Next Sports Car..Really!!

For years rumors have been circulating. Today we know for a fact that there will be an Exotic Sports car from Toyota...actually it will be a Lexus..
All we must do now is wait. Read below..



Lexus to Unveil Exotic Sports Car Concept Vehicle at NAIAS



12/13/2004 Torrance, CA



Lexus will stage the world premiere of its LF-A exotic sports car concept vehicle at a press conference during the North American International Auto Show on Sunday, January 9, 2005. The LF-A was designed to explore the outer limits of sports car performance, while showcasing a bold new direction in styling for the Lexus brand.

The 2005 Lexus GX 470 luxury utility vehicle makes its auto show debut in Detroit. The new GX receives a substantial gain in performance and technology with the addition of a more powerful V8 engine and a new Sport Package that includes the advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) along with special trim. Equipping the 2005 GX 470's 4.7-liter V8 engine with the variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system and an electronic throttle control system with intelligence (ETCS-i) has increased output from 235 horsepower to 270.

Also showcased in Detroit is the new 2005 RX 330 Thundercloud limited edition, which offers a fresh option to America’s No. 1-selling luxury SUV. Sporting the exclusive Thundercloud Metallic exterior color and gray leather interior, the RX 330 Thundercloud Edition includes special five-spoke alloy wheels with contrasting color, a more aggressive front grille, special edition emblems on front doors and floor mats, and Black Bird’s Eye Maple interior wood trim.

The Lexus Press conference highlighting the LF-A concept vehicle will be held Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 1:45pm at the Riverview Ballroom in COBO Center.

Concept vehicle... :rolleyes:

A Lexus? That just doesn't make sense based on the word coming out of Japan.

There is a renewed focus at Toyota to bring Lexus back to the "posh" upper dollar market. Somehow I don't really associate posh with a $100k roadster (even though you'd need the same kind of bucks). I'm even a little concerned they could drop the IS300 because of this trend and original fears that the IS300 would dilute the Lexus branding (which I feel it has). Nevertheless I think they'll keep it anyways just to try and compete with the 3-Series, G35 et al.

So if I'm right in interpreting some things I've read, any future sportcar (which is targeted to youth) will be branded seperately from the high-value poshness of Lexus...and the unexciting reliability image of Toyota. But it couldn't be too far off...so that leaves us with Scion - the youth target brand to champion a sportscar that youth want, with Toyota reliability (and Lexus ties - for when you earn your first million).

It sure would be cool to fast forward 5 years and see what the suits have in for us... :clap:

the is300 is dropping the I6 for a v6 engine.

I would agree with xrs except one thing kinda doesn't make sense. Aiming at the youth they may release a 'sports car'... but this article is saying 'exotic sports car'. IMO thats like comparing the $30k S2000 to the $90k NSX.... I know a few.... but I'm pretty damn sure no parents are going to drop $90k on a car for their kids... and I'm sure as hell the kids can't afford it.

They will have my attention when they release something 2dr, RWD, and with more than 200hp..... until then.... Toyota is just kinda slackin.

Concept vehicle... :rolleyes:

They're trying to gauge public opinion basically. If it's not received well, it's back to the drawing board. If it's very well received, it just might make production. All of the Lexus Future (LF) concepts hint at a future design for their vehicles.

Sports cars are a niche market ... you can't please everyone. The IS will be available w/ 3 different engines and model configurations like the BMW 3 series. IS250, 300, 350, coupe, convertible, and sedan. The 2.5L V6 (4GR-FE) puts out almost as much horsepower as the 2JZ-GE in the current IS300.

Toyota isn't interested in bringing back turbocharged vehicles (from the factory) to compete in the $30k range. Can we say performance hybrid?

Ahhh "exotic sports car". Missed that point. ;)

Yes u guys are right this is labeled a "Concept" but the reality is that Lexus is known to be searching to market a such exotic in the near future.
Im thinkin 2007 at the earliest, but IMO this car is gonna be a reality. Everyone in industry knows that Lexus is only lacking one thing: EXCITMENT and this car is the answer.
All the other lexury makers have that one exotic..so Lexus needs this car.

Its purely an image Car, $100K +++ eaisly, just to showcase the performace, design and technology capabilities of Lexus.. its all marketing u see.
And why not? Toyota is rolling deep with Cash mind as well put it in somethin interesting.

Its gonna happen..just wait and see

-LL

I dont know if this was posted anywhere but I read that Toyota is going to release there new 'exotic' in 2006. It says it's a 2dr, RWD, V10 with similar technology to their F1 car. It says its supposed to be pushing around 550 HP. Estimated retail will be around $140k USD.

2006 TOYOTA "444F" SPORTS CAR

Reports of this Toyota supercar have been circulationg since we first got wind of its development back in 2001. Now we can say for sure that this exciting high-performance machine, which will probably come with a $150,000 price tag, is coming to the U.S., Although spyphotos show the basic shape and profile of the new sports car, there are still a lot of things that have not been confirmed.
Questions surround the car's powerplant. The engine will probably be a 4.5-liter V-10, based on Toyotas 444F Formula 1 engine. If the 2-seater does come with a V-10, it will be called the 444F, though there are rumblings that a V-12 may slide in there at the last minute. Whichever powerplant finds its way into the engine bay, located ahead of the cockpit, it will send an estimated 450 bhp to the rear wheels via a 6- (or possibly 7-) speed manual transaxle.
The car's performance potential and its dimensions-overall length, width and height of 169.0, 75.0, and 48.0 in-will put it in the same segment with the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and Ford GT. A version of this car is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, with the introduction of the production version in 2006.

-Road & Track, January 2005

the is300 is dropping the I6 for a v6 engine.

Why do that?

The I6 2jz is their most famous engine. It gots so much respect. Everyone knows about it!

Why do that?

The I6 2jz is their most famous engine. It gots so much respect. Everyone knows about it!

For one, it takes up too much room, and it's not very efficient due to the G head. If they added dual VVTL-i, I think it'd put out a lot more power in N/A form, much like the M3's double VANOS 333hp I6. The 1JZ and 2JZ are still used in Japan ... go figure.

It's not just the power that makes the 2jz so well known, it's the fact that you can boost to the moon on a stock block. Or maybe because kids heard it in tf+tf.

Why do that?

The I6 2jz is their most famous engine. It gots so much respect. Everyone knows about it!Yes, but IMO it's time to move on. Although the 2JZ is a very capable engine, problem is that (someone here already had mentioned it that) it takes up too much room lengthwise. To make a FR sportscar handles better, the further the engine must be moved towards the middle, but the I6 doesn't allow that. Therefore a V6 with its shorter length will achieve a better mid-front weight distribution. That's why Nissan also jumped boat from I6 to V6 for their Skylines. Downside to a V6 compared to I6 is less overall engine stiffness or "stoutness," plus more moving parts hence more complications. But overall it's the way to go, and Vee-configurations are always balanced and more smooth.

I do agree that the 2JZ is renowned for what it can achieved when "over" boosted with stock internal, but honestly an engine that's boosted to that level is no longer streetable in the real world of driving, and it also won't last long if always driven with madness.

Frankly, I think Toyota (or Lexus) would employ the 5UZ as their next highend sportscar, since the V8 will give you all the torque in the world from a 4.3L. But I'll not be surprised if it gets bored out to at least 5L. All one needs to do is to look at JGTC cars, since Toyota used a 5.2L 5UZ in their Supra GT500 cars. Ironically though this year (which has ended) they went back to the regular capacity (with less torque obviously). I think TRD is trying multiple engine sizes and configurations for race and street cars.

Sorry for the long post. Just my 2 cents on the engine-issue. Cheers,


EchoHoLiK

They will have my attention when they release something 2dr, RWD, and with more than 200hp..... until then.... Toyota is just kinda slackin.

:clap: Toyota is kind of like the GM. They're both slackin' and they're both behind. Look at what people are buying. They're buying cars with more power, more everything. Ford is kicking GM's ass. Ford has the new Mustang and GM counters with the GTO? The GTO is $33,000, costs more than $5,000 than the Mustang GT and is minimally faster.

I'm sick of seeing all these Honda's, Subaru's and Mitsubishi's running around. Toyota needs to do something that can attract the younger buyers.

Replace that 200hp with 300hp and I would get something like that, definitely! :thumbup: We're in a horsepower war across the whole car board. Family sedans packing more than 350 horses? Who would've ever thought?

:clap: Toyota is kind of like the GM. They're both slackin' and they're both behind. Look at what people are buying. They're buying cars with more power, more everything. Ford is kicking GM's ass. Ford has the new Mustang and GM counters with the GTO? The GTO is $33,000, costs more than $5,000 than the Mustang GT and is minimally faster.



The analogy is alright but the thing is, Even tho Ford is selling so much. They're profits aren't as much.

Toyota is I believe one of the top managed companies in the world. They sell less cars than Ford and GM but they come out w/ more profits.

:clap: Toyota is kind of like the GM. They're both slackin' and they're both behind. Look at what people are buying. They're buying cars with more power, more everything. Ford is kicking GM's ass. Ford has the new Mustang and GM counters with the GTO? The GTO is $33,000, costs more than $5,000 than the Mustang GT and is minimally faster.

What an ignorant post.

Last time I heard Toyota was selling Prius like hot cakes because of the spike in gas prices. On the other hand, I saw enough Mustang commercials to make me think that they're having touch time selling them because of the awesome fuel economy that comes with those nice V8s.

On top of that, Mustang IS Ford's bread and butter, you think Ford will survive without Mustang? Think about Toyota without Corolla.

What an ignorant post.

Last time I heard Toyota was selling Prius like hot cakes because of the spike in gas prices. On the other hand, I saw enough Mustang commercials to make me think that they're having touch time selling them because of the awesome fuel economy that comes with those nice V8s.

On top of that, Mustang IS Ford's bread and butter, you think Ford will survive without Mustang? Think about Toyota without Corolla.Add to that, Ford currently isn't doing better than GM. And with the recent Escape-recall fiasco Ford's stock price went down (dunno how much but, it ain't good no matter how much). The big-3's lifesaver is still the trucks that they sell, which will soon meet heavier competitions from the japanese (can't still imagine a Honda pickup....SUT, hmmm, wonder if they should add Lightness into that acronym-name to make it Sport & Lightweight Utility Truck :naughty: ... S&LUT-Nation hahaha :lol: )

Yes Ford is not doing better than GM by any means of the imagination, and as well the big 3 is in reality now the big 4 since Toyota outsells both Chrysler and Ford. in North America. Only GM is ahead of Toyota in sales and that is due partially to there numerous Product lines. The gap There is also closing. With the introduction of more agressive trucks from Toyota. Toyota Recently Achieved an increase to 11% Market Share in Canada close on the heals of GM's 14% and ahead of Ford (9%) and Chrysler(7.5%) and Honda (5%). So obviously not having a rear wheel drive Sports Car is not hurting Toyota in any means. When they do put one out it will be a Super Car and priced around $150,000 and more or less just to say in case every one forgot we can produce speed. also it will be to help promote htere race teams. not as a profitable product line.

:clap: Toyota is kind of like the GM. They're both slackin' and they're both behind. Look at what people are buying. They're buying cars with more power, more everything. Ford is kicking GM's ass. Ford has the new Mustang and GM counters with the GTO? The GTO is $33,000, costs more than $5,000 than the Mustang GT and is minimally faster.

I'm sick of seeing all these Honda's, Subaru's and Mitsubishi's running around. Toyota needs to do something that can attract the younger buyers.

Replace that 200hp with 300hp and I would get something like that, definitely! :thumbup: We're in a horsepower war across the whole car board. Family sedans packing more than 350 horses? Who would've ever thought?


Obviously you have no idea what yoru talking about....

Domestic companies are behind. They still live quarter to quarter. Unlike Toyota who on the other hand is mastering the hyrbid market with a number of models coming out. And maybe you missed the $10.2 billion profit Toyota had from last year..... They are the #1 selling Japanese car company. I see Toyotas everywhere, I don't know where your looking :confused:


And since when have you seen a 300hp sedan sell well? Toyotas sell because of they're amazing fuel economy (30mpg on 9 of their models). And they are reliable. Hoursepower = less reliable. When's the last time you saw Mustangs make it to 300,000 miles on a regular basis? They don't. Toyota has proven themselve as a quality brand, and that's why they sell. You probably don't even have the money to buy a 300hp sedan :rolleyes: Do some research next time before you speak ;)




I didn't see anything in the original post that I haven't posted many times before... Lexus is getting the performance. I have said that over and over again. Repost!

Isn't Toyota dominating sales even over GM's? (All of their brands combined or somethign like that?)

But, camry #1 sedan for a reason, even though is less "Horse Power" than Accord or Altima. Horse power alone doesn't equal Profit for car companies in most cases. :thumbup:

The only thing that kept Ford afloat was its redesign of the F-150, which is Ford's bread and butter; not the Mustang. Domestic automakers' profits aren't high because they aren't efficient. The Japanese have been using, reusing, extending, and tooling chassis' for years and the Americans are finally starting to catch on: hey, it saves money. The Camry platform alone has at least 5-6 variations ranging from the Highlander to the ES330.

Toyota (TM): Gross profit: 32.4 billion; Revenue: 173.66 billion; Profit Margin: 6.27%; Market Cap: 134.35 billion

GM (GM): Gross profit: 33.45 billion; Revenue: 190.78 billion; Profit Margin: 1.17%; Market Cap: 22.63 billion

Isn't Toyota dominating sales even over GM's? (All of their brands combined or somethign like that?)

But, camry #1 sedan for a reason, even though is less "Horse Power" than Accord or Altima. Horse power alone doesn't equal Profit for car companies in most cases. :thumbup: No, not by a long shot. Both GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler sells more than Toyota. The Camry is the best selling car in the States, but Toyota does not have that many models.
GM has a lot of car makers it counts into its sales, much more than Toyota's Lexus and Scion.

But does car sales really matter? - Toyota makes way more money than any of the big three which it can use on research and development that they can only dream about!
Quality above Quantity.

Of course it will be nice when the big three catches up. There is nothing like a healthy competition.

No, not by a long shot. Both GM, Ford and Daimler Chrysler sells more than Toyota. The Camry is the best selling car in the States, but Toyota does not have that many models.
GM has a lot of car makers it counts into its sales, much more than Toyota's Lexus and Scion.

But does car sales really matter? - Toyota makes way more money than any of the big three which it can use on research and development that they can only dream about!
Quality above Quantity.

Of course it will be nice when the big three catches up. There is nothing like a healthy competition.


But the big three won't ever catch up. They are still living quarter to quarter. The only things that will keep them from going under are loyal ownership, and the fact that 90% of workman wouldn't be seen driving an Import truck on their job site. American trucks will still be the top sellers no matter how good of truck import competitors make.


And yeah, GM has more to their name so their US car sales are higher. However Toyota makes about 30+ models of cars as of right now. The US only gets a few due to emissions and other qualifications that aren't required in other countries.

And yes, Toyota will always be the top in quality because of their other buisness ventures. They played it smart while Domestic companies still work on trying to survive.