Lexus Execs Want a New Halo Car to Replace LFA
Now that the final Lexus LFA has rolled off the production line, the Japanese automaker is turning its attention to the future in order to continue building excitement around the brand.
In a recent interview with Automotive News, Lexus Executive Vice President Kazuo Ohara admitted that, “If we [Lexus] want to build a more emotional brand, then we need a halo car.” But it won’t be any sort of spiritual successor to the LFA, in fact, it will be a much more affordable sports car when Lexus gets around to making it.
SEE ALSO: Lexus LFA Production Ends With a Promise
The automaker has no immediate plans to build a new halo car, but rather wants to focus on a new four-point plan to help capture more market share. Those four points are: more impassioned design, new drivetrains, better customer service and sexier marketing. So far, the overhaul in the Lexus lineup with a more aggressive and sportier style has surely checked off the focus on impassioned design.
As for grabbing the attention of younger, luxury buyers, Lexus is seriously considering a new coupe model. Both the LF-LC and LF-CC have garnered a positive response, and the Japanese automaker is looking closely at both concepts. More importantly, however, Lexus is working on a new generation of powertrains to outfit its models with, including a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine.
Over the next couple of years, Lexus will expand its lineup from six models to eight, but has declined to comment on an exact timetable.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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