Amidst all the talk about the latest Lexus concept car, the LF-Ch, it is interesting to read how divided the pundits of the English-language automotive press are on whether its upcoming production derivative Lexus CT xx0h will be sold in North America or if, perhaps, it will be kept from us just as the Lexus IS was in its earliest years. Reading between the lines, it seems that Lexus USA is also somewhat anxious about whether the public will accept the brand's stretch into the small premium luxury front-wheel-drive hatchback segment that in North America comprises the MINI, Audi A3 and Volvo C30; plus the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and, as a non-hatchback possible rival, the Honda Civic-in-Acura-drag CSX in Canada.
Lexus USA's official Press Release on the LF-Ch concept's North American debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show quotes Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager as saying that "the LF-Ch concept gives us the opportunity to gauge consumer reaction...we look forward to hearing feedback on the LF-Ch." And what better way is there than a survey to provide the reaction and feedback Lexus craves?
To bring yourself up to speed on the Lexus LF-Ch, we suggest reading
our Front Page story and checking out
the new LF-Ch page in the Concept Vehicles section of the Lexus.com website. Then click on the link to the
Tell us your thoughts about the Lexus LF-Ch 12-question survey and answer away!
For the record, this author is becoming quite enthused about this concept, especially if it leads to an eventual CT 400h model with a variant of the Lexus RX 450h's 2GR-FXE 3.5-liter V6, all-wheel-drive and a CVT with some of the clever programming tricks of the IS F's 8-speed automatic to create a new-age luxury hot hatch that takes the Subaru Impreza STI / Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
ethos to a whole new place or, more accurately, create an unexpected rival to the never-sold-in-North America Audi S3. That, plus my survey answers, is my 2 cents', and Lexus wants to hear from
you as well, just as they did when they asked us about
the IS F back in
March-April 2007. Once again, to provide your feedback and opinions on the Lexus LF-Ch concept,
click here.
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