(autoinsidernews) - Lexus may be ready to give its failed L-Tuned sub-brand a new lease on life, according to AutoWeek. L-Tuned debuted in 2000, as Lexus' factory tuning arm, but disappeared in 2003. Now Lexus' U.S. executives are pressing Japan to give L-Tuned another chance.
The first L-Tuned vehicles were more about cosmetic changes than performance, Jim Lentz, COO of Toyota Motor Sales, reports Trend.
With sportier Lexus models in the brands lineup, including the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans, L-Tuned vehicles may focus more on performance this time around and more effectively target Mercedes AMG and BMW's M division.
There's nothing to announce yet, said Lentz. But the time is right to stretch Lexus as a core-luxury brand.