The "New" Lexus : are you no longer its target market?
#91
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by rudyH
After the Toyota (media trumped up) unintended acceleration issue, he's the guy who announced to the world that Toyota had gotten sloppy and was building cars too quickly costing them quality. He stopped that.
I think Lexus hasn't been this exciting a car line since the original LS came out and especially the original SC400. Some forget what a sensation that car was. You couldn't even find one in all of California for months. A California design I might add.
Last edited by mmarshall; 04-05-15 at 03:09 PM.
#92
Lexus Test Driver
"...that Lexus products have to have spindle-grilles, aggressive styling, and ride/handle like sports-sedans and sport-coupes if they are going to sell today."
And you would be right. BMW and Mercedes are targeting younger affluent buyers with smaller cars like the new C and CLA, now Lexus are doing the same. They can't rely on the older demographic solely when they need to sell cars globally. That said, I know some 50-60 year olds who love the new RX design so I think Lexus are doing a good job
For me, Lexus cars are known for their ride comfort so they shouldn't sacrifice that for handling. BMW are moving in the opposite direction from handling to comfort. It would be strange if Lexus became more like the enthusiast-oriented BMW of the past.
And you would be right. BMW and Mercedes are targeting younger affluent buyers with smaller cars like the new C and CLA, now Lexus are doing the same. They can't rely on the older demographic solely when they need to sell cars globally. That said, I know some 50-60 year olds who love the new RX design so I think Lexus are doing a good job
For me, Lexus cars are known for their ride comfort so they shouldn't sacrifice that for handling. BMW are moving in the opposite direction from handling to comfort. It would be strange if Lexus became more like the enthusiast-oriented BMW of the past.
#93
Interesting to see lexus's evolution over the past 5-7 years. Gone from quiet dull saloons to aggressive motorsports that make a statement. With the economy on the rise, people are looking for cars with a little more flare than the past 10years, and lexus seems to have given the market just that. The new GS F and RC F are incredible mile stones in lexus history as far as luxury and performance go, and i seriously cannot wait to see what they have instore for us in the next 10years Keep it up Lexus!
Better to drive than the BMW 4 Series. Says a lot. Lexus set out to make fun-to-drive cars and they have delivered.
#94
Yes, they are incredible milestones for Lexus. Although the looks can be polarizing, the GS F Sport has received accolades from the experts. Also, the RC350 F Sport, well, look at this video...
2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport: How Does it Compare to BMW & Audi? – A Discussion with MotoMan - YouTube
Better to drive than the BMW 4 Series. Says a lot. Lexus set out to make fun-to-drive cars and they have delivered.
2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport: How Does it Compare to BMW & Audi? – A Discussion with MotoMan - YouTube
Better to drive than the BMW 4 Series. Says a lot. Lexus set out to make fun-to-drive cars and they have delivered.
#95
Lexus Test Driver
#96
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by chromedome
For me, Lexus cars are known for their ride comfort so they shouldn't sacrifice that for handling.
BMW are moving in the opposite direction from handling to comfort. It would be strange if Lexus became more like the enthusiast-oriented BMW of the past.
#98
A lot of cars are tight these days. A lot have small seats to make the interiors LOOK roomier. Silly. I always liked the IS but it was just too narrow inside for me. The RC is tight, but it was pretty comfortable once I settled in. We get used to things eventually.
#99
Lexus Test Driver
I would say Mercedes are on a roll with fresh and polarizing styling, yet managing to combine comfort and performance. I think they've successfully shed their old-rich-businessman image and their cars are more appealing to a larger set of consumers. Lexus are following their lead with edgier designs, although their suspension tuning seems to be biased towards perfect Japanese roads. I prefer reading UK car reviews because the roads there can get pretty bad; a Lexus that's good for UK roads would be good for the rest of the world.
#100
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Strange but true
I love the new lexus design, but HATE their stupid new culture/fashion/skinny jean/*** chap commercials whatever lifestyle theme that they're using (like Phil posted above).
Thank goodness I'm not influenced by these commercials otherwise lexus would've lost me as a customer
Thank goodness I'm not influenced by these commercials otherwise lexus would've lost me as a customer
X
#101
Lexus Fanatic
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#102
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I too hope they release a large coupe.
Interesting point about UK reviews, never considered this point.
I also tend to agree about Mercedes' new design language.
They're striking, and they are managing to shed the old-rich-guy image, and creating some fantastic designs.
While my wife and I are squarely in the Lexus target age range.
The design speaks to us.
Commercials... LOL
I don't really care for them, their marketing can do what they like to try to make the vehicles appealing.
I just think they have to be careful with how boldly they design the vehicle.
I say this, because I worked for a certain manufacturer at one point in time, that "bangled up" the 7 series design, and yet also produced the stunningly unique Z4 design.
With all due respect to Mr Bangle, he was both a genius, and also slightly too unique with some design aspects, and the fan base & market erupted, sometimes with quite negative effect.
But we eventually got used to it, because other auto manufacturers started releasing their own designs, with slices, and chunks, large rumps, and slashes in their body work... even to this day.
The Mrs and I love the NX (hence why we bought one)
But I'm not necessarily in love with the 2016 RX... yet. (Its growing on me.)
Will reserve any final opinions until its actually released of course.
I rather like the way the current 3RX looks, and know it'll age very gracefully.
To each his/or her own.
I would say Mercedes are on a roll with fresh and polarizing styling, yet managing to combine comfort and performance. I think they've successfully shed their old-rich-businessman image and their cars are more appealing to a larger set of consumers. Lexus are following their lead with edgier designs, although their suspension tuning seems to be biased towards perfect Japanese roads. I prefer reading UK car reviews because the roads there can get pretty bad; a Lexus that's good for UK roads would be good for the rest of the world.
I also tend to agree about Mercedes' new design language.
They're striking, and they are managing to shed the old-rich-guy image, and creating some fantastic designs.
While my wife and I are squarely in the Lexus target age range.
The design speaks to us.
Commercials... LOL
I don't really care for them, their marketing can do what they like to try to make the vehicles appealing.
I just think they have to be careful with how boldly they design the vehicle.
I say this, because I worked for a certain manufacturer at one point in time, that "bangled up" the 7 series design, and yet also produced the stunningly unique Z4 design.
With all due respect to Mr Bangle, he was both a genius, and also slightly too unique with some design aspects, and the fan base & market erupted, sometimes with quite negative effect.
But we eventually got used to it, because other auto manufacturers started releasing their own designs, with slices, and chunks, large rumps, and slashes in their body work... even to this day.
The Mrs and I love the NX (hence why we bought one)
But I'm not necessarily in love with the 2016 RX... yet. (Its growing on me.)
Will reserve any final opinions until its actually released of course.
I rather like the way the current 3RX looks, and know it'll age very gracefully.
To each his/or her own.
#103
The biggest challenge Lexus(and all other manufacurers) are facing is the decline in interest by younger people in cars in general. With the highest debt burden of any previous generation they look at cars as out of reach and/or an expense they cant justify. It will be intersting to see how that plays out, whether its temporary. I know at my age(63) I have been a car guy since I was a kid. Used to spend as much time under the hood as in the drivers seat. Lot of kids are opting for a different experience, ZipCar for example.
YMMV
JTMav
YMMV
JTMav
#104
I think the new GS is beautiful. I drove an early RC F and it was incredible. The RC is a better drive than the Mercedes SL. Now many won't believe that but I stand by the statement. I'm waiting for the RC convertible and hope they keep the chassis rigidity. They blew the chassis on the SC430 unfortunately but I think the RC will get more attention in these competitive times. I hope so anyway.
https://lexusenthusiast.com/2015/04/...but-next-year/
#105
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Won't be around long
I can see a mid year design change coming. Sales are going to fall flat. That should get the design leader fired. That goes for the entire line of Lexus and Toyota. That Camry is unlyyyyyyyy as is the highlander.