Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs
Detroit Auto Show: Lexus LF-A
I know everyone gets angry when we mention that a new car looks like another one on the market, so I won't mention any names of the cars I am thinking about, but I will say that most of them were concepts from the 80's. Lexus says that the LF-A is the future of Lexus styling extended to a two-seat sports car. Toyota wants to use the Lexus sports car to bring more attention to their F1 efforts. While I have no doubts that the 500 hp V-10 rumored to be headed for this car would be world class, the styling has me wondering if Sonny Crockett is going to take it for a spin.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Brian 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
BUTT UGLY!!!!
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Brian 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
OK OK OK More like big nose ugly.
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Rick 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
It actually looks pretty cool from the rear 3/4 view. But that face is pathetic. Looks like it was designed by a 4th-grader.
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anuj 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
they are kidding with this, right? This is the halo car lexus wants to build? It actually looks nice from the side, but the front is awful. It looks like an oversized dustbuster
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Josh Oliver 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
This is Toyota's definition of styling? Well, with Lutz's latest offerings in the form of the Saturn Aura I think it's safe to say Toyota should still stick with "appliance" rather than trying to be "cool".
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Ben 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I like the side silhouette, but the back end is on the fugly side...oh well, Toyota V10.
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Saleen Dion 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I had such high hopes for this car given the L-Finesse styling theme that is emerging (finally!) at Lexus. I actually am excited about the LF-C/LF-S themes and am hoping for a brilliant new IS 350 sedan and coupe.
This concept is promising in some aspects, but I had hoped for a better looking LF-A and agree with the comments. LOL about the dustbuster! They just haven't captured the sophistication of style that Ferrari or Aston Martin seem to capture in their cars.
Many better LF-A pics that give more context can be found at:
http://www.autodeadline.com/Photos?source=Lexus&model=Concept&kw=&page=1
Now, with this LF-A out of the way, perhaps they can save their best work for a new Supra based on the LF-C/IS 350 platform and priced to compete with the 350Z. And get it here sooooon!
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Zeke 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
theres hope here, those rear radiators are actually rather brilliant. The gatling exhaust is pretty funky too. Natch on the nose though... seriously, how hard would it have been to just copy the front of the DB9, after all where else could they have cribbed that greenhouse?
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Scott Swisher 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Hmmm. I see a lot of G6 Pontiac here with an ugly nose.
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Eso 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Cripes. Fugly, and the interior looks like they took a 1990 300Z and added some blue to make it "modern." Um, memo to Lexus -- Blue lighting is *so* 1999...
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dsh 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
lexus seems to have hardened the surfacing compared to the previous concepts. certainly not as sensuous as the l-finesse.
can anyone recognize the track profile displayed on the instrument panel?
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creanium 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
My first reaction: hmmph, typical Lexus, even their concepts are boring.
The rear shoes some promise, but overall isn't very original. I'll take an Audi Le Mans as my V10-powered concept car thank you very much.
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Seth L 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Oh wow, that's awful. I wanted to like this. With all the talk from Toyota about focusing on styling I thought this would be something to see. As is, they can do better.
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Gayle Hoepner 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I hope the Toyota people read these types of response as Toyota needs to hire a new design resource. It is a shame that Lexus has such an incredible quality and technology reputation and falls flat on aesthetic design. There are a lot of people who want a Lexus but are turned off by the design. There is no excuse for that front end.
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Ken Aidekman 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
All of you are nuts. I just saw this car at the New York Auto Show and I'm absolutely blown away. The details are beautifully executed and innovative. The tailight / radiator is complex, original and striking.
Maybe you have to see it in purson to appreciate the elegant curves and folds. It's a little like a Frank Gehry building.
The overall shape is nothing to write home about and the front from above has a bit too much Honda S2000 for my taste, but the fender line is dramatic and the ground scoops have flair.
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Alex 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
You know, I don't know what you are all talking about either. The side view, just excellent. The back could do some work, but it looks really nice overall.
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Art Maturi 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
I will buy the car. Enough said.
Art Maturi
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3G 10:33PM (12/18/2005)
Looks like a 2 door Acura TL that someone stepped on! Fugly is the correct word! A generic looking Italian wannabe is all I truly see here! Lexus should stick with their Japanese styling rather than trying immitating others! People like the way they made cars before just fine!
Peace, Jay
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