We’ve all heard the joke that Lexus, translated into Japanese, actually means “Buick.” While cars like the IS-F are surprisingly quick and agile, the brand is still associated more with luxury and comfort than with performance. Even the unattainable LFA has done little to give Lexus credibility among enthusiasts, probably due to the car’s limited availability and stratospheric price. Sure it’s fast, luxurious and high-tech, but is it really worth over four times the price of a Nissan GT-R?
Lexus knows it has an identity crisis, and the Japanese luxury brand is working hard to inject more sport into its product line. Take the image seen above, which Lexus has released as a teaser of a new “concept vehicle” to be shown at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. There are zero details known about the concept, aside from the fact that it represents the “new design direction” for Lexus. If that’s the case, we say good for Lexus; while conservative styling may have brand loyalists returning to showrooms, it isn’t drawing in many new buyers.
Expect more teaser images from Lexus in the coming weeks, and we’ll be sure to give you the details on its new concept as soon as we hear them.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.