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L-tuned: Performance, Lexus style, again
Lexus appears ready to give its L-Tuned division a new lease on life, according to the Automotive News. L-Tuned first surfaced in 2000, ostensibly to act as a Lexus-geared factory tuning arm, similar to the role TRD plays for Toyota. As things happened, L-Tuned wound up being more about cosmetics than performance. I must say, however, that the scattered L-Tuned GS sedans I've seen in the wild certainly sounded pretty mean in addition to being a bit more visually interesting than the standard cars on which they were based.
Anyway, long story short: L-Tuned fizzled out. With a raft of new, sportier, and more powerful cars in showrooms, it sounds like Lexus may be ready to revive the name and back it up with some real juice underhood (think BMW M Power, Mercedes AMG). Nothing's official, but those reading between the lines of Toyota Motor Sales COO Jim Lentz's comment at SEMA that "it's time to stretch" the Lexus brand see a revitalized L-Tuned as part of that evolution. Let's hope it's true. There's always room at the table for some more quality performance machines.
[Source: Automotive News (sub required)]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jim 4:36PM (11/06/2006)
Maybe L-tuned can put some manual transmissions in them. No one will take Lexus seriously as a performance car without an available manual.
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Howard Kerr 5:08PM (11/06/2006)
Re Jim,
Lexus actually made the first ES's, the 250s and I think even some early ES300s with manual transmissions. Not looking for a manual transmissioned sedan? SC300s were also built with manual transmissions, up until about '97 or '98. But then, a manual transmission in almost any Toyota product...even the pickups, is hard to find these days.
As far as L-tuned...am I the only person on the planet that has never heard of this? Note to Lexus: you can't get folks to line up for, much less buy into a concept, WHEN THEY DON'T KNOW IT EXISTS AND/OR THE DEALERS ACTIVELY STEER CUSTOMERS AWAY FROM THE PRODUCT. Ask Lincoln (Mark VII and VIII), and Cadillac (Eldorado Touring Coupe...ETC, and Seville Touring Sedan....STS).
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Andy 5:53PM (11/06/2006)
The manual transmission issue is illegitimate. The auto press complains about it all the time, but MT appeals to only a very small segment of car shoppers. By now the advantages of manual transmissions over automatics is either too small or gone in the cars they're found in.
As for the Lexus L line, I think it is a good idea. Lexus has done a commendable job taking on Western luxury car companies. By making a total effort in the building of sport sedans, Lexus can be taken seriously in the Far East and Europe. If GM could do it with Cadillac, Toyota can do the same with Lexus.
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oxymoron pointer outer 1:28AM (11/07/2006)
"Lexus style"
now there's an oxymoron
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leo 12:50PM (11/07/2006)
if Lexus wants to make an L-line like they had, they should go all out and build a performance devision ala BMW M, and MB AMG
otehrwise it's pointless
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Jim 6:47PM (11/06/2006)
They have offered manuals, but not, for the most part, in the highest-performance variants of their various models.
I still think they won't be taken seriously unless they step up to the plate and let those people who actually enjoy the act of driving shift for themselves. After all, that's the enthusiast market they're intending to hit with the L-Tuned vehicles. And yes, I know Mercedes only offers slushboxes in the vast majority of their AMG models. Boring.
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sr20de 7:14PM (11/06/2006)
AMG cars don't show up at track events (PDA, NASA, etc) like the BMW M cars do. AMGs are boulevard cruisers.
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Scott 8:56PM (11/06/2006)
"The manual transmission issue is illegitimate. The auto press complains about it all the time, but MT appeals to only a very small segment of car shoppers."
That is true of buyers looking for point A-to-B transportation. Those looking for a "driver's car" (which would be the same small segment that these OEM-tuned rides cater to) are indeed interested in manual transmissions.
"By now the advantages of manual transmissions over automatics is either too small or gone in the cars they're found in."
From a performance or mileage standpoint--Yes.
From a control standpoint--Not even close!
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Mike 9:11PM (11/06/2006)
Could somebody tell Lexyota to get their own designs instead of ripping off of Mercedes?
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Scott Johnson 12:28PM (11/07/2006)
I had a sort of stealth L-tuned GS400. It had the performance mods but not the appearance mods. And yes, it sounded mean. Loved that car.
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