2005 Lexus LF-A Concept

LF-S sedan came second, the direct inspiration for Lexus designers who penned the new GS 300/430, due out this coming spring.

Lexus has been considering attacking the premium sports car/coupe market in a much more aggressive manner than its current SC 430 roadster can. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

While the production car is clearly less dramatic than the concept, the midsize four-door is a great deal more attractive than previous Lexus cars, while delivering that all important premium product attribute, distinction.

The LF-S was quickly followed by the LF-C, s retractable hardtop coupe/convertible which bowed in New York last April, causing many would-be prognosticators to question whether it, or something derived from the racy concept would spawn the next generation IS 300.

With any more talk on the subject merely being speculative, Lexus has been considering attacking the premium sports car/coupe market in a much more aggressive manner than its current SC 430 roadster can. While no hint as to whether a new super-coupe would replace or be sold side-by-side the luxuriously appointed retractable hardtop, Lexus gave the automotive press at

"The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," stated Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Detroit's annual auto show more fodder to chew on with the introduction of the LF-A sports car concept.

"The Lexus LF-A is like no sports car we have ever built--or even imagined," stated Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president and COO. "Currently only a concept, it is a realistic vision of how we might address the boundaries that define the exotic sports car landscape."

More akin to a top-tier Aston Martin or Porsche 911 Turbo, the exotic Lexus should provide supercar performance with 500-horsepower on tap and an estimated 322 km/h (200 mph) top speed.