Lexus F range could expand to include LS F
Lexus may be throttling back its plans to attack the performance side of its German rivals, but that doesn't mean it won't expand its F-badged lineup in the future. Hirokazu Koga, general manager of the Lexus Development Center and one of the men behind the IS F, told Autoblog that if the automaker goes forward with plans to create a GS F, an LS F could be in the cards.
Renderings and rumors of the GS F have been circulating since last year, but word came down in August that Lexus planned to delay the introduction of the 500+ hp sedan due to the economic downturn and the (then) high price of fuel. Add that to the possible cancellation of the LF-A, and things aren't looking good for Lexus' foray into the world of high performance.
If an LS F model would come to market, only a few drivetrains could be fitted to the hulking sedan to give it the level of performance necessary to carry the F badge. If Toyota does decide to build the LF-A, its V10 powerplant would be a great candidate for the LS F to provide motivation and defer some of the costs of the supercar.
According to two Lexus execs we spoke to, the IS F outsold both the Mercedes-Benz C63 and BMW M3 Sedan last month (we can't confirm, since Lexus doesn't break down sales of the IS by model), but if consumers are accepting the idea of a high-performance Lexus, than other models will surely follow.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Kumail 8:10PM (12/04/2008)
i highly doubt that they would go through with this, and even if they do, i don't think people would buy this over a merc s63...
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Obviously DaMinority 8:13PM (12/04/2008)
Funny thing is... People almost the exact same thing about Lexus in the first place.
Flashpoint 8:17PM (12/04/2008)
I own a S550 which is already nearly $25,000 more than the LS460.
The S63 AMG is over $125,000...even I couldn't afford that. Lexuses are for people who can't afford BMW and Mercedes top of the line.
This F series thing probably won't happen. People who can afford an LS460 and buy one aren't trying to be the fastest on the street. The LS460 is used as a luxury limo around my streets here in Midtown Manhattan.
zamafir 8:21PM (12/04/2008)
merc s63, or an b7, or an s8, or any number of real luxury cars that offer pedigree and the complete package vs faux cosmetic bits and camry inspirited interiors.
Wait… nm… it’s a lexus so they’ll just court organic growth from lexus owners that might be tempted by the status of an S63 but have no intentions of ever driving in a spirited nature, it’d sell fine.
Seminole 9:09PM (12/04/2008)
"Lexuses are for people who can't afford BMW and Mercedes top of the line. "
You are on crack.
Back when I lived at home, a guy my dad and I play golf with has had the following cars over a period of a year:
2005 Lexus LS
2006 BMW 330i
2006 750i
Bentley Arnage T24
Bentley Flying Spur
2007 Lexus LS
He still has the Lexus and is in love with it. Lexus makes some damn fine vehicles, and that is coming from a guy who owns a BMW.
Bill 9:56PM (12/04/2008)
Flashpoint,
Can you go more than 3 posts without reminding everyone on here about your S550? We get it... I realized this was getting ridiculous when you had commented on an article at engadget and I read your user name and thought, "That's the guy from autoblog with an S550."
Glad you have one, we just don't need to be reminded every single post.
tekd 4:16AM (12/05/2008)
"Lexuses are for people who can't afford BMW and Mercedes top of the line. "
lol, can't afford? Because clearly, all those paupers out there buying those LS600h's and LS460's are in dire financial strait. Even though, you know, the LS600h is more money than your stupid S550.
Oh, and a better car.
big j 11:39AM (12/05/2008)
@Flashpoint:
You should try taking your head out of the German carmaker's ass once in a while, it would do you some good. Poseur.
JDMlover 5:17PM (12/05/2008)
lol your just driving around a bloated BOAT it also sound like your jealous of Lexus drivers...you should be because they are smater. Smart people would know that Lexus cars are not cheap and it just Merc & BMW who over charge...and if im going to pay that much for a car...i would like it to stay out of problems...last time i checked where was Merc on the dependibilty charts? By that stand point...who really the better vaule and better car.....
I'll take a Lexus LS over the S-Class ANYDAY. IMO the LS look much better.
carsteve 8:13PM (12/04/2008)
why
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Auari 8:14PM (12/04/2008)
O hell ya please please please Lexus DO IT!!!!!
Transporter 4 drive this!
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Randy915 8:51PM (12/04/2008)
Fail.
Daniel 9:08PM (12/04/2008)
You even have an Audi avatar...
Daniel 11:07PM (12/04/2008)
Er, had.
Mobius_1 11:51AM (12/05/2008)
He will have a Lexus F badge soon.
Daveman427 8:16PM (12/04/2008)
Seeing how well a big Toyota slides makes me think of what a little, rear wheel drive Toyota could do.
Toyota, enough with the high-priced F car nonsense. Give me a small, economical, reliable, rear wheel drive hatch instead. You know, like an old eight six, but brand new. I'd respect you more for building a modern eight six Corolla than an AMG fighter.
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ablogreader 8:36PM (12/04/2008)
Toyota are doing just that with their upcoming Subaru collaboration.
Daveman427 8:44PM (12/04/2008)
@ablogreader: Ah yes, I've heard about that one. Its also expected to be 2866 lbs., which is about 300lb. heavier than what I would want. Then again, its tough to find cars below 3000 lbs. brand new. Eh, I guess I should stop being so picky and just settle on heavier girls, er... cars.
TyWright 8:19PM (12/04/2008)
I bet they just push the hybrid LS more now.
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GSWarrior 8:22PM (12/04/2008)
or they could work on IS-F so it's not a POS like it is right now..such a disappointment. It doesn't even come close to C63 AMG, which is far behind the M3. Lexus F=fail.
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