What Are The Odds? Lexus Claims Upcoming SC To Challenge Porsche 911 Turbo

Lexus is poised to join the growing ranks of car makers looking to challenge the £120,000 Porsche 911 Turbo when it launches a production version of the Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sports Coupé concept before the end of 2016.

The 2+2 sports coupé is likely to revive the SC badge, although it is expected to be a far more focused sports car than the model that previously used the name until production ended in 2010.

The European boss of Lexus, Alain Uyttenhoven, said: “It is true that we are evaluating this car as a potential halo car, to take on the role of the Lexus LFA supercar in a more affordable way. The LFA was an incredible project; it showed what we could do and it brought all sorts of positives to Lexus.
 

Sciros - 11/24/2014 1:14:06 PM

+4 Boost

The LFA was certainly on a 911 Turbo level in terms of performance. It was the price tag that made it a sort of pointless point of conversation.

If the SC's price tag is more like $120k and it has LFA performance (which it SHOULD, it's going to come out in 2016 at the earliest) then yeah it's a 911 Turbo competitor.

TheSteve - 11/24/2014 1:28:23 PM

+2 Boost

Challenge in what way? Specs? Sure, they might pull it off. Mind-share, timeless styling, and widespread reverence and appeal? I think Lex has a ways to go on this.

Lexus has done an outstanding job at being known as the quality car with few defects. Unfortunately, they're now becoming known as the car with the weird and arguably unattractive styling, which isn't a good thing.

carsnyc - 11/24/2014 1:42:39 PM

+2 Boost

Agreed with you Steve but for the first time (IMHO) that weird style seems to work for the car pictured above.

PUGPROUD - 11/24/2014 2:07:08 PM

+2 Boost

Styling may be weird to some but to get attention and people talking Lexus needed to think out of the box. Regarding challenging Porsche Lexus might best spend its money elsewhere. With Porsche's heritage, large customer base, aspirational qualities, racing history, etc etc Lexus will find the market tough to crack on a sustaining basis once newness wears off. Performance buyers do not want to have to explain their choice of car purchase to other enthusiasts.

david999 - 11/24/2014 6:45:27 PM

+3 Boost

I am looking forward to this vehicle. The concept looks great and will stand out on the street.

quizz - 11/24/2014 6:57:36 PM

+1 Boost

It's all about the weight. Lexus is not known for light weight cars, and if it can keep the weight competitive, then it doesn't have to worry as much about power and balance.

DavidA - 11/24/2014 7:37:28 PM

0 Boost

Lexus has officially lost its mind. To think they can somehow compare this ugly piece of crap with an iconic automobile is crazy. I don't care if it can outrun a fuel dragster or has quality out the yin-yang, only pimple faced adolescents with small you-know-what's that have dealers that can somehow work out a lease for them will be seen driving this abomination. I'm not a Porsche fan-boy at all, but Lexas hasn't got a clue if thay think that anyone that is interested in a Porsche would cross-shop this sci-fi thriller escapee.

MDarringer - 11/24/2014 7:50:40 PM

+3 Boost

Going for the 911 Turbo will only ensure Lexus has a great car. The German car fanboys don't want to hear that anything is as good or gasp better than the Porsche Super Beetle.

The LFA proved they have what it takes.

Terry989 - 11/24/2014 8:39:44 PM

+2 Boost

Yes Matt, I know you don't want to hear this, but Nissan said the same thing about the GTR - - - and the GTR has more than proved that it has the goods to take on the 911.

Until you look at the numbers anyway. Last year Porsche sold 10 911's for every GTR sold. In the car business, sales count more than just doing a one off car that has what it takes.

While technically a competent car, the LFA was a sales failure. First they tried selling them. That didn't work, then they tried leasing them, that didn't work. Next it was back to selling them again, which again didn't work out to well. Even today, many appear unsold or have virtually zero miles on them.

MDarringer - 11/24/2014 9:51:10 PM

-1 Boost

@Terry989 10 millions flies eat feces they can't be wrong...your logic is soaked in LAME sauce

Terry989 - 11/25/2014 1:50:22 AM

+3 Boost

I know you hate the facts Matt, when called on the table to present the facts to back up your claims you never have any. Aren't you the same one who also claims to own a Porsche dealership yet at every corner you tell us not to buy a Porsche, how they are over priced, under powered, unreliable - - - and the dealers make too much profit?

You are either the worst Marketing/Sales person I have came across in my life - - - or so full of bull sh*t that you have lost track of reality. My job is sniffing out bull sh*t, and in this case, it is definitely the later case.

MDarringer - 11/24/2014 9:52:29 PM

-1 Boost

the stupid will defiantly defend their losing position...the smart will obliterate them for the lesser beings they are.

valhallakey - 11/25/2014 1:40:18 AM

+1 Boost

In order to get the zillions of details right, the throttle feel, the relationship between the controls, the road feel through the steering wheel, the smallest part in the suspension etc... Lexus should embark on a major racing effort witch prototypes of the SC.