jadu

iTrader: (42)

i gotta see this entry level coupe

flipside909

IS Coupe...long over due...even before the IS300 came out.

Motor

I'll believe it when I see it.

DustinV

This would be a hit with the masses.


This would be a hit with enthusiasts.


And that's the problem. Enthusiast clients make up a very small portion of the core customers of a car brand. Lexus will look where the money is and that means FWD will most likely be engineered into this car.

I don't have a problem with this if I am honest. I have both a FWD and RWD car in my garage and I honestly don't feel the difference (given my driving style). I don't drive competitively and I don't drive on a racetrack - like 99% of buyers out there.

I'm pretty sure that this entry-level hatch won't be marketed with performance in mind.

Lexus could easily modify an IS platform for a RWD performance hatch - or they can badge engineer a Lexus from the Toyota FT-86 and give it a few more luxury touches.

Lexuslvr91

I think Lexus has quite enough FWD products it's time for some base level RWD vehicles. I also believe they should start to compare fuel efficient turbo engines to hybrid powertrains for a significant bump in horsepower but only a small ding if at all in fuel economy.

Take the CT200h. Add direct injection and turbocharging to the engine and you're likely to see a significant bump in horsepower and even likely to see a small gain in fuel economy due to direct injection.

G Star

iTrader: (2)

For anybody that doesn't understand, they're chasing the young car buyer, the race is on to see who can get the major share of this pie.

I don't like Lexus going down market either but the grim reality is that.

spwolf

i bet it is "just" CTh 3 door.

For some reason 3 door hatches are popularly called Coupes in the USA. While we superior europeans recognize them for what they are :-).

That being said, 3 door CTh would be cool.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Why would you want a folding hard top. We've had that. Didn't turn out that well. The IS Coupe is ugly. The SC430 was too controversial, definitely not a beautiful car even though some like it a lot.
Lexus doesn't seem to make convertibles look good.
No, I want a fixed roof, sporty coupe with enough legroom for big guys.

E6BAV8R

Agree - 100%. However, I don't know how you would make an entry-level Coupe based off cheaper than the IS and still maintain Lexus quality and reliability.

E6BAV8R

Coupes in the USA are 2 doors. We don't like hatchbacks around these parts!!

ST430

With the talk on the fr-s thread about a lexus version, wonder if it is a possibility after all of a turbo or hybrid fr-s as a lexus.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Entry level...ugh.

Agree that an SC replacement will hold better image if they build it right. Otherwise bring the Crown Majesta/Athlete here. "Lexus" is diluting itself with the CT already. If they want sporty, add it to the Toyota line. The "Lexus" image will read like GM's past of Buick, Chevrolet and Pontiac.

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

I'd like to see a Hybrid IS! I'd probably be all over that

There's a Hybrid GS, LS and RX why not an IS?

TRDFantasy

Sportback entry-level coupe? Please no Lexus.

Lexus needs an IS coupe ASAP. They also need a next-gen SC coupe, a TRUE coupe, not simply a hardtop convertible.

Also, Lexus should *not* go any more downmarket with coupes than say a CT coupe. Going any further downmarket is a bad idea for the brand.

spwolf

i am sure they wont, but A1 has been voted car of the year in the UK, and been flying off the "shelves".

I wonder if DustinV can chime in his opinion... I hated it on the pics, liked it in person but it is massively expensive for what is Polo/Fabia with few tweaks.