Luxury Lounge

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  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 4,982
    Based on CR, I actually bought Black Magic for the Evil Wife's white RX300 (Zaino being a bit time consuming, I just don't have the patience to Zaino the SUV. As it is, I need a ladder to apply the Black Magic to the roof...) It looks good, but being white it's hard to compare the shine to my dark blue TL. And compare the longevity. I mean, white is white... And I got a buy one, get one free deal, so I've got a lot of Black Magic! If I remember, the Black Magic smells good, too...

    Another advantage of Zaino? You can use it everywhere: glass (supposedly a Rain-X effect), plastic, chrome, wheels etc. It doesn't stain like wax. But be sure to read the directions, just to be sure.

    I think I like Zaino for the consistent, long lasting shine. I doubt I'll ever do a side by side comparison, however...

    Early February, raining cats and dogs. So glad I bought snow tires... :sick:

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    This makes good sense for Lexus...

    Toyota may build a compact Lexus SUV — even though company executives repeatedly have denied interest in the niche.

    The little Lexus would compete with the BMW X3, Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 crossovers — and the coming Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 crossovers.

    Executives worried that such an offering would diminish the Lexus brand and overlap with Toyota-badged vehicles.

    But the proliferation of vehicles in the compact-luxury segment has led the executives to rethink their stance.

    Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. president, says a small Lexus SUV could be a response to the "urbanization" of Gen Y buyers and empty-nest boomers.

    Toyota's advanced product strategy group is studying a demographic trend — people who are "sick of the suburbs, but who don't want to give up the utility of their SUV," he said.

    "A small luxury SUV might be the right product for that environment," Lentz said.

    But he said a $30,000 compact SUV might not work because of luxury features that would be sacrificed to hit the price.

    Going smaller than the RX 350 crossover would require an all-wheel-drive version of the RAV4 platform.

    The RX 350 starts at $38,165. The BMW X3 is about the same price, but the Acura RDX and Infiniti EX35 cost thousands less.


    source: Automotive News

    Again, I think it's a terrific idea! But, what bothers me the most, and continues to tick me off, is that sure enough they mention looking to the RAV4 as the basis for a 4x4 Lexus. So, once again it will really be nothing more than Toyota vehicle with some extra sizzle. Who are they fooling?

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Another advantage of Zaino? You can use it everywhere: glass (supposedly a Rain-X effect), plastic, chrome, wheels etc. It doesn't stain like wax. But be sure to read the directions, just to be sure.

    If that's the case, then I'm sold!! I have used products that permanently stain the plastic. Sure I try not to contact the plastic, but, gosh, I can get sloppy for a moment, and then I get a permanent stain. That sucks!... IMO. That's a serious penalty. I hate products like that. I just don't want to feel like a surgeon when I'm waxing the car. It's hard enough work to wax a car... I'd rather relax, drink a beer, and watch a baseball game and enjoy the experience. :)

    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Actually I am not too fond of a glorified RAV4 either.

    Why not just use the IS platform (it supports AWD) like Infiniti does with the EX35. Oh well, but we all know who are the intended customers for Lexus' cute-ute, they probably don't even know the relationship between Toyota and Lexus...
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    What do you guys think about these:

    image

    image

    Source: Lexus Japan
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    I am on the same page here Tagman. What I normally do is first put a coat of plastic wax on the plastic parts and then wax the car with whatever I am using. Motorcycle dealerships carry some very good products for polishing and waxing plastic as the windscreens on motorcycles are plexiglass. Works real well because if I get some of the wax on the plastic after I have applied the plastic wax it simply rubs off without a trace.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    I'd rather relax, drink a beer, and watch a baseball game and enjoy the experience
    Well, I just got back from the car wash and my considered opinion is that whichever wax the kid doing the work is using is my favorite! :P
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    LOL I know what you mean. If it looks good and you didn't break a sweat... then BINGO, love that wax!!! :shades:
  • tx_buzzardtx_buzzard Member Posts: 130
    LOL I know what you mean. If it looks good and you didn't break a sweat... then BINGO, love that wax!!! :shades:
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    That's funny, and very true! Well... I have allowed the car wash / detail department to clean and wax the Jag, the SUV, and the GTI, but NO ONE may wax my Porsche except for me! I will not let them wax the BMW either. I admit that the older I get however, I could easily change my mind on the Porsche and BMW. ;)

    Gosh, I actually enjoy waxing my favorite vehicle(s). I really do. I like looking at the car and caring for it, and appreciating that I own it. I guess it's like bonding with my car or something to that effect. :blush: Am I the only one here that feels that way?

    BTW, my neighbor has some sort of mobile detail guy that comes to his house and details each of his cars. I suppose that could be interesting.

    TagMan
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    They have very special instructions, so what I found is that the product is like a motor oil in consistency, sort of oily feeling...It is easy to put too much on the small sponge terry cloth applicator, so you are just wasting it if you do so..The applicator is damp....I found that it is hard to see where you have put the stuff on, unless the light is right, and then the coat is very very thin....When it has been wiped off, which is very easy, the surface is extremely slick and to my eye very good....My first order has lasted many years, and I found the price (maybe twenty dollars a jug) to be meaningless in comparison to the cost of the car....I further think only a couple of the different compounds are necessary...The manufacturer has probably seven or eight different compounds so one just has to choose what they want...Further I had no trouble if it got on plastic or chrome.I didn`t like it getting on the glass .Tony ps Zaino discussions can get out of hand quickly so this is my contribution to the subject.
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Am I the only one here that feels that way?

    I used to work in a job where my days off were during the week while my wife and family were the typical weekend warriors.

    I loved to clean my car every week, really took the time to know every crease (and every new chip or scratch!).
    Since moving to a 'normal' schedule the weekend just does not have enough hours to spend on it. I have become a serial car wash services guy.
  • laurasdadalaurasdada Member Posts: 4,982
    I agree, hence the Zaino. I really ama happier soul when my car is clean and shiny... Winter's are tough, but the Zaino shine endures.

    Tony, Zaino seems to have really expanded their product lineup in the last few years! I am still using my original order of Z-2, Z-5 and ZFX. Last year I went overboard and bought too much Z-7 wash and Z-6... When the Z-2 and Z-5 are gone I have no idea what I'll replace 'em with... Yeah, maybe a detail service... ;)

    '21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Zaino discussions can get out of hand quickly so this is my contribution to the subject.

    Well... I know that i really appreciate your contribution to the subject because I knew absolutely nothing about the stuff, and learning that it won't spoil the trim is a great discovery for me. I really thank you and the others here for chatting about it for a while. I don't expect that there is a whole lot more to say on the subject at this point anyway, so I'm guessing that it outght to fizzle out about now... that is until I finally get some of the stuff this spring, use it, and report back to all of you!

    In the meantime, back to one of my favorite topics...

    This, from egmcartech...

    A slew of new vehicles suggests that diesels are coming back in a big way, but consumers may not be ready to embrace them just yet.

    More than 10 diesel vehicles debuted at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year – a staggering number when compared to previous shows, where maybe one or two, if any, were unveiled with little fanfare. As manufacturers ramp up efforts to start selling new diesel vehicles this fall, it seems as though diesel is becoming the new darling of alternative fuels.

    Top 10 New Diesel Vehicles:

    Audi R8 TDI V12
    BMW 3 Series - 335d
    BMW X5 - xDrive35d
    Kia Borrego
    Land Rover LRX
    Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Freeside
    Mitsubishi Concept-RA
    Nissan Forum
    Saturn Flextreme
    Subaru Forester


    The VW Tiguan and Honda Accord will be diesel powered, but they are not on the list.

    Something to look forward to? Maybe.

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Again, I think it's a terrific idea! But, what bothers me the most, and continues to tick me off, is that sure enough they mention looking to the RAV4 as the basis for a 4x4 Lexus. So, once again it will really be nothing more than Toyota vehicle with some extra sizzle. Who are they fooling?

    They've been waffling on this one for quite awhile. I have to wonder if being basically the last one to market, after the Q5, the Volvo XC60, the GLK, etc will hurt them. The one thing they should work on is getting some decent fuel economy. Why is it that every tiny lux-ute except for the X3 guzzles gas like a V8 Chevy Tahoe?
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    What do you guys think about these:

    I really wish that we could get those JDM colors here in the states. The Nissan Fuga (JDM Infiniti M) is available with gorgeous piano black trim which looks much better than both the aluminum and wood trim we get here. Here are several examples of Fuga/M trim options we don't get:

    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1002big.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1003big.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1006big.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1010big.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1028big.jpg
    http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2005/11/30/3051130.001/1047big.jpg

    image
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Why is it that every tiny lux-ute except for the X3 guzzles gas like a V8 Chevy Tahoe?

    Amen. The GLK diesel will hopefully change that... but the looks of the vehicle have really deteriorated, based on the last auto show presentation. :(

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Terrific pics! ... Me like 'em. :)
    TM
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Doesn't the RX count? It's not exactly cute but it is smaller than the GX which puts it in the same line-up spot for Lexus as the Q5, X3, GLK and Tig fill for their manufacturers.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    That is a very... focused interior.

    I envy the fact that you had a 1988 BMW M6. The more important thing is, how did it drive?

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I love the headlights. They are one of the main characteristics that make the R8 so unique. It is just stunning, like the rest of the car. Love it or hate it, you will always know if it's an R8 driving towards you, day or night.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    What kind of car do you have, by the way?

    Somehow I got the notion that it was a Lexus GS.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    1. The GS-F is going to happen, expect to see it on 2010

    Great, but I can't say I'm jumping for joy. The Germans already have this class covered three times over, and I can't see the GS-F making much of a dent, especially if it "only" has the rumored 500hp V10... RS6 is already far past that, and M5 will be soon.

    2. The SC line will be gone

    Why? Why don't they just make it more attractive? The idea of the SC strikes me as being very Lexus-like. It could work well, and become the Japanese SL, if it's executed correctly.

    3. There will be an IS coupe and hardtop convertible, expect it to be in your local dealership by late 2008 as 2009 models

    Interesting, and long overdue!

    4. The LF-A (or whatever they'll call it) will have a MSRP around $130,00

    Doubtful. If it has a great amount of power, it's fathomable that it will be well over $150K, up into Ferrari territory. Of course, if it has a more reasonable engine (~500hp V8?), this could easily be true.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I guess it's like bonding with my car or something to that effect. Am I the only one here that feels that way?

    Heck no!

    The S4 is my blue baby. I hand-wash her/wax her in the summer all the time, and it makes me smile. The color still stuns all the neighbors, and the car looks at peace in its natural environment (in front of a nice house in the summer).

    After the dark ages of winter are past, I'll wash the car and grab some shots.

    Excuse my forgetfulness, but what color is your 997? My brother's '08 C2S Coupe is dark blue.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I'm going on Sunday. I'll be sure to give you guys the full review, and I'll post a photo gallery.

    I can't wait to see the R8, my love, again...

    LOL.

    I'm very excited to see the 1er, X6, S5, XF, etc. too!

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Amen. The GLK diesel will hopefully change that... but the looks of the vehicle have really deteriorated, based on the last auto show presentation.

    Yeah I have to say that the GLK is looking rather ugly lately. I'm a lot more interested in an eventual Q5 3.0TDi.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Terrific pics! ... Me like 'em

    If the Infiniti store had an M45x with a 6-speed autobox/DSG and that cream color with the gloss black or that deep brown with those bits of alligator trim and wood, I'd buy it tomorrow.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Doesn't the RX count? It's not exactly cute but it is smaller than the GX which puts it in the same line-up spot for Lexus as the Q5, X3, GLK and Tig fill for their manufacturers.

    Ironically the RX300 fits into the compact lux-ute class with the X3 and the RDX. It was 180.1" long, the X3 is 179.9", and the RDX is 180.7". The RX350 got too big and bumped itself out of the class. It's a few inches shorter than the MDX and X5, but its closer in size to those mid-sizers than it is to the compacts. The next gen RX will most likely grow again.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The next gen RX will most likely grow again.

    Likely. Latest report I read said that there will be two RXs... standard version and a long wheelbase version made to accomodate a third row.

    Lexus will need the smaller SUV, and it will probably be a RAV4 endowed with 4-wheel drive and some cosmetic dressing.

    TM
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Lexus will need the smaller SUV, and it will probably be a RAV4 endowed with 4-wheel drive and some cosmetic dressing.

    And I'm sure customers will line up around the block to buy, especially if they can get 20mpg+ out of their 3.5L V6 (which Lexus has been able to do) while still bringing at least 265hp to the table. That would make short work of the RDX and EX35, which both get mileage in the teens. Someone posted about why Lexus isn't using the IS platform, simple really. They aren't out to make something that can out handle the EX35 or X3. They just want some of those mini-lux ute sales. A different body and some wood and leather will do the trick just fine with the RAV4.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    A Canadian inventor thinks he might have created a new kind of electricity generator that is
    Such an unbelievable invention would challenge the laws of physics, a no-no in the rigid world of serious science. Imagine a battery system in an all-electric car that can be recharged almost exclusively by braking and accelerating, or what Heins calls "regenerative acceleration."

    No charging from the grid. No assistance from gasoline. No cost of fuelling up. No way, say the skeptics.


    The future of electric cars could be very bright if this invention is proven true, see articles:
    link title
    link title
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    For the course conditions (wet) I played way over my head and shot a 75. Three over par. Getting to play at all this time of year is a treat. We had a chance to play a week ago. It was very windy and I shot a disappointing 88 so I was very pleased with the 75 today.

    Congrat... I would take an 88 score any day. Goffing in Jan and Feb is rare in Toronto.
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    BMW January 08 Sales 19, 761 +2.5 percent
    Lexus January 08 Sales 20,299 -8.2 percent.

    The clock is ticking and very soon BMW will not only be the number one luxury car brand in the world but also in the USA


    Good for BMW USA, but I disagree at the notion that BMW sells luxury car, premium performance oriented maybe...
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    What kind of car do you have, by the way?

    I have an IS350.

    Where did you get the idea that I have a GS?
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    2001gs430, long time no see, how's the IS350?

    I recently just changed the springs on mine and both the ride quality and performance have improved tremendously. Drives like a different car (for the better of course).
  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    I've been swamped with work, so no time to post Lou. I do lurk and read interesting posts thought.
    My IS350 is still awsome when I can drive it (read when there is no snow on the roads, I did not bother to put on winter tires). Yah, I saw your post on the springs. I did not know springs can improve the car that much. Mine is leased, so I don't know if Lexus will consider this a mod to the vehicle. What was the costs? I wonder if I can get just springs and achieve similar effects on my RX350?
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    Yes, this will be a mod, however, one can always saves the stock springs and swap it back before the trade in.

    I bought the springs on Tirerack, the cost is $237 including shipping. Found a good place to have it installed and the labor charge was $130 so pretty much the total cost is less than $400.

    I know that Eibach also makes a pro-kit for the RX350 so if you are interested you can look into that. I am pretty sure the springs will do wonders to your RX350 because honestly that thing can use all the helps it can get handling wise... :P
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,762
    I envy the fact that you had a 1988 BMW M6. The more important thing is, how did it drive?

    My M6 was a delight. I tossed the miserable TRX tires and fitted Borbet wheels and Bridgestone Expedias. In addition the catalyst fell off in the garage -darn!- and was replaced with a track pipe. The final touch was a Dinan chip. I estimated that the S38 was making a little over 300hp at the crank. It was so quick that I got protested at a BMW/Porsche Solo I event... :P
    It was an effortless and comfortable high speed cruiser that could still hustle through the twisty bits. It was a true Grand Touring car.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    Well, the RX is primarily my baby's vehicle, so the comfort is number one priority here. I will see if the springs can improve the handling without the rough ride, then it may be worthwhile upgrade.

    Btw, I think I am in love with the GT-R and the LF-A. GT-R for performance value, LF-A just for its appearance.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Hey roadburner... I've already been thinking about a Dinan chip for the 135i. Since the engine isn't new, I wouldn't have to wait for development. What's your opinion on adding a Dinan chip?
    TagMan
  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    The GT-R is a great performance value at MSRP but with $60k markup at around $120k I think I'll go with the 911 Turbo. Even with $30k markup at $100k I would go with the Corvette ZR1 instead.

    Beside the appearance the LF-A will be a great performer as well, let's just wait and see.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It's official... Hyundai Genesis will get a plain grille without the ‘H’ logo. We had talked about this, and some here thought that the logo would be forthcoming. That was a good assumption, but it will not happen. Hyundai monitored the reaction to the grill with and without the logo, and decided to go without it. Also, the idea of using the Genesis name as a potential future luxury division is terrific, and comes as little surprise.

    Hyundai originally showed two versions of the production Genesis last month at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. One car had a grille with the Hyundai logo in the center and the other sported a sleek grille with four horizontal bars with a divider down the middle.

    John Karfcik, Hyundai’s vice president of product development said the Korean auto maker was looking to study the reaction to both cars. Well the results are in and the Hyundai Genesis will arrive this summer with a plain grille without the Hyundai logo, Krafcik said today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

    We guess Hyundai is expecting those who are not familiar with the Genesis to do a double-take and figure out who actually made that luxury piece of machinery.

    It has also been rumored that Hyundai is testing the market to offer the Genesis trademark as a luxury brand in the future. The Korean auto maker is expected to do a Nissan-Infiniti or a Toyota-Lexus type of thing and may market the Genesis brand as its luxury division.


    source: automotive news
    secondary source: egmcartech

    TagMan
  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 17,762
    What's your opinion on adding a Dinan chip?

    Since 1996(and the advent of OBD II) the ECU is re-flashed instead of replacing the chip. I know Steve Dinan and I think he offers first class products. If I was going to increase the hp I would also fit the Dinan oil cooler. I had a 335i convertible for a couple of weeks and it seemed like it didn't take much to get the oil temperature up to almost 300F. I also like Will Turner's products, so you might want to check out what Turner Motorsports has for your N54.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-2021 Sahara 4xe-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
    Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i
    Son's: 2018 330i xDrive

  • 2001gs4302001gs430 Member Posts: 767
    1. The GS-F is going to happen, expect to see it on 2010

    Great, but I can't say I'm jumping for joy. The Germans already have this class covered three times over, and I can't see the GS-F making much of a dent, especially if it "only" has the rumored 500hp V10... RS6 is already far past that, and M5 will be soon.


    There is a race winning GS hybrid that Lexus could potentially based the GS-F on.
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,331
    Did you happen to see the Genesis ad during the Super Bowl? It looked fantastic!! They said it would be out this summer.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,331
    Golf is truly a game of relativity. :)

    Many would have been extremely disappointed with a 75. That is also why the game is so popular. Depending on your expectations you can be happy with an 88, 75, 65, or 105.

    Nice to see you posting again. :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • louisweilouiswei Member Posts: 3,715
    I think the car looks pretty good in the commercials but the commercial itself sucks.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I think the car looks pretty good in the commercials but the commercial itself sucks.

    Speaking of Superbowl ads, TTAC had a commentary about Audi's "Godfather" R8 ad that I definitely agree with. They said that using a generic '60s RR-ish grill for "old luxury" was a huge whimp-out on Audi's part. In Europe the German's advertising often goes directly at their rivals, but here they never seem to be willing to do that. The Audi ad definitely would've had A LOT more impact if that had been an S-class grill in the bed.

    I didn't find the Genesis ad to be noticeably different from any other Hyundai ad.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The advantage of using Dinan is that I can be at one of their service centers in less than an hour!

    Drive down and FLY back. ;)

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Did you happen to see the Genesis ad during the Super Bowl? It looked fantastic!! They said it would be out this summer.

    That ad probably just reinforced the marque more than anything, because the car is still a ways off. When people pay attention to car ads the most is when they are in the market for a car, which makes sense of course.

    I thought the car looked great, and you already know I believe in the success of this car. Those that dismiss it, would have dismissed the LS when it first showed up. The fact that Lexus vehicles weren't sold at Toyota dealers certainly helped, but the car is the car is the car is the car. And the Genesis is the Genesis, no matter where it is sold. That said, there is no denying the psychological advantage of selling it at a high-end dealership under the name Genesis.

    If it drives well, the car will be a winner... not doubt.

    TagMan
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