The Automotive News is reporting early today that Lexus’ remaining entries into the high performance sector have suffered yet another blow.
The high profile LF-A which was supposed to arrive later this year, has failed again to make performance targets for the second time. Lexus has decided to push back the $160,000 sports car back to late 2010 or early 2011. Persistent rumors remain on the viability of the project in general, and whether not Lexus truly needs the LF-A as a halo car to define the brand. We can all agree this If the LF-A fails to meet performance marks for yet a third time the entire project may be doomed to failure simply because a total redesign will now be on the block.
The upcoming GS-F the bigger and supposedly badder brother to the IS-F, has also been placed on hold until at least 2011 when the GS undergoes a complete redesign. A final decision will be made at that time if the GS-F will be produced.
With these highly visible delays of a high profile projects, Lexus has increased the speculation on just how healthy the luxury marque is both in the US and abroad. While we personally don’t think Lexus is in dire financial trouble, the possible cancellation of any of these projects may place a shadow on any future efforts to establish Lexus as anything other than a Cadillac contender.