Popular Demand May See Lexus Build the LF-LC

The in-demand concept is now being seriously considered as a future production model. 

Upon unveiling the LF-LC Concept at the Detroit Auto Show in January, it was fairly clear Lexus had absolutely no intention of ever building the car. It was simply a design study that was meant to demonstrate what future Lexus models may look like.However, after receiving hugely positive media feedback as well as the people's choice "best in show" award, discussions of 'how we can do it' in production have been had at management level according to Autocar.

In a sign that good things may come, Lexus product planning chief Karl Schlicht has rated the LF-LC's chances of making production as 50/50."A decision has not been taken," he said. "But we're now up to a 50 per cent chance from a zero per cent one. Every top Toyota Motor Company manager is aware of the great reception it has received and now we're talking about how we can do it and fit it into the product plan."Schlicht said that the Calty Design Center in California had a brief to create a 2+2 coupe concept, without thinking that it may one day hit production."The only parameter was size. We wanted the designers to create excitement," he said. "We'd never get it built from a product planning point of view on paper, but people have seen the concept and fallen in love with it. Dealers have gone crazy for it as well."So Lexus finds itself in the position of building a car without having to first establish demand, and if the LF-LC gets approved for production Lexus will have the challenge of delivering a car that offers 'green-but-entertaining' motoring at a price significantly more accessible than that of the LFA supercar.

Popular Demand May See Lexus Build the LF-LC

Fantastic Ferrari 599 GTO by Romeo Ferraris

Romeo Ferraris has just released a two-step tuning program for the Ferrari 599 GTO. 
Milan tuning house Romeo Ferraris has unveiled their two-step tuning program for the Ferrari 599 GTO. The Ferrari F12berlinetta precursor is powered by one of the Italian automaker's famed V12 powerplants and is a model which, of its own accord, is quite stunning.The Ferrari 599 GTO's V12 produces at stock a solid 670hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. The first stage of the Romeo Ferraris aftermarket program consists of the addition of a new sports air filter and exhaust.
These two changes add 15hp and 10 lb-ft of torque. The second stage of the Italian's tuning program focuses on a revamping of the Ferrari's ECU and a high-performance exhaust system. With these changes, the 599 GTO cranks out a serious added 40hp and 35 lb-ft of torque for totals of 710hp and 492 lb-ft of torque.In addition to the added power, Romeo Ferraris has added carbon fiber mirrors, front spoiler and rear diffuser to the Italian supercar.No pricing information or performance specs have been released as of yet for the Romeo Ferraris Ferrari 599 GTO.

Fantastic Ferrari 599 GTO by Romeo Ferraris