Feature: Is the Lexus LF-A really the new SC?
Last week, when Edmund's Inside Line blog printed a rumor that the production version of the Lexus LF-A could cost upwards of $225,000 USD, the backlash was instant and ruthless. Auto enthusiasts everywhere bristled at the idea that Lexus would be pitting their new supercar against the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini.
To be quite honest, it's not difficult to see some merit to the criticism. After all, the competition in this price range are truly aspirational cars, the kind of machines that fuel childhood dreams. Up against that, the LF-A is a hard sell. What's more, it's impossible to ignore the appeal of exclusivity, and having to share a badge with a $30,000 entry class model doesn't really mesh with that.
Looking at the uphill battle facing Lexus selling a supercar, maybe it's time to wonder about other motives. It could be that the brand wants to simply wants a halo car, but what if it's something else entirely? What if that wasn't the plan at all?
Over the past few months, I've had a growing suspicion that the LF-A is actually the next SC sports coupe, and that the only way it would come close to $225,000 is with a fully loaded V10 SC-F.
Click here to read the rest of this story >>
The first indication was a small detail on the LF-A Roadster concept shown at this year's Detroit auto show, an F badge:
Now in its eighth year of production, the current SC is the oldest model in the Lexus lineup. The previous SC also lasted eight years, so it's probably safe to assume that a new version is in some stage of development. The only issue with this is the lack of a possible next-gen SC concept.
Lexus concepts are generally introduced two years before the model goes into production[1], and the idea that the current SC will be around for that much longer is hard to believe. It's true that there was a Lexus LF-C convertible concept introduced in 2004, but most of the design cues were included in the 2006 revamp of the IS, and would be entirely used up if the rumors of a IS coupe/convertible are true.
Of course, there's nothing to say that the next SC won't have a much shorter concept-to-production window, but even the LF-A name adds weight to the idea. Up to this point, the LF characters have only been used during the concept stage, so it's more than likely that the super car would be receiving a new name when it's released.
But why would Lexus invest so much into the development of a model replacement? Why would they continue to bring so much attention to the LF-A as a supercar, only to turn around and release it as anything less?
Therein lies the beauty of the new F Performance lineup. The LF-A currently racing around Nürburgring could exist as the SC-F, a supercar capable of competing with Ferrari F430s and Lamborghini Gallardos, while a lesser powered, less optimized version would be packaged up and sold as the new SC.
The first generation SC, built between 1992-2000, could be regarded as an instant classic, featuring a revolutionary and very influential shape that aged well. On the other hand, time hasn't been kind to the current SC, which has overstayed its welcome by a couple years. If you consider Lexus' new focus on performance & sportiness, what should be the first car that springs to mind?
[1] The two year wait between concept and production is based on the LF-Sh to fourth generation LS, the LF-S to third generation GS, and the LF-Xh to the expected third generation RX in 2009/2010.
I'm warming to the idea. The SC is really one of the few Lexus vehicles that had a radical change from generation to generation...going from the V6/V8 combo of the SC 300/SC 400, to the hardtop convertible V8 SC 430, which was positioned as the "jewel of Lexus" and its most expensive car for quite some time. From this perspective, it might not be such a leap to see it become the SC 500 with a V8 engine and SC-F with the V10 plus hardtop roadster option. However the price range would be tricky, if the $200K+ figure is true. How to make a carbon-fiber body + enhancements at the SC price point?
Transforming the gorgeous LF-A into the next SC would vault the SC name further up the charts into something approaching celebrity, so far as cars come.
However, at the same time I'm not sure whether or not this will come to pass. The rumors are that the SC redesign is on the back burner. In fact, if we are to go by the model cycle of the first SC, the second generation has 2-3 years still left in it!!! But I really hope the more globally-minded Lexus is now willing to step up to the plate sooner. Either an SC redesign or turn the LF-A into the next SC...
I do not see Lexus introducing a new type SC at triple the current price. IMO the SC will stay a V8 possibly a SC460 and the V10 being in the LF-A though bodies may be similar in shape.
Dan: In my mind, the carbon fiber, the performance enhancements, and the engine could be exactly what Lexus could downgrade in order to make this a sub-$100,000 car.
I think the SC would see a price bump, but like you say, it would also see a bump in stature.
Dr.: Yes, that's exactly it. Same body, different options.
I wonder if Lexus has space to make the SC as a grand tourer based on the LS platform, which in turn, can support a hybrid engine...which brings us back to the rumor of a hybrid LF-A.
Wow...so many connections, and a little flaw might turn our thoughts completely off course.
So yeah...here's my analogy:
SC : CL
LF-A : SL /or SLR
btw, from Dr.'s comment, I can make out just one more analogy
SC : SL
LF-A : SLC/SLR
If it becomes an SC that will be completely awesome!!!
Post new comment