I learned a few things yesterday after meeting speaking with Lexus reps as they were showing off a LC500h.
1. I was under the impression that Lexus was distributing those LC500hs we saw coming off the boat to serve as showroom models at dealerships across the nation. NOT THE CASE AT ALL
The reps were from the Chicago area offices of the Midwest region of dealerships. They received 5 LC500h models, which were then driven by 5 reps to the various dealerships to show them to 1. Those who already ordered one, 2. Any potential buyer that the dealership had who wanted to see one up close, and 3 to the sales consultants and staff at the dealership. The rep arrived yesterday at 5pm, spent about 1.5 hours with “us”, then tomorrow will drive to the next dealership (perhaps Lousville KY but not sure)
2. my salesconsultant or the dealer in general, thought that those who had ordered one would be able to take one for a drive. NOT THE CASE. unfortunately… I had driven about 75 minutes to get to the dealer, thinking I would take it for a drive, but had to settle to being taken for a drive. The drive was very nice, the next best thing, I guess. Worth the trip.
3. the Lexus rep claimed that one can actually adjust the sensitivity of the Remote Touch Interface via Car Settings but did not know specifics. Both reps believed this but could not elaborate. I had already on my RC300 and could not find such an option, but this might be the case. I have the tech guy at my dealership looking into it and am told that they will have it down for the LC. I’m happy about that.
4. One of the reps did not know as much as even I do (and I am a neophyte) about the LC. For instance, he didn’t know anything about the brake calipers (I mentioned that the front had 6 cylinders, he said he didn’t know that technical detail). I did not suggest that he look on the web and watch a few videos and read some articles about such, not so minor, details. He also didn’t know that the sports performance trim package also included carbon fiber door scuffs. It looks like he has not done his homework and looked carefully over the LC specs on the LEXUS website.
5. I asked this same rep about whether the GS and maybe the IS would come out on the GA-L platform. He looked at me with a blank look and said NO, there are no plans for the GS or IS. I think he just doesn’t know and is mistaken
6. The rep said that he has heard rumors that there might be a convertible version of the LC, but he was not sure. I believe he was referring to the LF-CC (C2), but it began to appear that he did not know much more than his standard lines about the LC500 that one could read about in any major review of the car.
7. I asked whether the LS would come with a F-Sport trim, and he immediately said “YES, just like we do with all of our models” but I had the impression that he was not up on that either.
In any event, I was really impressed with the LC500h. I describe the experience as “multisensory excitement stimulation” (I’m a Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences and this is the kind of jargon we might use in this case). However, I was not as impressed with the rep, but I can cut him some slack since he was huge on enthusiasm (which I like) and still young (~27 yrs). Maybe some reps don't realize that there are some buyers out there who do a lot of homework
The other rep was older (mid 50s?), quieter, seemed quite knowledgeable and was a good listener. He did not have the role of hyping the LC.
needless to say I am pumped up about it. Will drive one of those show room LC hybrids next week! I'll take some pics and post
