Lexus's new F performance structure
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Lexus's new F performance structure
Lexus just announced a new F brand strategy at SEMA, and while the products themselves are not getting a massive overhaul yet, it’s vital to understand the new terms if you plan on being in the market for a sporty Lexus soon.
Prior to today, we had F Sport, F Sport Performance and F. The F Sport cars were mostly aesthetic upgrades, and while some of them had performance upgrades, not all of them did. Only one F Sport Performance vehicle exists now, and it’s the IS 500 F Sport Performance. Meanwhile, we have a number of F models, which is Lexus’ highest-performance moniker.
Going forward, there will be four performance tiers: F SPORT Design, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance and F. We’ll lay out Lexus’ definitions of all four below for you.
Prior to today, we had F Sport, F Sport Performance and F. The F Sport cars were mostly aesthetic upgrades, and while some of them had performance upgrades, not all of them did. Only one F Sport Performance vehicle exists now, and it’s the IS 500 F Sport Performance. Meanwhile, we have a number of F models, which is Lexus’ highest-performance moniker.
Going forward, there will be four performance tiers: F SPORT Design, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance and F. We’ll lay out Lexus’ definitions of all four below for you.
- F SPORT Design: These vehicles may feature sport-inspired exterior design, including unique front and rear bumpers, grille and wheels.
- F SPORT Handling: Will build on Design with sport-tuned suspension components honed at the track, including Adaptive Variable Suspension.
- F SPORT Performance: In addition to the updated suspension components, these models may receive a higher-performance powertrain, as seen in the 2022 IS 500.
- F: As the highest expression of Lexus performance, F models will be further upgraded with innovative components developed for the racetrack, including upgraded brakes, advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials.
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I swear, this brand becomes more confusing every year. Zero need for all of this. Another story stated that the ES F sport will qualify as a Fsport Handling. Lol. Then you have IS 500 with an RC F engine.
Doing too much with way to little.
Doing too much with way to little.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: New York
It would be a lot more impactful if they actually introduced the damn models showcasing this new F plan.
What is the point of releasing this info without actually letting us see what it is?!
It is a complete disgrace that the best car in the Lexus lineup- LC500- doesn’t have an Fsport model yet the RX, NX, GX, and LX do have Fsport trim. That is just lunacy for whoever is running this F’in Department/ Marketing exercise.
What is the point of releasing this info without actually letting us see what it is?!
It is a complete disgrace that the best car in the Lexus lineup- LC500- doesn’t have an Fsport model yet the RX, NX, GX, and LX do have Fsport trim. That is just lunacy for whoever is running this F’in Department/ Marketing exercise.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
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From: CA
It would be a lot more impactful if they actually introduced the damn models showcasing this new F plan.
What is the point of releasing this info without actually letting us see what it is?!
It is a complete disgrace that the best car in the Lexus lineup- LC500- doesn’t have an Fsport model yet the RX, NX, GX, and LX do have Fsport trim. That is just lunacy for whoever is running this F’in Department/ Marketing exercise.
What is the point of releasing this info without actually letting us see what it is?!
It is a complete disgrace that the best car in the Lexus lineup- LC500- doesn’t have an Fsport model yet the RX, NX, GX, and LX do have Fsport trim. That is just lunacy for whoever is running this F’in Department/ Marketing exercise.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: New York
Its because the LC500 already has all the goodies and Toyota literally has nothing better left for it. Its already the best, most aggressive looking car in the lineup so putting a F-sport cosmetic trim wouldn't do it justice. The F-sport badge has no brand equity with enthusiasts anyway...its just makeup. I hope the LC500 never gets the F-sport badge. Just go straight to F.
The brand’s best product and the one that is the most sporty should definitely have the Fsport model to set the standard for the F brand.
How hard is it to release a LC500 Fsport with black chrome trim, unique wheels, sportier suspension, standard Rear wheel steering, and some F interior touches (ie seats, unique colors, F badging)
I have said for years- Lexus is NOT living up to its potential. There are so many ways it can improve without much effort, its just they are asleep at the wheel.
Lexus Test Driver
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Its because the LC500 already has all the goodies and Toyota literally has nothing better left for it. Its already the best, most aggressive looking car in the lineup so putting a F-sport cosmetic trim wouldn't do it justice. The F-sport badge has no brand equity with enthusiasts anyway...its just makeup. I hope the LC500 never gets the F-sport badge. Just go straight to F.
Heck, for 2021 Lexus redesigned the suspension of the LC and LS to be more floaty-boaty. They see it as Florida retiree car, not an enthusiast F machine.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: CA
I disagree. The LC500 is a GT car, not particularly sporty at all. Even outside of the engine, there's a lot more that could be done to make it a sharper driving experience.
Heck, for 2021 Lexus redesigned the suspension of the LC and LS to be more floaty-boaty. They see it as Florida retiree car, not an enthusiast F machine.
Heck, for 2021 Lexus redesigned the suspension of the LC and LS to be more floaty-boaty. They see it as Florida retiree car, not an enthusiast F machine.
Lexus Test Driver
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The F-sport usually gave you a spindle grill and some accents...i'm just saying the LC500 already has those Sport features. You want an sporty LC500, make a full F car...none of the F sport Bull****. I'm disappointed that the F-sport name is so diluted at this point...its on cars that have absolutely no sporty characteristics like the RX and NX and ES. They should have made it more exclusive to actual sporty driving cars but it turned out to just be cosmetic upgrades for most of its existence.
Either way, I don't think the LC has much time left on the clock for any F upgrade with Toyota killing V8's left and right. Heck, it took them almost 3 years just to release a convertible.
