Lest one need further corroboration, word 'round Toyota's campfire is that Lexus' compelling LF-A supercar's gestation continues apace. Reportedly due by 2008, UK-based Pistonheads.com is reporting that the high-powered coupe is to be called the 'GT500,' though we're not sure how well that will sit with brand-protectionist types over at Ford.
The Ferrari-chaser will most likely be motivated by a 500 bhp 5.0L V10, with the possibility of a less-expensive V8 variant ('GT450').
According to sources, Lexus' long-rumored NSX-fighter will come in between £75,000 - £100,000 ($130,000-$173,000) depending on the powertrain.
The LF-A/GT500/90210 production model is slated to appear at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show (where the concept premiered last year).
[Source: Pistonheads.com]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Waheed @ Mar 24th 2006 10:17AM
Sounds nice but Yikes!! that's one expensive Lexus. For that kind of money I'd get a 911 Turbo or a Aston Martin.
Waheed
www.mphnews.com
Optimus Prime @ Mar 24th 2006 10:33AM
I think the more interesting implication for Lexus is that new V10!! .. As soon as they can get costs down, they're be pumping out LS500, GS500, LX500, GX500, IS500, etc ..
Shawn @ Mar 24th 2006 10:34AM
I love how Autoblog puts a negative spin on everything about domestics. Suddenly it is "brand-protectionist" if a Japanese company wants to use the name of the most recognized Mustang brand name in existence. However, when Lincoln uses MKX, then it is bad and copyright violation of Japanese & German cars.
Carlos @ Mar 24th 2006 10:36AM
"GT" is kind of a generic name...
But I like that Lexus is going to reach that high in the price range. It just looks like more than a 911turbo or Maserati Grandsport competitor, doesn't it?
John @ Mar 24th 2006 10:41AM
It's interesting to me that Lexus has to rely on a V-10 for it's new "long-rumored NSX-fighter" while the NSX simply uses a V-6 and superior engineering to make an amazing supercar.
I admit I'm a sucker for NSX's (pre-1996), but it just strikes me as funny.
John
Richard Warren @ Mar 24th 2006 10:47AM
Not bad looking, I'm still up for a 911 though
Stone @ Mar 24th 2006 10:56AM
Damn, $130,000-$173,000 is too damn expensive, not that I'll be getting this car anytime soon. I think that Toyota/Lex should keep this car under $100,000 and they could put a serious dent in 911 sales.
Gunnar Heinrich @ Mar 24th 2006 11:08AM
GT may be a generic name - but the GT500 is a Ford nameplate for one of the Blue Oval greatest icons (The Shelby).
Still, Ford itself is guilty of name plate copying. Consider the Blue Oval's new 500 sedan. The premier package is called "SEL". (500 SEL) Sounds like a Mercedes-Benz to me.
http://www.automobilesdeluxe.blogspot.com
Philip Dunlop @ Mar 24th 2006 11:09AM
Hopefully they'll think about giving it a nose-job first. The front-end just doesn't sit well with me, and doesn't compliment the rest of the car. Everything aft of the headlamps is quite pretty though.
Aegis @ Mar 24th 2006 11:26AM
Being that the next NSX is going to be a V10, makes sense to use a V10 for the GT500. I was hoping that they would use something larger than 5 liters for the V10, being that the LS460 uses a 4.6L and a 5L V-8 is said to be in the works for a high performance IS.
Either way, the top three Japanese makers all seem to be readying ~500hp supercars (NSX, GT-R, GT500).
Bocephus @ Mar 24th 2006 12:21PM
Hahaha
Gunner, the Ford Five Hundered is a reference to the 500 sedans of the 1960's. (the Galaxy and Fairlane) Ford has used the SEL package for years to designate an up level package on a variety of cars. Good try though, when ever you guys get a chance to take a shot at US automaker make sure you think before you write shit like that down.
Kevin @ Mar 24th 2006 12:33PM
If it were any other company trying to call a car the GT500, I wouldn't assume it was blatant copying but generally Toyota is so unoriginal it hurts. Remember when they tried to call the Tundra the "T-150?"
RayRay @ Mar 24th 2006 12:35PM
Wow, this is going to be interesting, Lexus entering the exotic car market. I think Lexus has established itself as a leading Luxury automaker, this should give it a decent start in the exotics market.
jordan @ Mar 24th 2006 12:44PM
#7: as #10 said, Ford is looking at history. And, to make a small correction, it's actually the Five Hundred, not the 500. As also stated, the SEL designation began in 2000 with the Taurus, I believe. Nothing new here...
Aegis @ Mar 24th 2006 12:57PM
I remember whe Ford tried to wanted to call their Lincoln luxury sedan the LS4, direct competition to the LS400. Also remember the origianl Pontiac GTO, which GM "borrowed" from Ferrari's "Gran Turismo Omologato"; Ferrari GTO.
Also, remember Ford produced a Mustang GT-R concept as well, I wouln't go far as to say the GT-R is exclusive to Nissan (the word GT was coined by Enzo Ferrari afterall), but most people would associate "GT-R" with the Skyline GT-R.
Should also be kept in mind that the name "GT500" is still pure speculation by the press, nobody knows what the real displacement will be outside Toyota.
Takeo @ Mar 24th 2006 1:01PM
Hmm I don't think it is a matter of copying a name, GT500 is really to capitalize on the success of the Japan Grand Touring Car Championship GT500 class.
All you Ford fans should rest easy, this has nothing to do with usurping the Shelby.
Philip Dunlop @ Mar 24th 2006 1:04PM
Ahh to hell with all the debate. Everyone should adopt Geely's naming convention.
Groovie @ Mar 24th 2006 1:24PM
Ford has more than one reason to be pissed. Look at the DB-9. Guess Lexus has gone from ripping off BMW (IS, GS, LS) to ripping off Aston (DB-9).
Chris B. @ Mar 24th 2006 2:45PM
Get a clue Shawn (#3), Lexus has used alpha-numeric nomenclature to name their cars for I believe their entire existance. Lincoln on the other hand? The reason why they were criticized is because they recently unveiled a whole slew of new products, only to rename them after one year, (i.e Aviator = MKX i.e Zephyr = MKZ) and overhauled the rest of their line to convolute the already crowded alphanumeric name market. NOT because it's "copyright violation of Japanese & German cars" You'll take a shot at Japanese cars any chance you get, eh?
JZeke @ Mar 24th 2006 2:49PM
This is just a Brit sense of humor thing, like Monty Python and Eddie Izzard.
Theres no way Lexus will get into another naming war with Ford. Remember when Toyota tried to rename the T100 pickup the T150? yea that one got nasty quick, and Toyota ended up with the Tundra.
I'd expect a name more like Suzuka or Bluefin or something crazy, but most definetly not GT500.