Lexus Finally Learns The European Lesson - Halo Cars Spark Innovation Across The Brand

Haruhiko Tanahashi is the Chief Engineer of the Lexus LFA, the storied supercar, population 500. A Chief Engineer at Toyota and hence at Lexus is much more than an engineer. He is the father of the car, he is responsible for the car from idea to realization and optimization.

Why build a car that is limited to 500 units, which are beyond the reach of a mere mortal? Will the LFA remain an exotic island, or will its technology filter down into the whole Lexus line?

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dlin - 12/2/2011 12:42:18 PM

+4 Boost

Between Audi's FWD and Quattro, isn't it the same thing? How about the Mercedes A/B series and BMW's FWD to come?

People picks up different things in a supermarket. Just that simple.

Joe_Limon - 12/2/2011 2:10:17 PM

+1 Boost

So... BMW trying to make their entire brand adhere to "The Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan is bad? That's silly, your brand name is stronger that way. Could you imagine if Mercedes branded Smart cars as mercedes? They would dilute their image! The same way that lexus is diluting their image by offering Performance vehicles (isf and lfa) under the same marquee as they offer non performance hybrids and soft cruisers.

Mind you, given your biases I guess this jack of all trades master of none ideology appeals to you.

Joe_Limon - 12/2/2011 2:18:15 PM

+2 Boost

I never stated that. I said that branding these sporty cars as Lexus's doesn't do anything to help the brand image. They aren't targeting people who wish their RX's are sportier.

It would be like GM making a Buick badged Corvette lol. Or Ford bringing a new generation of GT out as a Lincoln.

Designer1 - 12/2/2011 1:53:11 PM

-1 Boost

You can't have a front wheel drive handle or drive the same as a rear wheel drive car. The reason the Germen cars feel the same is because they're all rear wheel drive (something I love). So, the ES and RX will feel the same but different from the IS/GS.

Now, let's also correct something about the Benz vs. BMW. Unless you're in a sport S model then it will feel close to driving a 750i, but in general the big sedans still don't feel as sporty as their smaller models.

One thing I just love about Lexus and that is, their quality. They truly sell you good product.

I hope they'll get some sportiness into their line, that would be beautiful.

JUGNU - 12/2/2011 3:53:36 PM

+1 Boost

“Sure, there will be direct technology transfers to all Lexus lines. For instance carbon, engine efficiency and more. But the most important cross pollination is not the car itself, it is the thought process behind the car. That thought process could change the philosophy of Lexus 180 degrees.”

This quote sums it up nicely. That is why LFA was needed and is so important for Lexus. Lexus will never be the same(dull/soft to be more frank) again. The LFA has raised expectations and the challenge.