Is Lexus Setting Itself Up For FAILURE? Forecasts BIG Numbers For LC500 Sales #s — Do YOU Think This Goal Is Possible?

For me, one of the biggest debuts at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) was the all-new, production-ready Lexus LC500. That's because the car was stellar in the flesh.

It also doesn't hurt that it will feature the same V8 utilized in the RC F sports car.

While the company has not released any firm pricing information and has not given us an exact launch date, we have an all-new bit of information. According to reports, Lexus' executives believe that it will move over 6,500 units of the all-new LC500.

With an estimated price around the $100,000 mark, that's a HUGE sales figure. Cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe sell about 1,000 copies.

So, we're left scratching our heads: Is Lexus setting itself up for FAILURE?

...When the new LC 500 sports coupe goes on sale in spring 2017, Lexus plans in the first full sales year to deliver 4,000 units in the U.S. and 6,600 globally.

Chief Engineer Koji Sato says Toyota’s GA-L platform will underpin the LC 500 and all future rear-drive models in the Toyota luxury brand’s lineup. Based on the current portfolio, that would include the next-generation LS, GS, IS and RC, with both rear- and all-wheel-drive powertrains...

Read Article

Sciros - 2/16/2016 1:24:54 AM

+1 Boost

Yeah that is quite lofty. In 2015 GM sold about 8500 Z06s, 40% of which had the Z07 package. This is the CORVETTE we are talking about. And Porsche sold about 10000 911s in the US in 2015.

Lexus getting within any measurable fraction of that would be a WILD success that would put Chevy and PCNA on notice. It is not going to happen.

I think they will move, at best, half of their projected numbers. Most likely it will be less than that.

runninglogan1 - 2/16/2016 1:48:57 AM

+2 Boost

It's certainly possible, especially if it comes in well under $100k.

cidflekken - 2/16/2016 2:28:29 AM

+3 Boost

Mercedes' SL moved 5000 units in 2014 and 4000 units in 2015 in the US, with its pretty unattractive design and pretty lofty pricetag. And one of Lexus' key benchmark cars was the 6 Series and BMW moved 8000 units in each of the past two years in the US. Considering the Lexus' initial reaction from the public, I don't think Lexus will have any problem moving the 4000 units in the US. Heck, they might move 6000 just in the US alone. If Lexus fulfills its promise in the driving experience, I may just be in line for one. The only other compelling car that could take my interest away at the same price point (presumably) would be the true AMG version of the upcoming E-Class coupe.

MDarringer - 2/16/2016 8:24:02 AM

+1 Boost

I wouldn't be surprised it the LC becomes the gotta have vehicle in its segment.

cidflekken - 2/16/2016 11:10:57 AM

+3 Boost

I think the front-end looks incredible. It's the rear end that's just tragic, an absolute mess. This will certainly polarize opinions. Interestingly, when the RC first was introduced I remember the reactions being very positive, but now there seem to be very few critics who think it's attractive after the initial shock wore off.

PUGPROUD - 2/16/2016 8:48:23 AM

0 Boost

No problem the first year...Lexus has a loyal following and needed a halo car at this price point. The real question is will they keep it
fresh over time as buyers in this class either keep them a long time or flip them early to stay up with latest trends. Porsche is the model to follow not slow acting BMW or Mercedes. Follow up with a convertible, F performance versions, RS version, targa, something new off the same platform every six months to keep the buzz going to draw attention to the model. Otherwise like all sports cars and pure GT's sales drop off quickly and are slow to respond.

cidflekken - 2/16/2016 11:14:26 AM

+3 Boost

I'd have to agree. Due to its sensationalistic nature of the design, the LC will make a splash year one. But, this could go out of style very quickly as most fads do. This is where Lexus needs to tread a very fine line in the upper segment where tacky and trendy aren't sales drivers.

DavidA - 2/16/2016 9:32:07 AM

+1 Boost

Not going to happen. The great majority of people with the kind of cash to buy something this expensive want a prestigious name on it. Lexus broke into the market by offering high quality luxury at lower than German prices. They have not, and will probably never, have the cache of a Mercedes or BMW.

MiKeyMia - 2/16/2016 1:21:29 PM

+1 Boost

Too expensive. At this Price Point brand matters to the buyer. Lexus just doesn't have the credibility of exclusivity.

CarCrazedinCali - 2/16/2016 5:04:48 PM

+1 Boost

that rear end c pillar reminds of a prius, fail

ricks0me - 2/16/2016 5:14:37 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, Lexus is setting itself up for failure with that ugly piece of s**t. Would you ask the same question of a German brand?

MDarringer - 2/17/2016 8:41:44 AM

+1 Boost

Here they cheerlead BMW and Audi that make its new cars look like the previous models and bash anything that dares to enter the market (Continental, LC500).

knowitall1985 - 2/16/2016 6:12:32 PM

+1 Boost

I think it will be a huge hit for Lexus. It's long overdue...

7msynthetic - 2/16/2016 7:04:54 PM

+1 Boost

Absolutely gorgeous car but would take less chrome. In any event I wish they'd bring this out summer 2016 instead of spring 2017.

MDarringer - 2/16/2016 8:05:04 PM

-1 Boost

I love the chrome

CactoesGe1 - 2/17/2016 12:31:42 AM

+2 Boost

If I could afford it, I'd be first in line.

MDarringer - 2/17/2016 8:42:31 AM

0 Boost

Ditto me. This is a styling tour de force much like the Jaguar E Type was said to be in its day.

skytop - 2/17/2016 3:12:38 AM

0 Boost

Lexus is selling exclusivity with the LC500.

mre30 - 2/17/2016 9:22:36 AM

+2 Boost

Its a great design - they will sell a ton of them!

More important question, when is the cabriolet being introduced?

cidflekken - 2/18/2016 11:41:48 AM

+1 Boost

I think the visibility out of the front windshield will be a nightmare for short-ish drivers.