CT Lexus Premium Compact Concept

[cawimmer430]

But as always, Lexus misses the goal here in Europe. This will be a car for the US.

I wonder how they will do it this time. With the IS we did not even get the IS350, a model that could have competed in the upper tiers of the segment.

I'll be really pissed off if this tarted up Corolla is accepted in the US while a BMW 1-Series SEDAN isn't.

"Oooooh but it's a Lexus!" <---- Yep, a gussied up Toyota in case you didn't know.


I doubt the IS350 would have sold well here. Lexus has problems moving IS250's off the lots here. The IS220d according to AMS makes up well over 70% of IS sales in Europe.

 

[cawimmer430]

If they do I'll have to beg for my membership back on Edmunds so I rub those Lexus fans noses in it!

Were you banned?

 

[Merc1]

Were you banned?

Yep. Too much arguing with the Lexus folks.


M

 

[cawimmer430]

Yep. Too much arguing with the Lexus folks.

M

Sounds like the moderators there are getting ass kissed by Toyota, eh Lexus.

 

[bmer]

I've already theorized that their compact model will most likely compete with a 130i sedan - not a 116i, 118i, 120i etc. Guess what? I saw my first 130i sedan yesterday and these cars just don't sell in massive numbers at all.

I'll be really pissed off if this tarted up Corolla is accepted in the US while a BMW 1-Series SEDAN isn't.

Please tell me what is 1-Series Sedan? You mean the Coupe? And there is no 130i Coupe, only 3-dr/5-dr.

 

[Mr Robert]

Please tell me what is 1-Series Sedan? You mean the Coupe? And there is no 130i Coupe, only 3-dr/5-dr.

The 5-door one is sometimes called sedan or limo in Germany. Right, Christian?

 

[cawimmer430]

Please tell me what is 1-Series Sedan? You mean the Coupe? And there is no 130i Coupe, only 3-dr/5-dr.

Here:



This is what I meant.

The 1-Series "5-Door". And yep, I know the 130i is only available on the 5-Door - and my point is that Lexus is very likely going to compete with this model from the 1-Series range while ignoring everything else. They still seem to think that when it comes to motors "bigger is better" - even in Europe.

 

[cawimmer430]

The 5-door one is sometimes called sedan or limo in Germany. Right, Christian?

I've seen the 1-Series 5-Door referred to as a "hatch" / "small limousine" so I guess the term "sedan" could apply in certain ways.

 

[bmer]

Ahh, OK. That's just the first time I hear anybody call a hatchback/5-dr 1er a sedan.

 

[cawimmer430]

Ahh, OK. That's just the first time I hear anybody call a hatchback/5-dr 1er a sedan.

What's really confusing is the difference between the 1-Series Coupe and the 1-Series 3-Door. Usually I would call the 3-Door a "coupe" since it basically is one.

 

[klier]

^ No, the 3 door is a typical hatch, it lacks a sedan-ish boot area

You're not alone. The rear window shape is reminiscent of the 1-Series and the BMW Hoffmeister kink - something Lexus has continually used in their recent designs.

I too will wait for the [toned down] production version but I cannot help but think that Lexus is only targetting the 130i with this car and nothing else. If that's the case they really won't make any inroads into Europe - which is good.

Seriously Very 1er ish! Oh well, new 1er on the way, to make this thing here look old.

 

[Mr Robert]

What's really confusing is the difference between the 1-Series Coupe and the 1-Series 3-Door. Usually I would call the 3-Door a "coupe" since it basically is one.

But the 3-door 1-series is a typical hatch and the 5-door is a, well, 5-door hatch.

 

[bmer]

What's really confusing is the difference between the 1-Series Coupe and the 1-Series 3-Door. Usually I would call the 3-Door a "coupe" since it basically is one.

But traditionally coupes have 2 doors, not 3 (or 5) like hatchbacks or 4 like sedans. You don't call the Polo 3-door a coupe and the Polo 5-door a sedan either.

 

[Mii]

Lexus LF-Ch Shows the Gold in Frankfurt

We're not really sure what Lexus was thinking, introducing the Lexus LF-Ch full hybrid concept in all-gold. It seems a little counter-intuitive to paint what is supposed to be a modest five-door in a gaudy color.
Perhaps they are trying to market the vehicle exclusively to Russian and Middle Eastern markets, where those colors are occasionally sought after.
Obviously, it would be unfair to judge the car on color alone. It does actually look very cool, maintaining a distinctly Japanese look. It has an interesting front fascia, and a body with sharp lines. As a concept, the back makes for a very interesting look, but this would clearly be toned down if it were brought to market. Inside, it features a more muted look, with leather and aluminum throughout.
The car uses a 2.4-liter, 147 horsepower engine, and a 40hp electric motor. Steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters offer an element of control over the six-speed automatic transmission.










WCF

 

[Mr Robert]

Imagine that in 3-door guise! A little toned down and in a sane colour... I think it might work.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper – only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. – especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1 Series hybrid or diesel down the line.

- REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner &mdash; Autoblog

I never really "cared" for Lexus even though I have found the GS430 to have an acceptable yet comfortable ride. But even though I'm not a wagon or Lexus "fan", I would buy this car. One of the best looking and most original designs I have seen from Lexus.

 

[Mii]

Possible Lexus LF-Ch Production Version Spied Under Wraps

An anonymous source has sent these photos to WCF of what is likely the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch Concept.

The LF-Ch represents Lexus' foray into the premium compact segment in Europe - a simmering hatch to match the likes of the Audi A3 and the BMW 1-Series.

At the introduction of the LF-Ch Concept at the Frankfurt motor show last September, Lexus officials made it clear that the LF-Ch was more than a concept. furthermore, it represented a serious first approach to entering the competitive European premium compact segment.

The LF-Ch will share much of its components with the Lexus HS 250h and the Toyota Auris models. Judging from the plastic-wrapped production model here, the LF-Ch design has been toned-down from the concept version, with a more conservative styling that matches the main cues in the rest of the Lexus lineup.

The LF-Ch production version will likely debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Source: WFC

 

[HighestOfHigh]

^Should be a good seller for Lexus.

 

[EnI]

^Should be a good seller for Lexus.

Europe doesn't care about Lexus at all. The sales are miserable. Even Porsche & Jaguar sell more cars in Europe than Lexus.

Here the instant artificial luxury brands just don't work.

People are rather buying original brands with prestige & heritage. Not some "luxury" brands created in a "marketing lab".

And again - instead of offering a competitive diesel engine, Lexus will offer a hybrid instead. No a good move if wanting to improve sales. Since sales of premium hatch hybrids will be very marginal in Europe.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Europe doesn't care about Lexus at all. The sales are miserable. Even Porsche & Jaguar sell more cars in Europe than Lexus.

Here the instant artificial luxury brands just don't work.

Thank you for your words of wisdom.

"It should be a good seller in the US".