Why can't Lexus make a cheap LFA?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 292
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From: ca
Why can't Lexus make a cheap LFA?
Keep the body design but non carbon fiber and have the same engine and performance specs as the RC F for $65k. If Lexus made this available for $65k, would people not buy it?
Last edited by vital; May 10, 2017 at 05:11 AM.
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,551
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From: IL
Counterpoints
lexus up is not into cheap (except using vinyl for the seats in the IS)
why would they spend to slot a car where the weak selling RC-F sits
the LFA cost $750k per car to build so no amount of cost cutting would land it where you are asking it to be
they built the excellent LC so they have a sexy halo coupe
the Supra replacement is coming at some point and that is basically the car you are asking for without an L badge
lexus up is not into cheap (except using vinyl for the seats in the IS)
why would they spend to slot a car where the weak selling RC-F sits
the LFA cost $750k per car to build so no amount of cost cutting would land it where you are asking it to be
they built the excellent LC so they have a sexy halo coupe
the Supra replacement is coming at some point and that is basically the car you are asking for without an L badge
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,309
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From: Canada
You may not be able to remake the LFA without the carbon fibre; it was designed to use that material and to use that small V10 engine. To re-engineer the car for non-exotic materials and to use an off-the-shelf engine could be as difficult and as expensive as designing a brand-new car, from scratch.
And didn't Lexus already do that? Lexus has the LC now, which is the new flagship, replacing the LFA.
And didn't Lexus already do that? Lexus has the LC now, which is the new flagship, replacing the LFA.
Lead Lap
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From: NY
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Manufacturing is only part of the cost.
The cost of research, design, safety, testing, racing, and engineering without manufacturing probably covered the LFA's pricetag alone.
And let's not even get into Marketing. That's purely an investment with gains/returns for the Lexus brand, not solely the LFA.
The cost of research, design, safety, testing, racing, and engineering without manufacturing probably covered the LFA's pricetag alone.
And let's not even get into Marketing. That's purely an investment with gains/returns for the Lexus brand, not solely the LFA.
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2016
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From: New York
Rule 1. There is only a single purpose for introducing a new model: to take sales away from a competitive brand's equivalent model.
If it diverts customers who would buy a Lexus anyway, and most especially a more expensive Lexus, it dies.
If it diverts customers who would buy a Lexus anyway, and most especially a more expensive Lexus, it dies.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 1,238
From: IL
Why don't they take the 86 (FR-S) chassis and carve an LFA themed body onto it?
Those of us of a certain age remember the Opel Kadett running gear underpinning the
swoopy Opel GT in the 70's. "Baby Corvette" right down to the flip over hidden headlights.
Compare the basic profile of the Toyota/Subaru twins and an LFA and check how close
it could be. Under $30k Toyota could be an under $40k Lexus, right?
Those of us of a certain age remember the Opel Kadett running gear underpinning the
swoopy Opel GT in the 70's. "Baby Corvette" right down to the flip over hidden headlights.
Compare the basic profile of the Toyota/Subaru twins and an LFA and check how close
it could be. Under $30k Toyota could be an under $40k Lexus, right?
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 358
Likes: 11
From: CA
The RC-F is 400lbs overweight. You might HAVE TO make the body CF just so it's actually competitive, and now the car is $100k+ again.
No. Lexus needs to go back to the drawing board for this segment. The RC looks good, but it's not making the waves it should be.
No. Lexus needs to go back to the drawing board for this segment. The RC looks good, but it's not making the waves it should be.