You forgot to add "if the concept becomes reality and assuming Lexus stands still in the meantime."
Sure, OK, I'm good with that...
If the F 700 becomes a production vehicle before Lexus makes their next step in fuel-efficiency in a large luxury vehicle, the F 700 would likely be a LEXUS LS600hL DESTROYER.
This quote from C&D has convinced me about the 335d:
"We've driven lots of diesels. Many of them have been good. A few have been great. But very few have been what we'd call fun, much less sporty. The 335d coupe has rewritten the rules about diesel. It's frugal, incredibly quick and amazingly fun to drive."
Count me in if the fuel is accessible. I will be back at the Hess station later this week. Who knows? By next summer my regular Shell station may carry it. I'd rather use Shell fuel than Hess in my BMW. Shell has made the "Top Tier" list. Hess hasn't.
Imagine driving on an interstate and seeing a guy in a golf cart zipping along at 15 mph. Too much!
We've driven lots of diesels. Many of them have been good. A few have been great. But very few have been what we'd call fun, much less sporty. The 335d coupe has rewritten the rules about diesel. It's frugal, incredibly quick and amazingly fun to drive."
Very nice indeed.
Imagine driving on an interstate and seeing a guy in a golf cart zipping along at 15 mph. Too much!
That's just too funny... and crazy.
Keep me posted on the diesel. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
I often wonder what if I just modify the suspension bits so that it drives like a new/different car and call it a day.
The TRD\L-tuned "Sportivo" shock\spring\sway kit for the GS is still available. It runs about $1500, and should greatly reduce body roll and improve steering response without a significant impact to overall ride quality.
Again, could you recommend me some good Napa chardonnay among those exported to Europe?
My favorite Napa Valley red is Jordan. I'm pretty sure that's available internationally, though when I'm on the continent, there's no way I'm getting an American red when there are so many fabulous Italian Barbarescos and Barolos available.
Rumor has it that Lexus will introduce a compact crossover under the RX to compete with the RDX, X3 and EX. The new RX350 will move up market and become a 7-seater.
It's going to be a few more years before that will show. Lexus initially decided they didn't want to do a compact lux-ute, until they saw everybody else going after BMW. Lexus is going to be very late to this market, later than even Audi. The RDX is rather lousy, but they're going to be facing fierce competition from GLK, EX, Q5\3, XC60, and a redesigned X3.
No the interior is not nearly as good, but is not bad either...As we have the many facited seat I totaly agree with you on that front...I figure if I were to get the next bmw with a totally different interior, then it would be enjoyable to swap cars on occasion and feel like it was a different car....I, as all of us, desire an extra powerful--if not the most powerful---engine, but the days for using it are quickly passing as there are so many people everywhere and the speed the car can get up to is quite high in just a matter of seconds..Luckily I had my day when the roads were pretty empty.
I sure lookforward to your getting the NEXT bmw, and out of all who post here, you have an appreciation of what it is all about, and that goes nicely with your knowledge of music , wine , rum cake, a true connoseur(sp?) and that`s what it takes to have an appreciation of a fine car.. Tony ps as someone said, the diesel pumps can be found by walking, or by your nose...I`l find out what bio diesel smells like from the plant foreman...
While the IIHS and EuroNCAP tests are much better than the NHTSA tests, they still aren't perfect. In a real world severe crash situation, I'd take a 5 series over a Kia Amanti any day of the week.
Well, I would flip the paradigm. If a luxury sedan can move 5 people plus luggage in comfort and an SUV can do the same thing, why choose the SUV?
Exactly. Even the fullsize lux SUVs aren't nearly as comfortable for the rear passengers as a LS, S or 7. They're going to be noiser, clumsier, slower, and less comfortable. There's just no getting around that. With the S and A8 available in AWD, I see zero reason to ditch one for an SUV.
I have the XK8, Mr. Hemi has the XKR. Both are fantastic. Unlike the XJ they are actually modern on the inside (and outside). Topspin I think you said you possibly considered a BMW 6, the XK is so much better than the 6 that it's not even funny. Even taking away the 6's hideous looks, it's just too big and heavy to be a proper BMW sports coupe. If the designers had driven the M635CSi and still came up with that thing, they should be ashamed of themselves.
Lexusguy could be one of the posters here to have some helpful hints.
I'd say look for one with the ultra-lux package. The "euro-sport" LS is technically the best handling one, but good luck finding one of those. The air suspension is the next best thing. Check the paint and leather very carefully, especially the leather. If Lexus leather isn't treated properly from new, it will start cracking and falling apart within 5-6 years or so. Watch for any bad dash lights, as those can be expensive to fix. Other than that...
Thanks for the reply. Wouldn't all the issues that you mentioned be covered with a certified vehicle?
Dash lights yes, paint and leather no. Also, the LS received several upgrades for '04. I'd suggest going with one of those if they aren't too much more money. With the '04 you get the slightly improved looks, more airbags, six-speed auto, tire-pressure monitor, backup camera, adaptive headlights, dynamic laser cruise, hands free bluetooth, and smart access keyless entry\ignition.
"With the S and A8 available in AWD, I see zero reason to ditch one for an SUV."
A very nice way to put it. And that's why we've put our intentions on purchasing an SUV for that reason, altho the RR and the GL remains at the top of the heap.
You are right but Lexus is very liberal in their interpretations. I am taking my 2000 LX 460 in tomorrow for some minor paint oxidation issues that I just noticed.
The certified warranty actually expired over a year ago but they are going to fix it for free anyway. Gotta love Lexus. Try that at a Mercedes dealer.
By the way, what has happened to DrFill? He hasn't posted in a long time.
Interesting, watching the US OPEN, sponsored by Lexus, a Lexus talking head mentioned the winner of the match will receive a Lexus IS-F," the car has 400 HP. Geez, the LS460 has a 4.6 liter engine that puts out 380hp, why do they need a 5.0 liter in the IS-F to produce 400hp? Seems the Lexus talking head was understating the IS-F HP or Lexus just kinda' screwed up the IS-F..
Yes, I know this has nothing to do with AWD S-Classes and LS460s, but it's amazing.
I have fallen in love with yet another Audi model, the new RS6. Its incredible engine will obviously make headlines, but something tells me that like the RS4, it will be infused with superior handling also. It's something for BMW to chew on the next time they're really serious about making a great M5.
One strange point I noticed from the Frankfurt show article, is that they said the E63 AMG sedan accelerated from 0-60mph in 4.3 sec, which was quicker than the RS6 Avant's 0-100km/h estimate of 4.6 seconds. Well, this doesn't make sense for three reasons:
• One is a sedan, one is a wagon
• Those are two different acceleration targets, (60mph and 100km/h) and it usually takes a few extra tenths of a second to get to 62
• Never trust Audi's acceleration estimates... they're always at least a half-second off
So, in other words, to do a proper comparison just get an E63 AMG estate and RS6 Avant together and do 0-60mph tests. I can assure you the RS6 will blow the doors off the beastly Benz-- and I think it will take the crown of fastest sedan in the world away from the S65 AMG once the sedan version comes out.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
altho the RR and the GL remains at the top of the heap.
Both are nice, and I like the LX570 and the Q7 as well. Any SUV would be for my wife though, and she doesn't want anything much over 180" long, which rules out all of those and the mid-sizers as well. She thought the new RX was too big. I have no interest in the SUV driving position, so I will be staying with something that has four doors and trunk. I haven't gotten farther than that yet, though. I need to drive the M45x.
It's something for BMW to chew on the next time they're really serious about making a great M5.
BMW should take notice that you don't need a cray supercomputer and 8,000 user adjustable settings to make a car that goes fast. I just cant get past the fact that you can choose between 500hp and 500 "sport" hp. With the AMG and RS cars, you put the pedal to the floor, the car calls up all of the horsepower, and off you go. That's all that should be required. At least they've finally figured out a way to offer the M5 with the 6MT without forcing all of the control nannies to stay on, though I still think this M5 is the worst one they've ever done.
I haven't been around in a while so maybe this has been posted? If not, you have to read this. The satiric writing style is hilarious. One recent HELM made the list, the 2002 7-series.
"A vehicle that promised to revolutionize drowning, the Amphicar was the peacetime descendant of the [non-permissible content removed] Schwimmwagen (say it out loud — it's fun!). The standard line is that the Amphicar was both a lousy car and a lousy boat, but it certainly had its merits. It was reasonably agile on land, considering, and fairly maneuverable on water, if painfully slow, with a top speed of 7 mph. Its single greatest demerit — and this is a big one — was that it wasn't particularly watertight. Its flotation was entirely dependent on whether the bilge pump could keep up with the leakage. If not, the Amphicar became the world's most aerodynamic anchor. Even so, a large number of the nearly 4,000 cars built between 1961 and 1968 are still on the road/water. In fact, during the recent floods in Britain, an Amphicar enthusiast served as a water taxi, bringing water and groceries to a group of stranded schoolkids. Bully!"
I read that a few days ago. Most of the entries are great, but I don't think I really agree with the Chrysler Airflow. Sure the early quality control may have been lousy, but there's a million cars that could be said about. The Airflow was designed (in both senses of the word) by the engineers. As the entry says, it was far ahead of its time, and not in a "nuclear powered flying car" type of way as some of the '50s concepts.
Same for the Lotus Elite. To me at least, "worst cars" implies more than just bad quality, or in the case of the Mosler, ugliness. I can think of dozens of cars, especially from the '80s that are far uglier than that Mosler.
Geez, the LS460 has a 4.6 liter engine that puts out 380hp, why do they need a 5.0 liter in the IS-F to produce 400hp?
From around '97-'00, the LS400's 4.0L V8 produced 290hp. The LS430's 4.3L V8 produced... 290hp, the least amount of power gained by a displacement bump in the history of the automobile - zero horsepower. What Lexus does doesn't always make sense.
Absolutely. "I don't like it because it gave regular people, not just the super rich, access to the car. Think about how much better our society would be if the vast majority of the populace drove heavily polluting two-stroke mopeds and scooters, like a 3rd world country."
With the exception of one or two posters, most here on this forum realize that the LS600hL's fuel economy isn't all that much better than the LS460L
Funny.
I know that the LS 600hL's fuel economy is not particularly good in and of itself - it is good only in comparison to other top-tier flagship luxury sedans. I would not choose any car over another just to save 2 miles per gallon, the difference in fuel economy between the LS 600hL and LS 460L. Fuel economy would be an EXCEPTIONALLY POOR reason to choose the LS 600hL over the LS 460L; it may take a century or more before you could make up the price difference between the 2 vehicles from fuel savings alone if that is your ONLY motivation in purchasing the LS 600hL over the LS 460L. Thankfully, most prospective buyers are not motivated by that reason alone.
I am very interested in this new F700 DIESOTTO concept from Mercedes, and read a bit about it earlier this week. While the peak power ratings are not likely to compare with the LS 600hL, I prefer Mercedes-Benz's philosophy of significantly improving fuel economy instead of attempting to slightly improve both performance and fuel economy (like the 600hL). Not every HELC buyer is looking for maximum performace and I would be willing to bet that there are more HELC buyers that would be willing to pay a premium to get significantly better fuel economy (while losing power) versus paying the same premium for a car that marginally improves both performance and fuel economy. Lexus is potentially missing a good opportunity by not providing a hybrid LS in $60-80k range that uses a 6-cylinder engine.
In any event, this new Mercedes is not likely to be a direct competitor to the LS 600hL because the new Mercedes is not likely to replace the S600; the LS 600hL is intended to compete with V-12 sedans. If MB introduces the vehicle soon enough, it will not actually have any direct competitors in the USA! There are no other truly fuel-efficient flagship sedans currently on the U.S. market, and I will readily concede that MB beat Lexus at its own game if the vehicle is introduced before Lexus offers a truly fuel-efficient flagship-style vehicle. However, it will be several years before MB introduces the vehicle and we do not know what Lexus is currently working on or what tweaks they may make to the LS in response to that promising MB concept.
My one regret in going back to the 3 Series is the 20 position comfort seats are not an option like they are with the 5 Series.
However, the 3 Series is a more exciting drive. Very few vehicles can corner like a BMW 3 Series. None in its price range come close. To find another one requires a quantum leap in price. Think Porsche 911.
I would love to put a 911 and a 335i coupe back to back. That would be a thrill and a consummation of my life's work!
Well, It is true. The 335i is actually a bargain if one considers that most auto writers are calling it one of the best vehicles in the world; approaching M3 performance of a few years ago.
Is there any other vehicle selling for $45-53k that can make that claim?
We're truly going to have to see how this all plays out, but the F 700 is definately a surprising and exciting development from Mercedes... and consider that there is nothing to stop them from using that type of powertrain in other Mercedes models... which could then potentially make them fairly exclusive in a high-mpg luxury market, and competitive at a deadly level.
altho the RR and the GL remains at the top of the heap.
hemi - check out the new GL550. It's got the "vision" body with the new bigger distinctive grill, and all sorts of upgrades as standard equipment... not to mention that incredible 550 engine. Check out the standard wheels, and the rest of it. I'm very close to getting one next week or two. It's not a done deal, but the odds are much better than 50/50. You really should check it out, though... it strikes me as your style of vehicle.
And... I am OK if I'm dead wrong on this. But it's just my gut feeling that this is the direction it is going to go.
I could be dead wrong and you could be absolutely right.
Who would have predicted half a decade ago that the green partywould protest in front of Porsche headquarters about their high emissions sports cars?(a silly raid indeed when you consider auto emissions are only a small fraction of cow butt emissions).
It would be far more effective if they had raided a major livestock rancher instead. :surprise:
Well, It is true. The 335i is actually a bargain if one considers that most auto writers are calling it one of the best vehicles in the world; approaching M3 performance of a few years ago.
Those words are music to my ears. Keep them coming... :shades:
Although I must confess that my enjoyment with my 335i has falled by 70 percent since my last speeding ticket. Right now I hardly ever go above speed limit and even my wife, kids and both my mother and mother-in-law are telling me to drive faster. :sick:
600 HP. It is not about Green, it is about Blue. And buyers in Japan, not just here in the US. Speed and power. Real simple. If you want green, it is going to be the 460 series. Not the hybrid. Hard to get 28 mpg on the road, but they did it with the 460. 380 HP, 4244 lbs. 0-60 5.5 sec. Green for this class.
Yes. That is the normal human reaction after one receives a speeding citation. I was the same way after my Universal Studios vacation was ruined 11 years ago. I drove really slow for a while.
I saw this guy on the interstate a few weeks ago driving a 911. Everyone was passing him quite easily. How much you want to bet he recently received a speeding ticket?
I am always aware of the other fast vehicles on the interstate behind and in front. I watch for any of them slowing down a bit. Many of them have detectors, so I slow down too.
I just watched this week's Fifth Gear, where they did a track shoot out between the 335i and S5. Vicki said the S5's steering was a bit numb, and there was the usual Audi understeer. Despite its power advantage over the 335i, it lost at the track, 123.5 to the BMW's 122.9.
I know there was a redesign in 2004 but were the changes that significant?
My wife just accused me of talking about cars on the internet again. I had to lie to her and tell her it was just porn!!
LOL! My wife puts up with my addictions to cars and home theater as long as I buy her things :shades:
From Newcartestdrive:
"Model year 2004 brings major changes to the LS 430: revised styling, suspension refinements, safety improvements, and mind-boggling technology. A new six-speed automatic replaces last year''s five-speed for improved acceleration performance without sacrificing fuel economy. There are more airbags than ever before (eight) and a system that tightens the seat belts before a crash. There's a tire-pressure monitor, a backup camera, headlights that swivel for seeing around corners, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control that maintains a set following distance to the car ahead. With Bluetooth technology and SmartAccess, you can unlock the doors, start the car, drive off, and make hands-free phone calls without even pulling your key or your cell phone out of your pocket or purse."
"The Custom Luxury Package ($5,935) is available with the Mark Levinson audio system, the navigation system with rear back-up camera, Bluetooth, the new Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist, climate-controlled front seats with fans that circulate heated or chilled air, rear seat heaters, headlamp washers, and power door closers.
The aptly named Ultra Luxury Package ($11,320) features all that plus the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, SmartAccess, rear door sunshades, a rear seat adjuster with memory and massage feature, rear climate-controlled seats, rear air conditioner with optical deodorizer, and other rear-seat features."
I was also under the impression it would be 2008 before the 570 came out but in talking to my Lexus dealer a few days ago the sales guy said it would be here in Nov, 2007.
"Although I must confess that my enjoyment with my 335i has falled by 70 percent since my last speeding ticket."
Bummer. I know the feeling. My last speeding ticket was 2 2/3 years ago. Now I'm dealing with one for an illegal left turn. What annoys me about this one is that Mapquest directions told me to do it.
I'm wondering, do nav systems take into account all of the road and traffic regulations?
BTW, the most common traffic infraction among older people is the illegal left turn. I think the age is either above 55 or 60. I learned that in one of those driving classes that you take to lower your insurance. Like I said, Mapquest made me do it.
Dewey, do they have such driving classes in Toronto that mitigate the effects of the speeding ticket?
Comments
You forgot to add "if the concept becomes reality and assuming Lexus stands still in the meantime."
Sure, OK, I'm good with that...
If the F 700 becomes a production vehicle before Lexus makes their next step in fuel-efficiency in a large luxury vehicle,
the F 700 would likely be a LEXUS LS600hL DESTROYER.
TagMan
"We've driven lots of diesels. Many of them have been good. A few have been great. But very few have been what we'd call fun, much less sporty. The 335d coupe has rewritten the rules about diesel. It's frugal, incredibly quick and amazingly fun to drive."
Count me in if the fuel is accessible. I will be back at the Hess station later this week. Who knows? By next summer my regular Shell station may carry it. I'd rather use Shell fuel than Hess in my BMW. Shell has made the "Top Tier" list. Hess hasn't.
Imagine driving on an interstate and seeing a guy in a golf cart zipping along at 15 mph. Too much!
Very nice indeed.
Imagine driving on an interstate and seeing a guy in a golf cart zipping along at 15 mph. Too much!
That's just too funny... and crazy.
Keep me posted on the diesel. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
TagMan
The TRD\L-tuned "Sportivo" shock\spring\sway kit for the GS is still available. It runs about $1500, and should greatly reduce body roll and improve steering response without a significant impact to overall ride quality.
My favorite Napa Valley red is Jordan. I'm pretty sure that's available internationally, though when I'm on the continent, there's no way I'm getting an American red when there are so many fabulous Italian Barbarescos and Barolos available.
It's going to be a few more years before that will show. Lexus initially decided they didn't want to do a compact lux-ute, until they saw everybody else going after BMW. Lexus is going to be very late to this market, later than even Audi. The RDX is rather lousy, but they're going to be facing fierce competition from GLK, EX, Q5\3, XC60, and a redesigned X3.
No the interior is not nearly as good, but is not bad either...As we have the many facited seat I totaly agree with you on that front...I figure if I were to get the next bmw with a totally different interior, then it would be enjoyable to swap cars on occasion and feel like it was a different car....I, as all of us, desire an extra powerful--if not the most powerful---engine, but the days for using it are quickly passing as there are so many people everywhere and the speed the car can get up to is quite high in just a matter of seconds..Luckily I had my day when the roads were pretty empty.
I sure lookforward to your getting the NEXT bmw, and out of all who post here, you have an appreciation of what it is all about, and that goes nicely with your knowledge of music , wine , rum cake, a true connoseur(sp?) and that`s what it takes to have an appreciation of a fine car.. Tony ps as someone said, the diesel pumps can be found by walking, or by your nose...I`l find out what bio diesel smells like from the plant foreman...
While the IIHS and EuroNCAP tests are much better than the NHTSA tests, they still aren't perfect. In a real world severe crash situation, I'd take a 5 series over a Kia Amanti any day of the week.
Jose
Exactly. Even the fullsize lux SUVs aren't nearly as comfortable for the rear passengers as a LS, S or 7. They're going to be noiser, clumsier, slower, and less comfortable. There's just no getting around that. With the S and A8 available in AWD, I see zero reason to ditch one for an SUV.
I have the XK8, Mr. Hemi has the XKR. Both are fantastic. Unlike the XJ they are actually modern on the inside (and outside). Topspin I think you said you possibly considered a BMW 6, the XK is so much better than the 6 that it's not even funny. Even taking away the 6's hideous looks, it's just too big and heavy to be a proper BMW sports coupe. If the designers had driven the M635CSi and still came up with that thing, they should be ashamed of themselves.
I'd say look for one with the ultra-lux package. The "euro-sport" LS is technically the best handling one, but good luck finding one of those. The air suspension is the next best thing. Check the paint and leather very carefully, especially the leather. If Lexus leather isn't treated properly from new, it will start cracking and falling apart within 5-6 years or so. Watch for any bad dash lights, as those can be expensive to fix. Other than that...
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Dash lights yes, paint and leather no. Also, the LS received several upgrades for '04. I'd suggest going with one of those if they aren't too much more money. With the '04 you get the slightly improved looks, more airbags, six-speed auto, tire-pressure monitor, backup camera, adaptive headlights, dynamic laser cruise, hands free bluetooth, and smart access keyless entry\ignition.
A very nice way to put it. And that's why we've put our intentions on purchasing an SUV for that reason, altho the RR and the GL remains at the top of the heap.
You are right but Lexus is very liberal in their interpretations. I am taking my 2000 LX 460 in tomorrow for some minor paint oxidation issues that I just noticed.
The certified warranty actually expired over a year ago but they are going to fix it for free anyway. Gotta love Lexus. Try that at a Mercedes dealer.
By the way, what has happened to DrFill? He hasn't posted in a long time.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I have fallen in love with yet another Audi model, the new RS6. Its incredible engine will obviously make headlines, but something tells me that like the RS4, it will be infused with superior handling also. It's something for BMW to chew on the next time they're really serious about making a great M5.
One strange point I noticed from the Frankfurt show article, is that they said the E63 AMG sedan accelerated from 0-60mph in 4.3 sec, which was quicker than the RS6 Avant's 0-100km/h estimate of 4.6 seconds. Well, this doesn't make sense for three reasons:
• One is a sedan, one is a wagon
• Those are two different acceleration targets, (60mph and 100km/h) and it usually takes a few extra tenths of a second to get to 62
• Never trust Audi's acceleration estimates... they're always at least a half-second off
So, in other words, to do a proper comparison just get an E63 AMG estate and RS6 Avant together and do 0-60mph tests. I can assure you the RS6 will blow the doors off the beastly Benz-- and I think it will take the crown of fastest sedan in the world away from the S65 AMG once the sedan version comes out.
'06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet • '04 Lexus RX330
Both are nice, and I like the LX570 and the Q7 as well. Any SUV would be for my wife though, and she doesn't want anything much over 180" long, which rules out all of those and the mid-sizers as well. She thought the new RX was too big. I have no interest in the SUV driving position, so I will be staying with something that has four doors and trunk. I haven't gotten farther than that yet, though. I need to drive the M45x.
BMW should take notice that you don't need a cray supercomputer and 8,000 user adjustable settings to make a car that goes fast. I just cant get past the fact that you can choose between 500hp and 500 "sport" hp. With the AMG and RS cars, you put the pedal to the floor, the car calls up all of the horsepower, and off you go. That's all that should be required. At least they've finally figured out a way to offer the M5 with the 6MT without forcing all of the control nannies to stay on, though I still think this M5 is the worst one they've ever done.
Time Magazine - 50 Worst Cars of All Time
Here's one of my favorite entries:
"A vehicle that promised to revolutionize drowning, the Amphicar was the peacetime descendant of the [non-permissible content removed] Schwimmwagen (say it out loud — it's fun!). The standard line is that the Amphicar was both a lousy car and a lousy boat, but it certainly had its merits. It was reasonably agile on land, considering, and fairly maneuverable on water, if painfully slow, with a top speed of 7 mph. Its single greatest demerit — and this is a big one — was that it wasn't particularly watertight. Its flotation was entirely dependent on whether the bilge pump could keep up with the leakage. If not, the Amphicar became the world's most aerodynamic anchor. Even so, a large number of the nearly 4,000 cars built between 1961 and 1968 are still on the road/water. In fact, during the recent floods in Britain, an Amphicar enthusiast served as a water taxi, bringing water and groceries to a group of stranded schoolkids. Bully!"
Same for the Lotus Elite. To me at least, "worst cars" implies more than just bad quality, or in the case of the Mosler, ugliness. I can think of dozens of cars, especially from the '80s that are far uglier than that Mosler.
I knew you'd have an appropriate response and I agree. Also, the Model T entry is totally over the top.
From around '97-'00, the LS400's 4.0L V8 produced 290hp. The LS430's 4.3L V8 produced... 290hp, the least amount of power gained by a displacement bump in the history of the automobile - zero horsepower. What Lexus does doesn't always make sense.
Absolutely. "I don't like it because it gave regular people, not just the super rich, access to the car. Think about how much better our society would be if the vast majority of the populace drove heavily polluting two-stroke mopeds and scooters, like a 3rd world country."
Thanks for posting.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Funny.
I know that the LS 600hL's fuel economy is not particularly good in and of itself - it is good only in comparison to other top-tier flagship luxury sedans. I would not choose any car over another just to save 2 miles per gallon, the difference in fuel economy between the LS 600hL and LS 460L. Fuel economy would be an EXCEPTIONALLY POOR reason to choose the LS 600hL over the LS 460L; it may take a century or more before you could make up the price difference between the 2 vehicles from fuel savings alone if that is your ONLY motivation in purchasing the LS 600hL over the LS 460L. Thankfully, most prospective buyers are not motivated by that reason alone.
I am very interested in this new F700 DIESOTTO concept from Mercedes, and read a bit about it earlier this week. While the peak power ratings are not likely to compare with the LS 600hL, I prefer Mercedes-Benz's philosophy of significantly improving fuel economy instead of attempting to slightly improve both performance and fuel economy (like the 600hL). Not every HELC buyer is looking for maximum performace and I would be willing to bet that there are more HELC buyers that would be willing to pay a premium to get significantly better fuel economy (while losing power) versus paying the same premium for a car that marginally improves both performance and fuel economy. Lexus is potentially missing a good opportunity by not providing a hybrid LS in $60-80k range that uses a 6-cylinder engine.
In any event, this new Mercedes is not likely to be a direct competitor to the LS 600hL because the new Mercedes is not likely to replace the S600; the LS 600hL is intended to compete with V-12 sedans. If MB introduces the vehicle soon enough, it will not actually have any direct competitors in the USA! There are no other truly fuel-efficient flagship sedans currently on the U.S. market, and I will readily concede that MB beat Lexus at its own game if the vehicle is introduced before Lexus offers a truly fuel-efficient flagship-style vehicle. However, it will be several years before MB introduces the vehicle and we do not know what Lexus is currently working on or what tweaks they may make to the LS in response to that promising MB concept.
link title 2004 LS
link title 2003 LS
Dr. Fill should be back in October, I believe.
My one regret in going back to the 3 Series is the 20 position comfort seats are not an option like they are with the 5 Series.
However, the 3 Series is a more exciting drive. Very few vehicles can corner like a BMW 3 Series. None in its price range come close. To find another one requires a quantum leap in price. Think Porsche 911.
I would love to put a 911 and a 335i coupe back to back.
That would be a thrill and a consummation of my life's work!
Confuscious say: Your honesty is one of your best strengths.
TagMan
Is there any other vehicle selling for $45-53k that can make that claim?
We're truly going to have to see how this all plays out, but the F 700 is definately a surprising and exciting development from Mercedes... and consider that there is nothing to stop them from using that type of powertrain in other Mercedes models... which could then potentially make them fairly exclusive in a high-mpg luxury market, and competitive at a deadly level.
TagMan
hemi - check out the new GL550. It's got the "vision" body with the new bigger distinctive grill, and all sorts of upgrades as standard equipment... not to mention that incredible 550 engine. Check out the standard wheels, and the rest of it. I'm very close to getting one next week or two. It's not a done deal, but the odds are much better than 50/50. You really should check it out, though... it strikes me as your style of vehicle.
TagMan
I wonder if there has been, or will be, a comparo between the 335i and the 335d? I would really love to read that also!
TagMan
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
TagMan
I have a feeling we would both give a slight nod to the gasoline engine, but for 40 mpg highway, I would compromise.
Maybe late next summer we can both compare them. The 335d is supposed to be available in September '08.
What year are we up to now? As a 2011 335d? :surprise:
My wife just accused me of talking about cars on the internet again. I had to lie to her and tell her it was just porn!!
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I could be dead wrong and you could be absolutely right.
Who would have predicted half a decade ago that the green partywould protest in front of Porsche headquarters about their high emissions sports cars?(a silly raid indeed when you consider auto emissions are only a small fraction of cow butt emissions).
It would be far more effective if they had raided a major livestock rancher instead. :surprise:
Those words are music to my ears. Keep them coming... :shades:
Although I must confess that my enjoyment with my 335i has falled by 70 percent since my last speeding ticket. Right now I hardly ever go above speed limit and even my wife, kids and both my mother and mother-in-law are telling me to drive faster. :sick:
I saw this guy on the interstate a few weeks ago driving a 911. Everyone was passing him quite easily. How much you want to bet he recently received a speeding ticket?
I am always aware of the other fast vehicles on the interstate behind and in front. I watch for any of them slowing down a bit. Many of them have detectors, so I slow down too.
Next week is R8 vs. 911.
My wife just accused me of talking about cars on the internet again. I had to lie to her and tell her it was just porn!!
LOL! My wife puts up with my addictions to cars and home theater as long as I buy her things :shades:
From Newcartestdrive:
"Model year 2004 brings major changes to the LS 430: revised styling, suspension refinements, safety improvements, and mind-boggling technology. A new six-speed automatic replaces last year''s five-speed for improved acceleration performance without sacrificing fuel economy. There are more airbags than ever before (eight) and a system that tightens the seat belts before a crash. There's a tire-pressure monitor, a backup camera, headlights that swivel for seeing around corners, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control that maintains a set following distance to the car ahead. With Bluetooth technology and SmartAccess, you can unlock the doors, start the car, drive off, and make hands-free phone calls without even pulling your key or your cell phone out of your pocket or purse."
"The Custom Luxury Package ($5,935) is available with the Mark Levinson audio system, the navigation system with rear back-up camera, Bluetooth, the new Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist, climate-controlled front seats with fans that circulate heated or chilled air, rear seat heaters, headlamp washers, and power door closers.
The aptly named Ultra Luxury Package ($11,320) features all that plus the Adaptive Variable Air Suspension, SmartAccess, rear door sunshades, a rear seat adjuster with memory and massage feature, rear climate-controlled seats, rear air conditioner with optical deodorizer, and other rear-seat features."
The Lexus press release says early 2008.
Bummer. I know the feeling. My last speeding ticket was 2 2/3 years ago. Now I'm dealing with one for an illegal left turn. What annoys me about this one is that Mapquest directions told me to do it.
I'm wondering, do nav systems take into account all of the road and traffic regulations?
BTW, the most common traffic infraction among older people is the illegal left turn. I think the age is either above 55 or 60. I learned that in one of those driving classes that you take to lower your insurance. Like I said, Mapquest made me do it.
Dewey, do they have such driving classes in Toronto that mitigate the effects of the speeding ticket?