Why did the LFA fail?
The Lexus LFA, a supercar developed by Toyota's luxury division, was a marvel of engineering and design. With its high-revving V10 engine, cutting-edge carbon fiber construction, and meticulous craftsmanship, it was intended to showcase Lexus's capabilities on the global stage. However, despite its brilliance, the LFA struggled to achieve commercial success. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the LFA's failure and what lessons can be learned from its journey.
1. High Price Tag
One of the most significant factors contributing to the LFA's failure was its exorbitant price. At launch, the LFA was priced at approximately $375,000, making it one of the most expensive supercars of its time. While the car's performance and exclusivity justified the cost to some extent, it placed the LFA in direct competition with established brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. For many buyers, Lexus lacked the prestige and heritage associated with these brands, making the LFA a harder sell.
2. Limited Production Run
Lexus decided to limit the production of the LFA to just 500 units worldwide. While this exclusivity added to its allure, it also restricted its market presence. The limited availability meant that the LFA never had the chance to build a strong following or establish itself as a serious contender in the supercar market.
3. Brand Perception
Lexus, despite being a respected luxury brand, was not traditionally associated with high-performance supercars. The LFA was a significant departure from the brand's usual lineup of sedans and SUVs. This disconnect made it challenging for Lexus to attract the typical supercar buyer, who often seeks a brand with a storied racing or performance history.
4. Timing and Market Conditions
The LFA was launched in 2010, a time when the global economy was still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis. Consumer spending on luxury items, including supercars, was subdued. Additionally, the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles was beginning to shift the automotive landscape, making the LFA's naturally aspirated V10 seem less forward-thinking.
5. Lack of Motorsport Legacy
Many successful supercars are backed by a strong motorsport heritage, which helps to build credibility and excitement around the brand. Lexus, however, lacked this kind of racing pedigree. While the LFA did participate in events like the Nürburgring 24 Hours, it was not enough to establish the car as a motorsport icon.
6. Marketing Challenges
The marketing strategy for the LFA was another area where Lexus struggled. The brand's traditional customer base of luxury sedan buyers was not the target audience for a high-performance supercar. Meanwhile, the supercar community was skeptical of a vehicle from a brand better known for comfort and reliability than raw performance.
Conclusion
The Lexus LFA was an extraordinary car that showcased the pinnacle of Lexus's engineering and design capabilities. However, its high price, limited production, and challenges with brand perception ultimately led to its commercial failure. Despite this, the LFA remains a beloved icon among enthusiasts and serves as a testament to what Lexus can achieve when it pushes the boundaries of innovation. For Lexus, the LFA was not just a car—it was a statement, and its legacy continues to inspire the brand's future endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Lexus LFA still exist?
In 2017. the company announced that there were 12 of them left. That announcement started a sales boom that saw 3 examples sold in that year, two more in 2018, and three more in 2019. So, at current count, there are still four, brand-new examples of the Lexus LFA sitting in showrooms across the country.
What is the fastest Lexus car?
Engineers at Lexus have mastered luxury automobiles to bring you the Lexus F Sport range by putting emphasis on intensity, speed, elegance, power, and style. The Lexus LC 500, Lexus RC F and the all-new 2023 Lexus IS 500 F are the three fastest cars Lexus provides.
What is the cheapest LFA ever sold?
Q: What was the lowest recorded sale price for a Lexus LFA? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $440,000 for a 2012 LEXUS LFA on Oct 24 2020. Q: What is the average sale price of a Lexus LFA? A: The average price of a Lexus LFA is $933,320.
Why is the Lexus LFA so rare?
Why It Was Only in Production for Two Years. Lexus built just 500 examples of the LFA—436 “regular” models and 64 Nurburgring Package variants—between 2010 and 2012, 190 of which were for the US market. The decision to keep the production run so low appears to have been intentional.
How many Lexus LFAs exist?
Only 500 total cars were made for worldwide markets, with only 20 produced each month with a base price of $375,000 (£340,000). Each car had to be custom ordered to the customer's specifications.
Was Lexus LFA a flop?
With over ten years of development, the release of the LFA was a significant failure. Limiting production to only 500 cars, Lexus anticipated that its exclusivity and high price would drive up desirability.
Why is LFA slow?
"The LFA's weak link is its electro-hydraulic 6-speed sequential automated transmission, same as the Audi R8. It's not as fast, smooth or technically sophisticated as the 7-speed twin-clutch gearboxes in the Mercedes SLS AMG, Ferrari 458, or Porsche 911. The shifts are slow and harsh, compared to a twin-clutch."
Why did they stop making the LFA?
The LC-F was cancelled by Lexus due to being too heavy/compromised of a vehicle for the level of performance they were trying to achieve despite GA-L being designed for a V8. The R&D from the project was put into this model.
Did the LFA sell well?
Enthusiasts say the Lexus LFA is one of the most desirable cars of our generation, but the fact of the matter is the V10 machine was a commercial flop. Even though production ended in 2012 after just 500 units, many vehicles were still reported as being sold new years later.
Are Lexus LFA reliable?
The car is very reliable, as you would expect from Lexus. I have never had any major issues with it. It's just that the rarity of the car requires specifically trained technicians to work on it for the service.
