S2000toIS350

Today I participated in another Lexus Advisory Board Survey.

The topic was a three door sport back entry level coupe.

From what I saw, they are looking at power via a turbo 4 and a hybrid option.

They also seem to have a double clutch or real manual tranny options on the table.

There were a few questions about sunroof use so I am thinking they will offer a price point stripper without one.

No pics were provided.

The questions got the the sportiness/handling/unique coupe design/room and comfort front and back/AWD stuff too.

Another point of interest is they asked if a design either based on an existing model or being unique was important.

There was no free text opportunity in the survey so no chance to rip them on continuing to go down market. I would much rather see a Bentley GT convertible killer (with a folding hard top).

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Good stuff, thanks for sharing! Ideally, I'd like to see an IS Coupe and maybe a version of the FRS with a Lexus badge...if the resources are there, why reinvent the wheel?

spwolf

so we can personally hold you responsible if it sucks :-)

S2000toIS350

SPWolf

I actually dissed the sportback thing in the survey.

There weren't many useful feedback options but I tried to communicate the low perception thing (like the old BMW 318i or MB C class sportbacks).

I am still hopefull the SC replacement will be a great car.

TCM55

How about they start with an IS coupe and go from there.

Brian@Vossen

Sounds like 3 door CT.....

S2000toIS350

Regarding the IS coupe idea, we are in agreement.

My sense is the current IS is so far along in its product cycle that a current gen IS coupe could not be justified.

I believe they are trying to have something to go against the BMW 1 series, maybe with an MSRP just under $25K.

S2000toIS350

Mike, I think your 3 door CT point makes sense (my dislike of the HS and CT kept me from mentioning the idea of a 3 door CT).

I just wish they would do this new car using a RWD platform.

There were no questions about FWD vs RWD in the survey

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

An entry level coupe is a cool idea but like you said, the bottom end of Lexus' portfolio is already pretty dense: IS, ES, HS, CT and hopefully a new small SUV at some point. Something FWD, 4 cylinder based off a Toyota platform would be a no-go, IMO.

It needs to be RWD with at least a FI 4 cylinder. Manual and/or DSG sound good and a hybrid would obviously be neat as well.

Were you able to see Lexus' responses to the questions about performance, design, comfort, drivetrain, etc?

Brian@Vossen

Thanks for the info! Like you I would also like to see a LS type coupe and the SC needs to return pronto!

plex

iTrader: (11)

A RWD Turbo with true manual would be nice.

spwolf

so it was basically 3-door CT?

xioix

I wouldn't mind an SLK, Z4 competitor

Remember the Supra was a 3 door coupe, so it might just be something like a CT coupe

grabber2

Not happening, The Toyota FR-S would have cost that much!! it should be starting at $30K or more.........remember, coupe ae always more expensive than sedan!!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lexus can't come out with coupe fast enough. so they are thinking about another coupe below the IS? that's quite odd