SW17LS

I understand plenty well how important and valuable names are, but I think the statement that Lexus shouldn't use "F" in "F-Sport" because it somehow dilutes the public's perception of cars that are low volume niche vehicles a little ridiculous. People are buying the F Sports, just look around. You're always going to have non-enthusiasts that don't understand the difference between a "GS350 F Sport" and a "GS-F". These people would have the same lack of understanding if they were discussing a "535i M Sport" and an "M5".

natnut

But I think the whole F-branding has been a relative success for Lexus?

I think I read somewhere that a very large proportion of IS and GS sold are F-Sports?

So obviously Lexus has done its research since a large portion of its target market are loving the whole F-Sport branding.

SW17LS

And the % of F Sport sales has increased from when the 4GS was first released. In fact, it caught Lexus a little off guard and they had to adjust the % of GS and IS that were built as F Sports.

Gojirra99

YES people are buying them, but they won't be buying IS/GS350 SPORT anymore just becauce it misses a letter , despite the noticeable cosmetics difference ?

SW17LS

But why remove the letter? "F Sport" sounds better, it forwards the idea that "F" stands for the sport side of Lexus. It fits in with the naming conventions of its competition. Removing the F now just confuses things further.

Anybody who would buy a GS-F or RC-F is an enthusiast to the point where they are going to understand that their car is different from an F Sport.

If something is working you don't just change it. You seem to want anything with the letter "F" to be a fire breathing screamer of a car totally out of reach of most buyers. Thats just not a business reality. The whole point of building a high performance "F" car is to sell the cheaper "F Sport" cars that people can actually buy. They aren't going to make money on the RC-F or GS-F.

natnut

Also most people disparaging F-Sport branding have not addressed the fact that for IS and GS line, F-Sport has tangible measurable handling/performance benefits.

In my earlier post just 2-3 post before, I showed that an F-Sport GS350, not even a full blown GS-F, performed better than a 560hp, $90,000 BMW M5 on the slalom.

So for those asking why F-Sport, my answer is :

1) performance benefit is real and not just cosmetic, in fact very appreciable and measurable
2) it has been a sales success for Lexus

Gojirra99

I actually think Sport alone sounds more clean, but that's subjective

YES I understand they eventually want the Real F cars to help the "sports" sales, but would rather let the Real F brand to be more established first, then maybe they can add the F-sport. Meanwhile, I personally think they can sell them as SPORT models as successfully just with the cosmetic difference ...

RNM GS3

I agree with you.

What I don't like at all is there is NO CLEAR direction for the "F" brand itself and its already being diluted by Lexus marketing without even being really established as anything special.
- LFA was discontinued with no successor and no further plans.......
- ISF also was discontinued with no successor...........
- RCF is here and only true competitive F model against its direct competition - M4, RS5, C63, ATS But it was not designed to be an F car from the beginning hence this use of 3 different chassis to make it work.
- GSF is no-mans land ??? Is it an F car or Fsport plus or just a weak/cheap attempt by Lexus Its noncompetitive against M, AMG, CTS-V etc

M and AMG naming are being put on everything but they are already well-established performance lines. In addition there is a "true" M and AMG version of all these models.

Fsport has been a great success for Lexus and I'm happy they copied BMW and are offering a true sports appearance package with some performance (handling/tuning) upgrades.

RNM GS3

Actually on AWD versions it pure cosmetic upgrade as they dont get staggered wheels, bigger brakes, or suspension.
There are NO RWD cars in Northeast and ordering one is a nightmare

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

True and that's a lot of F-Sports.

SW17LS

Thats basically all there is to say. If something has been a "great success" its a success...so why are we talking about how Lexus shouldn't call the cars "F Sport"?

Toys4RJill

Exactly, and I'm glad they don't require you to always buy the highest HP model. The trim level has been a great success.

GSCT

I gotta get in here. First, to me "Sport" by itself conjures up visions of cheap dealer decal packs on Tercels and minivans that always had "Sport" decaled on the trunk. Second, "F" is as unique to Lexus as "M" or AMG is to BMW and Mercedes. Cadiilac even copied Lexus with their V- Sport. Third, the F Sports offer better seats, handling and (IMO), nicer looks than regular versions for the IS, GS, CT and NX - the only one that is kinda lame is the RX F Sport. Finally, I think the GS F is going to knock the car testers' socks off and toss their hats in the weeds.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

Anyone in the north can buy a rear drive car from a southern dealer and have shipped. No nightmare. Oh wait...I sell cars don't I?!!
I have shipped cars all over this country. It's no hassle at all.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Except for the age old question, who's fronting the shipping bill