Should Lexus Make A Premium Performance Version Of The FT-86 To Go Directly Against The Infiniti G37 And Others?

001 and I were catching up on the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and we both agree it's been very interesting to see how much buzz and excitement there was surrounding the Toyota FT-86 II Concept. It's not like its the first time we've seen it at this point.

But that got us thinking quite a bit: what does this mean for Lexus?

If you're a little perplexed, hold the phone. Remember, Lexus has been leading a push towards sportier offerings and is really trying to give more weight towards its F-Sport packages. Case in point: at the 2011 New York Auto Show, half of the Lexus booth was F-Sport packaged cars while the other half was hybrids.

With that said, with the FT86 coming down the pipe SHOULD Lexus offer a premium performance version to go up against the Infiniti G, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi A5, etc.?

And if they do, what should they name it?

LF-S? LF-C? LF-Sc?


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dlin - 9/15/2011 10:35:58 PM

+6 Boost

The platform will be shared w/ next IS, so it's already in works.

chris760 - 9/16/2011 3:33:44 AM

+2 Boost

Just release it. Seriously, Toyota has been draggin their feet with the FT-86

DuDE - 9/16/2011 4:16:44 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus LF-86
WooHoo!

cs4444 - 9/16/2011 9:42:57 AM

0 Boost

That would compete nicly with the golf and its tt/A3 varients.

JUGNU - 9/16/2011 5:35:29 AM

+2 Boost

Would make a good 1 series coupe, A3, Volvo C30...etc competitor.

PUGPROUD - 9/16/2011 8:37:35 AM

+1 Boost

I had a Lexus years ago and liked it but its never going to reach its full potential until it gets ahead of the pack and stops following the crowd. It has made good inroads but BMW, Audi and Mercedes are primed to leave it in their dust over the next five plus years. Also the diminishing market conditions for cars in Japan (aging population, push toward public transportation, high cost of owning, steep toll prices, etc etc) do not provide a solid backdrop for innovation and development. Just one man's opinion.

2ndbimmer - 9/16/2011 10:49:26 AM

+3 Boost

they shouldnt make it because of the design flaw. Look at the B pillar window line. It doesnt connect with the end of the door, how the heck does the door open then and is there just a big overhang of window? Doesnt make any sense unless you like to hit yourself with the edge of the glass. Anyone see a pic with the door open?

g2ok - 9/16/2011 10:59:36 AM

+2 Boost

very good observation

LACMAN - 9/18/2011 12:18:19 PM

+1 Boost

How is that a design flaw? The door is frame-less. The rear window comes too far into the front door some, but I wouldn't call it a design flaw.

g2ok - 9/16/2011 10:58:59 AM

+1 Boost

They should just concentrate on the single Toyota model first and get the performance specs down and see how the market flushes out.

Arsen89 - 9/16/2011 12:21:21 PM

+1 Boost

That wuold not be a a bad idea, but it should have a bit more power if it does come out as a Lexus. Regardless this is pointless because Toyota has not even set a release date for this as any variant.

enthusiastx11 - 9/16/2011 12:22:37 PM

+3 Boost

no.

LACMAN - 9/18/2011 12:21:16 PM

+1 Boost

Maybe this platform should spawn (if not already planned like stated above) the next generation IS and a smaller 1-series/A3(A1) competitive sedan. Maybe it could even be the platform for the next CT or HS to position those hybrids a bit more seriously in the performance-minded image for the brand. *shrugs* Idk, I'm just throwing sh*t out there!

NSXR - 9/19/2011 1:46:47 PM

+1 Boost

NO. Toyota should focus its efforts on bringing back an affordable Supra to compete with the GTR. Hell, the could just use the tried and proven 2JZ block, and make it more stout in order to handle 500+ hp for 200k miles. I've owned a HKS Turboed MK2 & MK3; and would love to buy a MK5...if they produce one.

.02