DAMD's Lexus LFT-86 is a Toyota 86 in Disguise [w/Video]

[vh_supra26]

Even if you wanted to, you can't ignore all the customized and conceptual Toyota 86 sport coupes that are on display at this week's Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan.

We don't know whether Toyota should worry, but a great number of tuners focused their efforts on altering the appearance of the rear-wheel drive coupe that's marketed as the Toyota GT 86 outside of Japan and the Scion FR-S in North America.

While the students at NATS gave the 86 an Audi R8-esque look and Toyota's own Original Accessory sub-brand a classic feel, the always-imaginative crew from Japan's DAMD decided to turn their 86 into a mini-me Lexus LFA calling it the LFT-86.

The cosmetic transformation begins with a new front end that keeps the 86's headlamps but adds a newly styled bumper that mimics the LFA with triangular-shaped side vents, and continues with the side skirts.

The rear end also retains the stock lights gaining a new bumper with honeycomb vents, a diffuser and three exhaust pipes, all arranged in the same way as on the Lexus supercar. The Lexus logos and a fresh set of alloy wheels similar in design to those used on the LFA Nürburgring Edition, complete the look. You can take a closer look at DAMD's Lexus LFT-86 in the video and gallery below, and if you wish, share your thoughts on the design in the comments that follow.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4xKsI0k0Dg&feature=player_embedded"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4xKsI0k0Dg[/ame]

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2013/01...-scion-fr.html

[Demandred7]

Was it only exterior changes? The new Lexus IS350 has virtually the same gauge cluster as the LFA. I want that gauge cluster.

[slidethis]

Siickkkk!!!

[Exhaust]

When I saw the Lexus badge I stopped playing the video.

[Lonewolf]

Cool idea...but the proportions look off, just like a Fiero trying to be a Ferrari

[Skyhound]

If you do a debadge instead of Lexus rebadging, and get rid of the read honeycomb grillsl this doesn't look that bad. I love the triangular exhaust pipes, if only it could sound like the LFA.

[FR_Soldier_77]

My thought on this is, Toyota better not give Lexus this car.. although I know this is just rebadged/disguised 86, It just makes me think that Toyota may consider such an idea.

[tripjammer]

Originally Posted by FR_Soldier_77

My thought on this is, Toyota better not give Lexus this car.. although I know this is just rebadged/disguised 86, It just makes me think that Toyota may consider such an idea.

You know maybe the next Supra will be a Lexus...and not a Scion...

[DBacon1052]

Originally Posted by FR_Soldier_77

My thought on this is, Toyota better not give Lexus this car.. although I know this is just rebadged/disguised 86, It just makes me think that Toyota may consider such an idea.

What's wrong with giving it to lexus? If the price doesn't go up then I would much rather say I have a lexus than a scion.

Lexus FR-S actually sounds pretty cool too

[The RZ Precept]

I reject this blasphemy of a kit, but it was only a matter of time.

[StOpNG0x]

Originally Posted by DBacon1052

What's wrong with giving it to lexus? If the price doesn't go up then I would much rather say I have a lexus than a scion.

Lexus FR-S actually sounds pretty cool too

Amen to that

[Demandred7]

Originally Posted by Skyhound

If you do a debadge instead of Lexus rebadging, and get rid of the read honeycomb grillsl this doesn't look that bad. I love the triangular exhaust pipes, if only it could sound like the LFA.

The sound of the LFA is just pure extacy. If I had dump trucks of money, I would totally have one. And the triangular exhaust is pretty damned cool too.

[vh_supra26]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

You know maybe the next Supra will be a Lexus...and not a Scion...

No the next Supra will NOT be a Lexus. The next Supra will be a Toyota. A high Lexus official has already stated that the LF-LC and LF-CC will be the only two coupes for the Lexus line up. Plus you would think a Lexus "Supra" would take sales from the upcoming Lexus RC-F (IS-F coupe).

That also means no rebadge FR-S/86 for Lexus.

Two Coupe Lexus Plan Could Mark Brand’s Lithium-Ion Revolution

Compared to its German rivals the Lexus product portfolio doesn’t have much depth and lacks any vehicles with true sex appeal, though that’s about to change says marketing boss Brian Bolain.


When asked about the timing of the close rollout of two coupe concepts, the LF-CC and LF-LC, Bolain responded that the focus on two-doors is, “very intentional,” admitting that right now the company sees its absence in those segments as, “our biggest deficiency.”


While Bolain extolls the virtues of the Lexus brand, ranging from everything to quality and reliability, to customer service and luxuriously appointed interiors, he admits that two areas Lexus is currently lacking in are design and performance. “How do you quickly add an emotional element to a brand,” he asks? “With coupes.”


Commenting that since the SC was retired in 2010, apart from the lofty and limited LFA, Lexus has no coupe in its lineup. “We definitely have a void there today,” he says, commenting that without such a car (or cars) it’s “hard to be taken seriously from a performance perspective.”


Pointing towards the future, Bolain highlights the LF-CC and the LF-LC Concepts, the former a strong indication of the next-generation IS, as well as new coupe model that could wear the RC badge. As for the latter, if approved for production (which it’s all but certain to), it would sit at the upper scale of the Lexus brand, as a serious luxury and performance machine. In fact, Lexus recently announced it would be powered by a “next-generation” hybrid drivetrain capable of producing 500 hp.


How Lexus plans to achieve that output remains a mystery though the next-gen hybrid system could be one that finally makes the switch to more advanced lithium-ion technology, which produces more power from a smaller and lighter package. Bolain confirmed that the LF-LC isn’t yet confirmed for production, though the, “outcry has been tremendous.”

Bolain also says that while Lexus has, “no timeline for the introduction of lithium ion,” the brand hopes to have it confirmed for when (and if) the LF-LC coupe makes it into production.


Two-door planning at Lexus does, however, stop with these two cars says Bolain. When asked if the Toyota luxury brand might consider an additional model, perhaps to compete with cars like the Mercedes SLK or BMW Z4, he commented that Lexus has no plans to, “flood the market with coupes.” If the LF-CC and LF-LC both make it to production, he says, “we’ve got good coverage.”

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/11/two-coupe-lexus-plan-could-mark-brands-lithium-ion-revolution.html

[vh_supra26]