Does Lexus Need To Bet The Farm And Make A Four Door Version Of THIS?

Like most major auto shows, there's always a slip up or a non-intentional "leak," so they say.

Regardless, it happens and this time around for the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, the big leak -- so far -- has been the Lexus LF-LC sports coupe. Sporting an LFA-inspired design, it's pretty clear that Lexus wants to sex things up a bit.

Considering brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and even Infiniti have taken design risks with cars like the A7, 6-Series Gran Coupe, CLS-Class, Panamera, and M37/56, and have been WINNING it looks like Lexus is next.

That's why we're curious: Do you think THIS kind of design would be a WIN for Lexus if it made a four-door, radical car that is a departure for the brand?

Now Lexus is bringing forward elements of sportier driving dynamics AND a sensual design. The only problem is it doesn't have a vehicle that looks the part, is practical and is the object of affection for many.

Your move, Lexus...

Taking the new Lexus design direction one step further, the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at 1:25 p.m. Eastern time on January 9, 2012.

“Crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan, the LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

Conceived as a design exercise to explore the future of Lexus design, the LF-LC was created at the company’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, Calif.

WorldofLuxury - 12/22/2011 12:24:19 AM

+1 Boost

Sure! aha

MorePower - 12/22/2011 2:02:38 AM

+2 Boost

Did Toyota spend so much money on developing the LF-A that they need to spend the next three years developing vehicles based off of it?

The LF-A is so three years ago, and it wasn't hot then.

freeagent - 12/22/2011 7:55:54 AM

+3 Boost

no, they need to get this to market as the new SC. The new GS is already done, and I do not think we need a still more CLS clones; Lexus needs to focus on getting it's core models right

Willis - 12/22/2011 11:15:49 AM

-2 Boost

"Lexus needs to focus on getting it's core models right"

Yep, the Toyota Camry Deluxe (ES) and the Toyota Harrier (RX) need a serious makeover! ;-p

Drerx8 - 12/22/2011 11:33:49 AM

+1 Boost

Absolutely not - just make this a legitimate SC400 replacement/SL competitor...not that bulbous SC430, which was the worst driving 'sports' coupe/convertible I've driven.

Designer1 - 12/22/2011 12:08:33 PM

+1 Boost

Absolutely, but PLZ make such sporty sedans affordable so the average person can buy them!! lol

knowitall1985 - 12/22/2011 3:45:28 PM

+2 Boost

It's going to be fun watching all you haters eating your words...LOL

knowitall1985 - 12/22/2011 3:48:04 PM

+1 Boost

I remember when the redesign was showen on the RX350 all the haters said it would suck. It has been almost three years and it still leads the segment by a large margin, and that's after losing almost 3 months of production.....Bunch of no-nothings....LOL

Joe_Limon - 12/22/2011 4:12:52 PM

0 Boost

The haters still don't like the RX350, but that doesn't stop all the soccer moms from wanting it.

LexSucks - 12/22/2011 5:52:36 PM

+2 Boost

Lexus doesn't need to do anything other than continue to make thier class leading vehicles.

knowitall1985 - 12/23/2011 10:14:23 AM

0 Boost

When your mom last night she said u still wet your bed...LOL

JUGNU - 12/23/2011 7:40:40 AM

+2 Boost

Toyoda seems like the right leader for the 'current Toyota' and i am sure will bring Top reliability and sportiness back to Toyota.

"Toyota wants to emphasise driving pleasure rather than high performance in its future models"

550HP LFA was recently compared with the 700HP Aventador by CAR magazine and their conclusion was this:

"Last night I’d had a nagging realization that the Lexus is actually a more exciting car than the Lamborghini. On this road, it’s confirmed with astonishing certainty. It’s not faster, but it’s more thrilling and more rewarding.

I feel mildly shocked by that conclusion. How can a front-engined car with a mere 412kW prove a richer experience than a huge hunk of mid-engined Italian testosterone? It’s in the detail.

If you had to lock just one of these cars into a time capsule to capture the essence of a supercar, it’s be the orange [Aventador]. The LFA is more troublesome; a supercar that places no importance on looking wild nor on Top Trumps numbers. It’s a driving machine pure and simple and it’s amongst the best there’s ever been."

http://lexusenthusiast.com/2011/12/13/car-comparison-lexus-lfa-vs-lamborghini-aventador/

Similarly new GS has been praised by all magazines and almost all have said more or less that it handles as good as the benchmark 5 series if not better.
Ok some complained about the styling, interior, cabin space, now average 306 BHP V6 but none so far have been left unimpressed by the chassis, handling, grip, control...etc and who would have thought that only a year ago.

Almost all praised the steering feel and advanced suspension of the new GS and said it is the most neutral handling car of the class. Maybe in a straight line will loose to the 320HP+ rivals like 535i, A6 3.0T, M35, S60 T6...etc but in the corners definitely as good if not better and sharper than the best in class.

So Toyoda has delivered what was promised. LFA forward Lexus will never be the same again and new cars beginning from GS are proving to be very sporty and luxurious at the same time.
So i expect future Lexus models(Regular not the F models) to be very fun to drive, with great emphasis on chassis tuning not necessarily overpowered like some BMWs and Mercedes(440BHP+ V8s) and deliver class leading fuel economy.