Lexus LC News
#2056
Lexus Test Driver
Crappy hybrid? Don't think so. A 400hp hybrid with decent fuel economy would be great because no one else competes in that space. The BMW i8 is above $120k and that has a weedy turbo triple.
A crappy hybrid would be an RC300h, unfortunately. That's an RC with the ES/GS 2.5 liter hybrid drivetrain which is very efficient but doesn't belong in a sports coupe.
A crappy hybrid would be an RC300h, unfortunately. That's an RC with the ES/GS 2.5 liter hybrid drivetrain which is very efficient but doesn't belong in a sports coupe.
#2057
Lexus Test Driver
SC430 was one of the finest made cars in its time with some of the best quality materials, it was also super reliable.
It sold horribly and was discontinued altogether.
The competition these days is much more intense - a luxury coupe that is $100k+ needs to have serious POWER, amazing styling, and great interior to gain traction.
Personally I think Lexus is making a big mistake putting a weak V8 in it and having hybrid available. By the time this thing is out - BMW will have its updated 6 ready to go and new 8 series. MB will have Sclass coupe, SL, and base AMG GT sports car. Lets also not forget about Porsche and its 911.
Way too many cool cars out there in 100k+ range, Lexus should keep this thing at 70-90k imo for it to sell.
It sold horribly and was discontinued altogether.
The competition these days is much more intense - a luxury coupe that is $100k+ needs to have serious POWER, amazing styling, and great interior to gain traction.
Personally I think Lexus is making a big mistake putting a weak V8 in it and having hybrid available. By the time this thing is out - BMW will have its updated 6 ready to go and new 8 series. MB will have Sclass coupe, SL, and base AMG GT sports car. Lets also not forget about Porsche and its 911.
Way too many cool cars out there in 100k+ range, Lexus should keep this thing at 70-90k imo for it to sell.
#2058
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
I think you guys are over emphasizing the power versus price issue.
The BMW 650 is 450hp starting at 89K
The Sclass coupe is 449hp starting at 120K
Yes, both those cars have torque ratings that blow away the Lexus but the power and cost are more than being right there to make Lexus a competitive buy.
What Lexus needs are more variants. The Benz comes in AMG's with enough power to stop the rotation of the earth. The BMW M is close to that. Those power monsters cost quite a bit more though. I am more than happy with Lexus' 467hp but they should make an Fsport model with at least 550hp.
That's my take on all of this.
The BMW 650 is 450hp starting at 89K
The Sclass coupe is 449hp starting at 120K
Yes, both those cars have torque ratings that blow away the Lexus but the power and cost are more than being right there to make Lexus a competitive buy.
What Lexus needs are more variants. The Benz comes in AMG's with enough power to stop the rotation of the earth. The BMW M is close to that. Those power monsters cost quite a bit more though. I am more than happy with Lexus' 467hp but they should make an Fsport model with at least 550hp.
That's my take on all of this.
#2059
Looking at recent Lexus offerings it's pretty clear to me they are skipping the top performance echelon altogether, in every class they compete in. They did make some effort to make the cars look fast. The only area they lead over other makes is in Hybrids, and that doesn't seem competitive at all compared to what the Euros are now offering, so that advantage is ebbing away.
Neither performance over reliability or limiting performance to ensure reliability makes a winner. So maybe the real performance flagship is reserved for the Toyota Supra?
Neither performance over reliability or limiting performance to ensure reliability makes a winner. So maybe the real performance flagship is reserved for the Toyota Supra?
#2062
Couple things I noticed in recent pics of the LC500. The wheel gap is there. The wheels don't look as wide as they should be for that wide body frame. Maybe it was the angle of the photos. Looking forward to more specs, build options, and pricing.
I own a USB RCFsport and that blue is amazing. It's like looking into a pool of the bluest ink. However, that infrared on the LC looks amazing.
I own a USB RCFsport and that blue is amazing. It's like looking into a pool of the bluest ink. However, that infrared on the LC looks amazing.
#2063
Pole Position
I don't understand the hybrid model at this 6 figure price level. Do people that can afford cars at this price range truly care about fuel economy? I would think outright performance is what they are paying for. At that price, power and performance level it just doesnt seem right. It will surely be a technological wonder, but if the performance isn't there, so what? No one buys a sports car to save fuel. Hopefully these two are just base models with a midrange V6TT and V8TT F model to enhance it.
#2065
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
I don't understand the hybrid model at this 6 figure price level. Do people that can afford cars at this price range truly care about fuel economy? I would think outright performance is what they are paying for. At that price, power and performance level it just doesnt seem right.
but lexus has had very confused and very minimal 'messaging' over time with hybrids... is it for efficiency, for fuel economy, for the environment, for smoothness, or performance? lexus might just say 'yes' but i don't think they've had much messaging at all to make people spring the extra 5-10k for a hybrid lexus.
#2066
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
The first generation was rated at 22/25/23 (342hp). Real world driving was almost spot on at 23mpg from my experiences. So high 20's low 30's is a pretty consistent improvement, and this new 354hp hybrid + multi-speed transmission should improve both efficiency and performance. The addition of fixed gears in the multi stage system allows the gas engine to stay shut off up to wheel speeds of 87mph vs 62mph in the GS450h set-up. I've heard through the grapevine that the LC500h at a minimum will net 31/37mpg. This'll likely be the most engaging hybrid from Lexus to date
#2067
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
The first generation was rated at 22/25/23 (342hp). Real world driving was almost spot on at 23mpg from my experiences. So high 20's low 30's is a pretty consistent improvement, and this new 354hp hybrid + multi-speed transmission should improve both efficiency and performance. The addition of fixed gears in the multi stage system allows the gas engine to stay shut off up to wheel speeds of 87mph vs 62mph in the GS450h set-up. I've heard through the grapevine that the LC500h at a minimum will net 31/37mpg. This'll likely be the most engaging hybrid from Lexus to date
Last edited by bitkahuna; 08-16-16 at 03:37 PM.
#2068
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
It's about tech. It's about build quality. Like the NSX. Or a Panamera hybrid. Efficient power, not maximum power.
#2069
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
no doubt (on second point), but i think efficiency to save a few $100 a year is pretty irrelevant to the buyer.
#2070
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
Agree, very irrelevant to someone spending six figures. That said the LC500 will no doubt be the hoot to drive, well that and an F variant if that ever comes to fruition. The LC500h will likely fade quickly into the background like the LSh and GSh, but it will be a display of technology and lays the groundwork for future Lexus hybrids. Ideally the 3.5 and MSS combination will trickle down the product line.