Lexus set to redesign car line by 2007, add performance unit

[NFS4]

Lexus set to redesign car line by 2007, add performance unit

 

[BigSmooth]

To critics who pan Lexus styling as bland, Clements says, "Vanilla is the best-selling ice cream. But we'll have some other flavors, too."

I'm glad they want to mix things up a bit. They've had some promising concept cars lately.

 

[NFS4]

A car above the LS430?? Finally, room for Toyota's V12 in the US market. I'm also glad to hear that they plan on making the IS a better competitor

 

[BigSmooth]

Actually, I like pretty much everything the guy has to say, but we'll see if they can deliver everything he's promising.

 

[bozack]

Two things I find funny...

"If we add technology, it needs to be intuitive and something Americans don't want to have to work at to enjoy," he said. "Americans don't read owners manuals, and they don't want three-hour seminars to learn how to use their car."

Now I wonder 1. if it is only Americans that don't like doing this or if everyone is this way...

The creation of a factory performance division, akin to Mercedes-Benz's AMG.

So shopping cart wings, clear lights, large mufflers and some ricer stickers are going to become the norm ?

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: bozack
Two things I find funny...

"If we add technology, it needs to be intuitive and something Americans don't want to have to work at to enjoy," he said. "Americans don't read owners manuals, and they don't want three-hour seminars to learn how to use their car."

Now I wonder 1. if it is only Americans that don't like doing this or if everyone is this way...

The creation of a factory performance division, akin to Mercedes-Benz's AMG.

So shopping cart wings, clear lights, large mufflers and some ricer stickers are going to become the norm ?

Ummm, AMG is not like that, and Lexus' performance division will not be like that. It will be "hotter" engines, subtle body kits/side skirts, lower suspension, firmer suspension tuning, larger wheels/tires, slightly altered interior and of course: Balls to the walls performance.

 

[ajpa123]

Great idea,
I would most welcome an all-wheel-drive station wagon variant of the IS300 for young enthusiasts (with families, of getting close to having one)

The performance division would be great.
I wonder if they would offer major upgrades/products for older models that don't void the factory warranty. For example, adding a brake, wheel and supension package for the gs series for a few grand and have it fully factory warrantied.. that would rock !!!

 

[GTaudiophile]

WTF! We have to wait ANOTHER three years for an IS replacement???

 

[thomsbrain]

$10 bucks says the "performance unit" consists of TRD stickers, pioneer subwoofers, muffler tips, and shorter springs.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
$10 bucks says the "performance unit" consists of TRD stickers, pioneer subwoofers, muffler tips, and shorter springs.

"Whatever products we need, we'll get," Clements said. "The product planners, designers and chief engineers now are all Lexus-dedicated. There will be more performance, bigger and better wheels, things like that."
...
Lexus' first attempt, the L-Tuned accessories line, was aborted last year because it mostly offered appearance add-ons that had little to do with performance.

Clements said the next iteration will be better.

"An AMG-type sub-brand is coming," he said. "We have to have those image products."

I would hope that if you have the cajones to compare your future tuning division to AMG, then you would certainly have the performance to back that up.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
WTF! We have to wait ANOTHER three years for an IS replacement???

6 years for a luxury brand model isn't that bad, truthfully. With the 2004 models, that makes the IS300 4 model years old and 3 actual years old. Waiting another 3 years for replacement is akin to most domestic and German vehicles - not Toyota, ironically, who's made a name for themselves for replacing models every 5 years.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
$10 bucks says the "performance unit" consists of TRD stickers, pioneer subwoofers, muffler tips, and shorter springs.

"Whatever products we need, we'll get," Clements said. "The product planners, designers and chief engineers now are all Lexus-dedicated. There will be more performance, bigger and better wheels, things like that."
...
Lexus' first attempt, the L-Tuned accessories line, was aborted last year because it mostly offered appearance add-ons that had little to do with performance.

Clements said the next iteration will be better.

"An AMG-type sub-brand is coming," he said. "We have to have those image products."

I would hope that if you have the cajones to compare your future tuning division to AMG, then you would certainly have the performance to back that up.

You can't really mess up with forced induction. Power is power, after all.

 

[kroq]

The IS300 needs to have a major facelift/performance upgrade a lot sooner than 2007. I personally would take an Audi A4 quattro over an IS anyday.