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In yet another attempt to one-up Germany and America, Lexus is about to re-launch an old division with a new name...
But first, the origional story:
And the current story:
This is indeed interesting news, but allow me to be a bit skeptical. With the disappointing performance of the two newest Lexus models (GS450h, LS460) against the foreign competition they were supposed to "destroy," I can't see these new "performance" versions being any better. Too many computers, too much weight, far too many compromises for luxury purposes. They can cram as much horsepower and technology into a car as they please, but that doesn't make it an instant success. Look no further than the M6 for an example, especially by comparison to the "simple" Jaguar XKR, even when down 80 BHP.
But first, the origional story:
LLN.comLexus' U.S. executives are pressing their counterparts in Japan to give the L-Tuned division another chance, according to Automotive News. "There's nothing to announce yet," Jim Lentz, COO of Toyota Motor Sales said last week. "But the time is right to stretch Lexus as a core-luxury brand."
Lentz said the first L-Tuned vehicles which were built between 2000 and 2003 were more about cosmetics than performance. Many observers feel this is the reason the program fizzled out so quickly. There's speculation a new round of L-Tuned vehicles would more effectively target AMG and BMW's "M" division by offering tangible performance improvements.
In April, Lexus General Manager Bob Carter said a performance sub-brand had not been ruled out, but the company would "do high performance in a Lexus way."
And the current story:
LLN.comLexus will launch a new high-performance lineup beginning in 2007, according to dealer sources cited by Automotive News. The series will compete with BMW's "M" line and Mercedes' AMG. The automaker has filed for a trademark on the name "IS-F," which is believed to be the name for the company's 425 horsepower IS sedan, previously referred to as the IS 500.
The IS-F will be unveiled in January at the Detroit auto show and go on sale in December 2007. Other "F" models will surely be added in the following months, including a GS-F and an IS-F coupe.
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The company also filed for a trademark on a new "F" logo (pictured). The logo features a stylized letter similar to that of the Lexus logo.
This is indeed interesting news, but allow me to be a bit skeptical. With the disappointing performance of the two newest Lexus models (GS450h, LS460) against the foreign competition they were supposed to "destroy," I can't see these new "performance" versions being any better. Too many computers, too much weight, far too many compromises for luxury purposes. They can cram as much horsepower and technology into a car as they please, but that doesn't make it an instant success. Look no further than the M6 for an example, especially by comparison to the "simple" Jaguar XKR, even when down 80 BHP.