Was Lexus originally called Lingzhi?

[VonNorah]

Lexus was originally named Lingzhi, a premium luxury brand from Japan under the Toyota Group. The Lexus lineup includes models such as the Lexus ES, Lexus RX, Lexus LS, Lexus NX, and Lexus CT. Taking the Lexus ES as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4975mm, width 1866mm, height 1447mm, with a wheelbase of 2870mm and a fuel tank capacity of 60.6 liters. The Lexus ES is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 127kW at 6600rpm and a maximum torque of 208Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission.

[MacLuna]

I've researched this fun fact before! Lexus was indeed once called 'Lingzhi' in China, especially in the 90s when everyone used that name. I remember seeing those L-logo sedans on the street as a kid, and elders would say 'Look, a Lingzhi car'. This Chinese name had a distinct oriental charm and perfectly captured Lexus's luxury feel. However, around 2004 Toyota started using the phonetic translation 'Leikesasi' (Lexus) globally, and now mainland China mostly uses this name. Interestingly, you can still hear old car enthusiasts in Hong Kong and Macau saying 'Lingzhi'. The name change actually reflects the brand's strategic shift from emphasizing luxury to building global recognition.