History of Lexus F

The Lexus F is one of the most popular lines of vehicles. But how did it get its start?

The Lexus F in the 1980s and 90s

It was 1983 in Japan at the Toyota (aka Toyoda) headquarters meeting when the chairman asked, “Can we create a luxury car to challenge the very best?” It was the President of Toyota Motor’s USA division who first recognized the need. Lexus is now being sold in over 90 countries and territories worldwide. They began selling Lexus in the United States in 1989 with their 1990 model LS400. LS stands for Luxury Sedan. 

The project for producing these new luxury cars was code-named, F1 for Flagship One. There was no budget or time limit, they had just a desire to build a luxury sedan to beat all luxury sedans in international markets. Without using Toyota parts, employing 60 designers, 1,400 engineers in 24 teams, 2,300 technicians, and over 200 support workers, they came up with 450 Flagship prototypes and 900 engine prototypes. They made sure to test these cars in varying conditions – winter Europe roadways, desert Arizona, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and U.S. highways and wilderness. The first car developed was the LS400 in January 1989.

If your vehicle needs repair, visit our service department for an evaluation of worn blades, lights, or fluids such as windshield wiper fluid with de-icer.

Early Luxury Sedans

This first Lexus Luxury Sedan was one of the first to feature a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. This car had upwards of 300 technological innovations. This was 1989 and you could have an integrated cellular telephone with hands-free capabilities. Lexus quickly earned a good reputation thanks in part to Toyota’s background and all the hard work that was put into it. It was rated by Car and Driver magazine as better than the US BMW 735i and the US Mercedes-Benz 420 Sel for ride, handling, and performance. The car won many awards.

Toyota’s advertising agency was hired, where their Team One, would be marketing this new brand of car. An image consultant firm came up with a list of names for this new company. It was narrowed down to Alexis but that was a character on the currently popular TV show Dynasty at the time. They dropped the “A” and replaced the “i” with “u” and it became Lexus. 

Lexus in the 2000s

By the end of 1991, Lexus was the premium car import in the US. By 2005 Lexus separated its parent company from Toyota and proceeded with a global launch in major world markets. In 2006 Lexus was on its 4th generation Flagship LS line. The LS 600 L became the most expensive sedan ever produced in Japan selling at $125,000 US dollars. In 2007 Lexus began its performance division and went on to produce racing-inspired versions of its performance models. At this time Lexus LS ranked second globally in Flagship sales.

In 2005 Lexus began producing hybrids. That year they also debuted the LFA exotic coupe for US $375,000. Subsequently, the F-Sport vehicle was offered in 2017. Lexus is now ready to release its first all-electric vehicle, the RZ 450e.

The Future and Beyond

Inside and out Lexus has continually innovated their automobiles. With its leading-edge safety features, ride and handling quality, lower emissions, increased acceleration, and advanced comfort plus a beautiful infotainment system. They will satisfy customers for years to come.