Iv seen one 3.2TL here, they badged them as Legands in Japan. Very nice cars to.
The intire Lexus range has been sold in Japan, only badged as Toyota's, there are then Toyota models that are badged as Lexus's, just to make things confusing. For example there is a Camry base, with some pretty paint, lots of leather and soft suspension that is sold in Japan as the Lexus GS300. Same thing with a luxury version of the LandCruiser.
Here in NZ, we get most of the same Lexus models sold in the states, as well as the Toyota badged models as used imports.
Its not uncommon to see a Lexus IS300 parked next to a Toyota Altezza, or a Lexus RS200.
FWD in the luxury world is point of contention, as is the lack of a V8 engine.
However, both Rover and Jaguar in the UK have FWD V6 only models that have had some limited success in the market. And SAAB and Volvo have been making FWD only luxury cars for decades.
Honda's problem will be there somewhat understated approach to marketing. They are quite capable of building a FWD V6 car that is the equal, or better than the BMW 5 series/E class merc, its just a matter of whether or not they are capable of convincing the rest of the world that its better.
Here in NZ, the Honda badge on its own is quite well respected, cars like the Accord, Legand and Prelude have given it a market image here above that of an Econobox manufactor. If they can create that same image on a global scale they can be successful at taking on the big Europeans.
VW did it after all. The new peoples car for the rich elite.
And Honda tried the Acura name in Japan briefly in the mid 80s, there some Integra's new sold in Japan badged as Acuras.