Naughty and Nice Lexus: Oh What Fun is is To Drive! (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus)
Lexus jingled our bells this year with new rides, more F Performance, and electrifying plans; so we celebrate the slickest F’ing sleighs of the season.
2021 was a tough year. There’s no other way to sugarcoat it. Then we would get a little respite, the clouds would part rays of sun would hit. Life was getting closer to normalcy. This new normal definitely impacted the automotive industry–in vary degrees of success. First, Lexus announced that the F Performance and F Sport lines were expanding.
Smart move for Lexus. Starting with the 2022 IS 500 F Sport Performance, the Lexus F marque will have more options and offer a well defined line up. Lexus vehicles will now fit four different, distinct tiers: F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance, and hi-po F Performance badge.
More capability, more options, more kick. It is hard to go wrong with a Lexus F. It is packing power and agility and a sweet sumptuous interior and design makes it a turn heads. Toyota continued to turn heads and blow minds when they announced their bold new plan towards electrification. Lexus would transform to all-electric by 2030.
Before purists and ICE-only gear heads started to shake their fists, something interesting happened. These cars and SUVs were really exciting, new, and–hold on, what is that? Pictured in the new EV fam was the true F Performance Big Daddy: the LFA. Toyota played coy, but bottom line: The LFA is coming back as an electric variant.
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We’re going to need a red bow! Stat!
Speaking of, we need to credit Lexus with the success of rebranding the automobile in their “December to Remember” adverts. With the inclusion of a simple, oversized red ribbon, Lexus changed the holiday spots.
In these ads, commercials, and dealership displays; the real thrill was the Lexus. It felt like a completely new idea to market a luxury car as the present itself. No elves, no shelves, not even Rudolph. Instead, Lexus focused on the vehicle as a gift for those that–we assume–were 100% “nice list.” And this change in focus changed the game.
Others have tried to imitate the idea, but no one could touch Lexus. Other automakers tried, but it never hit with drivers. Meanwhile, Lexus branched out a little, showing the ribbon in other colors. Hey, if it ain’t broke …. Lexus became synonymous with the exhilaration of a dream coming true–under a ginormous ribbon.
Even when they went beyond the bow, the focus was on the power and heft that drove the sleek, luxe ride. Lexus has shown it has the vim and vigor to handle all types of weather and conditions. It isn’t hiding out in the garage for the winter. Many drivers enjoy and rely on the F Sport and F Performance as a daily driver.
No wonder Santa would choose a Lexus. His 2021 Lexus HX Sleigh Concept is a ride with tons of cargo that needs for his (one) day job. But it also rocks some vintage style components with legitimate firepower.
Overall, we are looking forward to Lexus’ new direction. Electric vehicle technology is moving forward fast. Toyota has made their intent clear that Lexus will incorporate battery EV tech only when it meets their high standards. We have seen electric sports cars, supercars, and other vehicles with insane horsepower, speed, and beautiful handling.
When Lexus does debuts the all-electric F Performance and F Sport vehicles; we know they will do it right. Remember, the LFA is an iconic supercar for many reasons. When we get the monster, it will not be a toothless ride. It will likely be as seismic as we recall.
Come on Santa, baby! Just slip an IS F under the tree for me!
Photos: Lexus; Lexus UK; Toyota; DuPont; Lexus Japan
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