Lexus Switches Direction, Heading Towards Performance - What ELSE Will It Take To Convince You?

Since the launch of the IS-F, Lexus has pretty much made a paradigm shift in the way its automobiles were perceived. In addition, it's clear that there is a marked difference from where the brand was a couple of years ago to where it is going.

The best way to tell is by looking at the all-new 2013 Lexus GS.

Although we've come to know the brand as a reliable, go-to car when you want something luxurious, the standard GS doesn't seem like that car at all. From the promotional videos that emphasize a driver's car to that raw engine noise as the soundtrack, Lexus' writing is on the wall. It didn't take much to see this coming as the LFA was the car that made sure everyone turned around and took notice. And Lexus has embraced the love and hate.

If you want an even more intriguing picture, I'll leave you with this parting note: The 2013 GS is set to weigh in just over 3,700 pounds. Meanwhile, the Germans, which are the known performance benchmarks, are over that 4,000 pound mark. 300 pounds is a big difference, especially when it comes to driving dynamics. Think of it this way, the all-new GS is even lighter than the six-cylinder Panamera. Yeah.

Considering the last generation GS was sterile, this is a major shift.

But what ELSE will the brand have to do to convince you that it's taking driving serious?

• It has proven it can build a capable supercar that laps the 'Ring in a quick time
• It has built a motorsports-focused brand, F
• It claims its new models are driver-oriented

[Source: YouTube VIA Lexus]


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docsout1 - 8/26/2011 7:27:48 AM

+1 Boost

Performance? What a novel idea for an automotive company. Yeah, why not try it. It, and styling have only been a bedrock in autodome since it's origination.
And, these people are just catching on? Helloooo, are the lights on?

_43LE - 8/26/2011 2:20:38 PM

+5 Boost

SportyTubro/Carrera GT, LOL! It's nice to know that even when I'm away you're still making people here laugh at you!

LexSucks - 8/26/2011 4:54:18 PM

0 Boost

"As I've said, Toyota likes to sit on their laurels. But when they do spring into action, be afraid. Be very afraid." - eldard

- What a crock of crap. Toyota's F1 racing effort was a failure (despite spending the most money). Toyota didn't stroke any fears into any other make while they were in F1. And the LF-A? Yeah... that car had Lambo and Ferrari scared beyond belief. LOL!!

Why do Toyota fans think that Toyota builds (or can build) the best cars when in the last decade they've been mediocre at best? Fanboys are the worse. They stick with the belief that their favorite brand is the best even though the evidence proves otherwise (too much pride and not enough brains). I’ve never met a bunch of more delusional folks than Toyota Fans. And there’s only one place on the planet where people are stupid enough to defend crap.

LexSucks - 8/26/2011 5:14:15 PM

0 Boost

eldard,

America's roads, trains and airports are crap compared to Germany's infrastucture. The USA doesn't even have a bullet train. LOL!! The Current America isn't in the position to brag about anything over other countries.

Monopoly - 8/28/2011 5:19:19 PM

+1 Boost

@ - CarreraGT

It's called the Lexus LFA!

Steve - 8/26/2011 7:32:11 AM

+1 Boost

To me, styling that appeals to my eye is important, as is a "connected" and precise driving experience that's more in line with BMW (what I currently drive), or maybe even Audi. Lexus's approach in both these areas have said "not for Steve" in a big way. Great cars...just not for me.

grenouille - 8/26/2011 10:23:55 AM

+3 Boost

Lexus have to look back where they came from and what made them so strong, performance game is not a game they can win but quality is, they know it and competition knows it as well....

enthusiastx11 - 8/26/2011 11:31:39 AM

0 Boost

and the marketing machine starts....

_43LE - 8/26/2011 2:21:10 PM

+4 Boost

Well that's the pot calling the kettle black!

Joe_Limon - 8/26/2011 5:20:41 PM

+2 Boost

"And, I would bring back....wait for it.....the Supra. I would make a Supra light years beyond the previous incarnations. Price-point-wise, I would make it on par with Nissan's 370Z. But, performance-wise, it would blow the 370Z out of the water."

And I would create a car price wise on par with an accent, but luxury amenities wise it would blow any bently out of the water.

Lets keep things realistic shall we?

AgentOrange - 8/26/2011 5:09:54 PM

+2 Boost

The IS-F is not indicative of the handling and performance of their vehicle line-up.
With BMW, you know you`re in a BMW whether you get into a 1er (e.g. 135i) or a 3er (e.g. 335i) or their 5 or 7 series. They all feel and drive like BMWs. And then they have their M and Z vehicles - all of which can put a huge smile on your face.
Lexus has a hell of a long way to go if they want to get to that level of commitment to being recognized as a `performance`car builder.

LexSucks - 8/26/2011 5:24:43 PM

+1 Boost

They (Lexus) talk about performance yet they release the new GS with a V6? While BMW, Mercedes, and Infinti all have V8's (some with more power thanks to turbos) that will put the power output of that Lexus V6 to shame. Lexus needs to realize that they can't advertise their way to performance. If they don't offer a V8 on the new GS, it will be nothing more than a Lexus version of the Acura RL.

LexSucks - 8/29/2011 10:06:35 AM

0 Boost

"And what's wrong with a V6? Doesn't Godzilla have that as well?"


- Yeah but with twin-turbos. Completely different Animal. Tell me that you knew that?

JUGNU - 8/26/2011 6:31:19 PM

+2 Boost

Switches direction? No they will still offer top class luxury and quality but this time focusing equally on performance as well. And this focusing on performance started with IS-F. Toyoda said all Lexus models from 2012 GS on wards, dynamically will be very competitive so we should all wait and see.

A good read.
http://blogs.motortrend.com/akio-toyoda-the-man-who-can-save-lexus-17405.html

Willis - 8/26/2011 7:09:55 PM

+4 Boost

I hate the idea of how every manufacturer in this class feels they have to focus on "performance". I'm going pull a random percentage out of thin air which I am pretty sure is at least close, but 90% of buyers in this class want a comfortable ride. They will never blast down an interstate or on backroads in their luxury car pushing the car to its handling limitations. Won't happen. Every single car in this class, sporty or not, is already a very competent handler if driven in a sporty fashion.

If anything, automakers should offer optional sport packages that will beef up the suspensions, sharpen the steering etc. Those customers who want a sports sedan can PAY for the sports package.

Automakers need to stop listening to a bunch of performance enthusiast car journalists. Hell, those guys whine about everything that doesn't have a V6+. Next thing you know Suzuki will produce a V8 RWD Swift because Car and Driver was bitching to much about the current 4-cylinder FWD version...

If all cars in this class go sporty, then they'll abandon their core customers - which aren't the stupid 20 year-old "0-60 rocks" kids on Autolies...

SSP350 - 8/26/2011 9:18:56 PM

+3 Boost

The fact that this threat is stirring up a lot of talk, means that Lexus did something right. I'm all for Lexus trying to improve their image and performance department. They're not stupid and they won't take away their luxury image. Just wait and see....a few auto journalists already have test driven the new GS and it's got nothing but good things to come.

vonbeeler - 8/27/2011 7:28:19 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus success has been to cater to majority of the US population that doesn't care about performance. To focus on producing a luxury type vehicle that is a reliable transport appliance discounted from the European brands. Copy the European innovators, make their cars safe up to 65mph US standards and viola. Lexus a brand for the masses that value affordability and reliability over innovation and performance. Why change?

MorePower - 8/29/2011 4:31:45 AM

+1 Boost

Offering increased performance is a great thing, but Toyota is a little behind the ball. Besides the Japanese touring championship, they don't really motorsports presence, unless you count Nextel cup classes(truck & car). Formula 1 and Le Mans experience counts, but I believe that BMW, MB, Audi and Bentley all have wins where Toyota has not.

Maybe Lexus is going after Cadillac, Buick and Lincoln by playing to the heartland of America.

enthusiastx11 - 8/29/2011 2:56:34 PM

+1 Boost

this car will be another sales disappointment--just like the last generation GS, the SC, HS, CT--and every model except the RX and ES (the two most boring cars in the lineup).