credibility in building a race car then Bmw or Mercedes. period.

Go to the BMW and Mercedes museum one day and look at their racing heritage. Toyota is raped a million times over in that department. Moron.

Bill - 10/5/2007 10:26:52 AM

+1 Boost

Shredmo - 10/4/2007 4:46:50 PM

+2 Boost

Talk about beating a dead horse. This site should be LexusIS-Fspies. It can be an argument based site. In ten minutes, a new thread about the IS-F will appear. Jesus Christ.

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 10/4/2007 5:24:29 PM

+7 Boost

shouldn't it read:

"Toyota Banks On Lexus F Series To Polish Turd"

reply to this comment

1970toyotamarc - 10/4/2007 5:44:27 PM

+1 Boost

It took 24 comments before someone went there. I'm disappointed. I hate this site.

Rupert - 10/4/2007 6:15:40 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I like the site but hate the people.
You're allowed an opinion but when people like LexusKing, Nicad, houstoncutie, amazinbimmer, david989 just go on and on and on about Lexus like it's some deity...you grow sick of it. Lexus fans are allowed obviously, you seem to be a fairly fair one, as does the real Will (with only one underscore), but Wi11 is dumb too

Fan1234 - 10/4/2007 7:06:16 PM

-6 Boost

Lexus = #1. You european fanboys are just jealous.

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 10/4/2007 8:08:36 PM

+1 Boost

one or two cars does not make a brand.

one or two performance-orieted cars and a bunch of soft mom/grandma cars makes for a schizophrenic brand.

reply to this comment

r15mohd - 10/5/2007 8:24:03 AM

+1 Boost

the tundra...surprising of you to bring up that comparison

the tundra is aimed at knocking the f-series/sivlerado's off the pillar, correct?

did toyota not accomplish that with the intro of the newest tundra? last i recall sales are extremely good and is a threat to the competition...even though it may have taken them a couple tries, they got it right. all while the competition felt no threat (american tunnel-vision)

now the difference here is that the germans are aware of toyota/lexus' attributes, goals, etc. so they have a keen eye on the IS-F knowing that it WILL be threat to them. maybe not a big threat this time around, but if toyota/lexus doesnt meet the standards expected this time, they will get it right the next time.

simple test/set back/test/succeed strategies...common protocols!

EL34 - 10/4/2007 9:06:21 PM

+5 Boost

Ford makes an F-Series!

Lexus, how could you copy like that?

reply to this comment

enthusiastx11 - 10/4/2007 10:03:29 PM

+2 Boost

except toyota. they care A LOT. don't you even know your own beloved company?

they've staked a huge amount of money on the success of the new tundra.

Fan1234 - 10/4/2007 9:37:21 PM

-3 Boost

Nicad, these guys are obviously jealous of toylex's success. Lexus has made germans try harder than ever before and it hurts, right in the stamina. That's right.

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Hyundai - 10/4/2007 10:48:26 PM

0 Boost

Don't these arguments get boring? It's always the same old tiring dribble!

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S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:42:16 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

I guess not. Ask "them."

r15mohd - 10/5/2007 8:17:56 AM

+1 Boost

you may pray and hope for this...but it will be far from it. the IS-F will surprise many...but still get the beatdown of the haters.

most who dislike the IS-F are complete toyota/japanese haters on a whole...so like i've come to learn even more on this board, toyota/lexus can make the super duper ultimate machine...but once its from "toyota" its simply not good enough.

that disease, my friends, is called tunnel-vision!

reply to this comment

1995e34 - 10/5/2007 12:12:01 PM

+1 Boost

actually, i bet it would get bashed less if it were actually from toyota.

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enthusiastx11 - 10/5/2007 12:54:03 PM

+1 Boost

r15:

you're right, the car may surprise us in terms of performance.

but what they got completely wrong was design. instead of starting from scratch (ala M cars), toyota stretched, widened and kitted out a base IS to create a hideously imbalanced, awkwardly proportioned car. so it's already lost the looks battle from the perspective of the customers lexus so badly wants: BMW, mercedes and audi drivers.

reply to this comment

1fstmach - 10/5/2007 9:44:34 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

After watching the vids of this thing in california I am excited to see some real world track times

I wish I could go buy one just to do that

reply to this comment

Bill - 10/5/2007 9:56:09 AM

+2 Boost

"But to be recognized as a true global premium brand, we knew we needed more emotional vehicles..."

Good luck. The F division is brand new and has ZERO heritage or motorsport tradition. They LACK EMOTIONS. M and AMG and even S/RS have a long history of participation in motorsport and most car enthusiasts feel a kind of emotional connection to them because of this.

The Lexus F name sounds cheesy, uncreative and UNEMOTIONAL.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 10/5/2007 12:37:57 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I agree. It sounds too clinical, like a marketing ploy, a "me-too" angle. I want Lexus to bust out of its mold- they can make a performance division, but instead of merely copying everything that has been put into the German vehicles (except the EIGHT-SPEED TRANSMISSION, of course LOL), why can't they make their cars significantly lighter, but with the same size engines as the normal versions? Or at least better to look at?

Will_ - 10/6/2007 12:13:44 AM

+1 Boost

Stupid point. Lexus could have done everything S4cab just suggested. The lot of you would just bitch about 5 more things totally wrong. But thanks for acknowledging that you two are only blinded by perceived notions of "heritage" and "prestige." What everyone here refuses to acknowledge about the Lexus F division is that they don't have the perceived prestige to rely on: the cars will speak for themselves, which is a unique trait in itself.

S4cabriofoxone - 10/6/2007 2:04:52 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

I actually think "heritage" and "prestige" are the two dumbest excuses for "arguments" on this forum. I cringe whenever somebody uses that to say M-B/BMW/Audi is better than this _____ Japanese car.

Please, be informed before you post.

As you said, the cars should speak for themselves. And they do. In the M3, RS4 and C63 AMG, they're good enough to forget that they have any "heritage" at all. One can wonder whether the same is true of the IS-F--I hope so.

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