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2005 Lexus LF-A Concept

Transforming Perceptions with 500-HP Super-Coupe

Lexus, the worlds most dependable nameplate according to third-party analytical firm J. D. Power and Associates, doesnt sell as many luxury sedans as market leaders BMW and Mercedes-Benz, despite offering as many features, equally luxurious interiors and lower prices.

Whats the problem? Bland styling. Years of criticism from the automotive press, and other sources, have caused those that lead the Toyota division to rethink its conservative image, allowing the artistic stylists that make up its design team the opportunity to stretch their collective muscles in order to dream up a new kind of Lexus.

The dependable, and traditionally blandly styled Lexus brand is beginning to shake up preconceptions. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

The result has been a design language Lexus calls L-Finesse, and three, extremely attractive concepts shown over the last couple of years.

"Over the last two years, a new styling philosophy that we call L-Finesse, has taken shape at Lexus Design," said Wahei Hirai, Toyota Motor Corporations global managing

"Over the last two years, a new styling philosophy that we call L-Finesse, has taken shape at Lexus Design," said Wahei Hirai, TMCs global managing officer of design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

officer of design. "What has emerged from this two-year journey is not just a new direction in philosophy. It is a new design language, based on the dynamism and inherent contrast between simplicity and elegance."

The first L-Finesse concept was the HPX concept, a stylish station wagon cum sport utility crossover that would fit very well into the Japanese brands current lineup, is expected

Lexus has been considering attacking the premium sports car/coupe market in a much more aggressive manner than its current SC 430 roadster can. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to get the nod for production - or at least something similar should be forthcoming.

LF-S sedan came second, the direct inspiration for Lexus designers who penned the new GS 300/430, due out this coming spring. While the production car is clearly less dramatic than the concept, the midsize four-door is a great deal more attractive than previous Lexus cars, while delivering that all important premium product attribute, distinction.

The LF-S was quickly followed by the LF-C, s retractable

"The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," stated Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

hardtop coupe/convertible which bowed in New York last April, causing many would-be prognosticators to question whether it, or something derived from the racy concept would spawn the next generation IS 300.

With any more talk on the subject merely being speculative, Lexus has been considering attacking the premium sports car/coupe market in a much more aggressive manner than its current SC 430 roadster can. While no hint as to whether a new super-coupe would replace or be sold side-by-side the luxuriously appointed retractable hardtop, Lexus gave the automotive press at Detroits annual auto show more fodder to chew on with

The exotic Lexus should provide supercar performance with 500-horsepower on tap and an estimated 200 mph top speed. (Photo: Trevor American, American Auto Press)

the introduction of the LF-A sports car concept.

"The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," stated Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. "Currently only a concept, it is a realistic vision of how we might address the boundaries that define the exotic sports car landscape."

More akin to a top-tier Aston Martin or Porsche 911 Turbo, the exotic Lexus should provide supercar performance with 500-horsepower on tap and an estimated 200 mph top speed.

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