LC Sales Failing To Meet Expectations - Why Can't Lexus Make A Performance Car That Sells?

They need to build that type of reputation from the ground up, not the top down. Make some less expensive models that are easy to modify, have factory performance parts etc... then work your way up the ladder from there. My 2.75cents

it would be interesting to see how the supra does sales wise and how will that affect the sales of LC?!!

That hideous grill.

It may have sold if it was 65-75k not 100

Good point, if it was 1/4-1/3 cheaper it would sell much better and maybe offset the higher costs to build.

It's a confused car that does not fulfill the marketed promise either high performance or luxury. It's relatively slow and heavy to be high performance when compared to cars such as the AMG-GT and F-Type. It's too space-compromised to really be a luxury coupe. In some sense one could argue its the best of both worlds, but maybe the demographic slice of buyers looking for that is more narrow than originally expected.

To add:

ironically, I was just chatting with someone who says that he is drawn to Lexus due to value, reliability, and quality. Lexus is no longer focusing on those bread-and-butter aspects of their brand.

Dumb article, you've already answered your question. Because it is NOT Porsche 911! LC sold more than MB, BMW's equivalent.

No it did not. The closest equivalent for the LC at a Benz dealership is the SL. And the older, aged, and in most cases, more expensive, SL is virtually tied with the LC in sales this year.

The problem is that this car is incredibly over-designed. Lexus could cut half of the styling marks off of this car and it might be good looking. And as Deutschland added, who spends $100K on a Lexus?

They cannot - that is not their customer.
I suppose if they priced it below a camaro they might sell a few - maybe that's the ticket!

I'll take one. It is gorgeous. Is it also relatively low risk as the platform is also used for the new LS and the upcoming large crossover.

So given a $100,000 budget to buy 2-seater sports car, you'd by the LC before considering other cars?

For once I agree with Truthy. The Lexus is easily more stylish than the competition and it's much more reliable, so fewer unscheduled trips for service. It's also more civilized. In person, it's a tour de force of gorgeous styling. My wife loves her RCF but the LC is what she wants. They are going to locate one that is specifically configured as she will want it and this will be a Lexus Christmas to remember. I'm selling a couple of vintage rides to put the cash together.

You have to earn your dues in this market segment...jumping in and out of this segment doesn't get it done, doesn't build interest and doesn't build brand loyalty. Enthusiasts who build strong word of mouth don't take Lexus serious in this market when they haven't earned their respect thru consistent model and product development over time. Current version has no heritage, is too heavy and lacks outstanding handling characteristics. It does however have a good engine looking for the right car.

Another good point. Just when it seems they are getting serious they step back. Hard to build a reputation like that.

Should’ve called it the SC, at least that has some spotty history to build on...

The LC isn't a "performance" car. It is a luxury car and as such it's too close quartered for it's luxury image. The slow sales have made the Christmas present much more affordable and I am happy for that.

Because a two seater sports car for $100,000 means you are a true enthusiasts, and enthusiasts want a REAL sports car, not a fast Lexus. If I had $100,000 to shop for a sports car, I'd buy a lightly loaded base 911 Carrera or even the M4 first

"No it did not. The closest equivalent for the LC at a Benz dealership is the SL. And the older, aged, and in most cases, more expensive, SL is virtually tied with the LC in sales this year. "

Virtually tied means, they are not tied, one is greater than the other , so which is it ?

Model year to date, the SL is 100 units ahead.

The interior is horrible and it’s prices 20k too high.

Goofy styling. Plain and simple. Same with the new LS. Same with all the vehicles with oversized cow-catcher grills. Heads should roll. 100's of millions of dollars worth of sales are lost because of these bad choices that should have been seen as bad from a mile away.

Hideous styling. Insane pricing. LFA anyone?

I actually like some of the styling, the basic curves etc... are pretty gorgeous. It is the over-wraught details that let is down, the goofy headlights crying, the hoover grill, the same on the rear. Agree it is priced too high, should be a high 60s to mid 80s car, after all is shares the LS platform and the basic engine... The LFA on the other hand was a crazy expensive performance exercise, not sure they are directly comparable.

Cause no one appreciates NA engine anymore. Unfortunate, but that's the way it is nowadays.

its over priced and under performing. pretty simple. not everyone is buying a lexus for their bubble headed wife anymore. what do you think its the 90's or something?

LoL!

LoL!

As usual, Lexus can't decide what this car is supposed to compete against. That is the problem. There are better sports cars (911) and better luxury cars MB S 560 coupe.

I agree with MDarringer, in the metal this car is gorgeous, will still look contemporary in 10 years and will be a great ownership experience.
The RCF is also a good looking car. It has character.

@Truthy I know where you can get a gently used RCF :)

It's because they think they are better than they are. They are still near luxury and compete with Infiniti, Lexus and Volvo. They need to price their cars as such and continue to dominate that category instead of building cars to compete with cars that are out of their league. The LC should be priced the same as the Infiniti Q60 and the same could be the said for the NSX.

Sure MD, if it gets you closer to your LC for Christmas.

The sound of a NA V8 engine is intoxicating. It's a distinct difference that is lost on most modern luxury buyers. Lexus has created a unique experience and should be applauded. It's a bit out of touch now as the market has shifted.

This car is definitely way over-priced and way way over designed and there are a lot of other cars I'd rather have that are less money than this and better looking.