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Comments
I believe that you mistook the new 6-series windblocker/Chapparal-like rear wing for a mattress. Common mistake...
Yeah, my snows are a downsize to 16". I'm hoping that the reduced diameter and greater sidewall combined w/FWD will allow me to again enjoy driving in the snow. But, as it is July I won't get a chance to drive in the white gold for at least three more months!
New England: Don't like the weather? Just wait a minute...
'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...)
Absolutely correct. Back in '02, when I was a stock market billionaire, the Evil Wife noted that several of the cars I suggested she compare to the RX300 came in a close second to the RX. Close second in a field of one, of course...
Whatever Lola wants, Lola gets. Name that show...
(Or have I done this one here already?)
'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...)
Would that it were so. I'm far from an expert, but I fear that a minority of the folks in the Middle East don't know peace, don't understand peace and don't want peace. And they shall continue to do their darndest to ensure that peace finds a home elsewhere. I don't believe that Israel or the US is the problem, the problem preceded the presence of both. For the theoretical Holiest of lands, it certainly strikes me as one of the most violent...
What irks me the most is that a lot of those folks can buy all the cars I can't afford!
Of course, Zaino could probably help. A shiny camel is a happy camel!
'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...)
Greed. Power. Hatred.... Axis of evil.
TM
Continue business as usual. Toyota has proven time and again that they just don't care about this segment. The original SC had a great design for its time and was a very well executed product. If Toyota wanted a real fight with Mercedes, they would've redesigned it for '97 and offered a convertible version to take the CLK320/430 head on. Instead they fiddled with it a bit, and let it twist in the wind for a 9-year run.
The SC430 of course was awful from day one. It looked like a bloated Audi TT and had one of the worst wheel designs I can remember, and traded away all of the SC400's handling to be a convertible Buick - with terrible ride quality thanks to those run-flats. Ugly, lousy handling, numb steering, and it crashes over every bump in the road? Sign me up!
But wait there's more! While the SC400's trunk was very small and the back seats were tiny, you could still fit a few bags in the trunk, and people could fit in the back in a pinch. The SC430's rear seats on the other hand are a joke, and there basically is no trunk. So its 0 for 4 so far, and completely impractical. It's hard to imagine how Toyota could've done a poorer job with the SC430 than they did.
They should've done what Infiniti did with the original M45, scrap it after a few years and start over. Toyota just doesn't want to seriously compete in this segment though. They don't care. The SC will twist in the wind for far too long once again, and when it finally dies those last few customers will head over to Jag and Mercedes, and finally realize just how much better the XK and the SL are compared to their trade-ins.
At this point, the SC is of little to no significance anyway. So, yes, you are right... business as usual.
TM
Lexus' benchmark for the SC430 was the previous gen Jaguar XK8. Surely they could produce a better car than a cash-starved company stuck with a 33-year-old platform. Surely...
TM
I think Top Gear summed the car up pretty well.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZuLRzVHN6ik
I was hoping that the next iteration would be a return to the concept of the original SC. I guess I'll just wait and sed how the Lexus lineup unfolds the next few years. Currently, nothing interests me in the lineup.
'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...)
That would just be the IS coupe since the original SC was based on the Supra.
If you like the original SC then you should take a look at the IS coupe/HT convertible when it hits the showroom later this year.
I'm pretty sure that most buyers will choose the 335i convertible over the IS convertible. Heck, some will even choose the 135i convertible. Just look and you can see why.
Convertibles almost always enhance a vehicle's appearance, but in this case, I'm not impressed. If it looks decent enough in real life, I could possibly see one for my daughter to consider, due to its presumed reliability. But, honestly, unless the performance and price is better than the BMWs, I doubt it will sell all that well based upon its appearance.
TM
We know one thing for sure though, it will be priced better than the 3er and if performance is your beef but don't want the IS F you can always upgrade with the new F-sport performance accessories:
F-Sport
A spring/coilover set plus the sway bars (the rear sway bar is lifted right out of the IS F) will make the IS a better handling machine than a stock 335i sport.
I am certain of this... but have no issue with your dislike of convertibles. There are many sedans and coupes I love... but a great convertible is, well... as you've shown, you just wouldn't understand.
TM
TM
An IS coupe/convt. with F-sport accessories won't be comparable with a M3 coupe/convt, that's where the IS F coupe/convt will fit in.
Like I said, The F-sport treatment is for those who can't or don't want to have an IS F but want to enhance the performance (especially handling) of his/her ISx50. For example, the F-sport sway bar will increase the rear stiffness by a whopping 151%! Also, since those are OEM accessories, to have them installed by the dealer will not effect the manufacturer's warranty at all.
Regards,
OW
Then consider me part of the problem. I will never forget 9-11, for example.
And... while I might not always forget, I generally do try to forgive.
To me, forgiveness is an integral part of my faith, my walk with Jesus, and it is a biblical principle, not necessarily interesting to others here.
TM
Generally, the comps are stock vehicles, however.
TM
I am doing my own comparison. Isn't that the most important one out of them all?
Heck yes...Of course, we all do our own comparisons, especially when we are about to use our wallets, that's for sure!!
Generally, I think you'll acknowledge that there are reasonable parameters that the auto critics use to comp vehicles... even though we've seen some ridiculous comps in the auto rags from time to time.
TM
According to a recent study by J.D. Power and Associates, more than 80 percent of consumers feel that the United States is currently facing an energy crisis. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of consumers believe that gas prices will continue to rise. But how will this affect the purchase decisions new-car buyers make? The recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Alternative Powertrain StudySM offers some insights:
Only 18 percent of those surveyed believe the perceived energy crisis can be addressed by focusing on small vehicle production with better fuel economy
The percentage of consumers who considered a hybrid-electric vehicle is up from 50 percent in 2007 to 62 percent in 2008
Consideration for flexible-fuel (E85) capable vehicles has decreased slightly from 2007 (47% vs. 43% in 2008), while consideration for clean diesel demonstrated the most notable decline, from 23 percent in 2007 to only 16 percent in 2008. The drop in consideration for diesel technology may be, in part, attributed to the substantial increase in the relative price of diesel since 2007
Nearly 70 percent of consumers say they would prefer that manufacturers invest in existing and emerging powertrain technologies for vehicles across all segments, rather than just focusing their efforts on small cars
Approximately 30 percent of consumers believe that auto manufacturers should continue to produce a comparable vehicle lineup with a focus on hybrid-electric, clean diesel and flexible-fuel vehicles. An additional 39 percent believe manufacturers should focus on developing emerging technologies not currently available in the market, such as fuel-cell and electric vehicles
The Alternative Powertrain Study also includes an Automotive Environmental Index (AEI), which combines U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publicly available information related to fuel economy, air pollution and greenhouse gases for 2008 model-year vehicles with J.D. Power and Associates’ voice of the customer data related to stated fuel economy. Voice of the customer data is also used to help determine the relative importance of these environmental factors. Once the index scores for each model have been calculated, the AEI then recognizes the top 30 models, based on overall index score. Highlights of the 2008 Automotive Environmental Index are as follows:
Among the top 30 models in the 2008 AEI, Toyota has the highest number of models (six), followed by Chevrolet, Honda and Nissan, with three models each
Eight models in the 2008 AEI—including three from Toyota—are hybrid-electric vehicles
In its first year of inclusion in the study, the 2008 Smart Fortwo makes the AEI Top 30
Among the AEI Top 30 models, nine are from domestic nameplates, 17 are Asian and only four are of European origin.
The 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study includes responses from more than 4,000 consumers who plan to purchase a new vehicle within the next two years. The voice of the customer components of the Automotive Environmental Index are derived from the 2008 Alternative Powertrain Study and the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Initial Quality Study.SM—Jeff Youngs
Interest in hybrids has increased and clean diesel interest is now much weaker. And... I think it is safe to say that the future looks more challenging for European marques than it does for Japanese (and perhaps also Korean) marques. Heck, domestics may even do better than the Europeans, although I am not sure at this point.
As I posted last week... It's Toyota and Honda that will be the biggest winners, and even Hyundai will succeed in this new market. I also posted that my interest in hybrids has increased, and that my personal Japanese favorite is Honda.
TM
Regards,
OW
It's much more substantial looking than the Exige and Elise models, IMO. Will folks fork over around $90K for a Lotus? We'll see.
In the meantime, here's a little more info: link title
TM
Not quite. The original SC was a big car, longer than the BMW 650i, and only a few inches shorter than the old CL500. A proper replacement for SC gen 1 (Soarer Gen 3) would be offered as SC350 and SC460, and would be at least 190" long. It would be priced to rival the Jag XK and BMW 6 series. The IS coupe is going after cars like the 3 coupe and Audi A5. Different market.
Why does the engine only have as much power as an Avalon? Was Toyota unwilling to give them the Lexus version of the 3.5L or something? At least it is a good looking car, which can't be said of the Europa.
If I was the Iranian leader and read the above comment I would be racing frantically to have nuclear missiles developed ASAP!!!! :surprise:
Lotus has modified Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6, with dual VVT-i (‘intelligent’ variable valve timing) for optimum performance.
Lotus always re-engineers the engines that Toyota supplies. The little engine that is in the Elise and Exige is totally re-engineered and is also very different from the original. It's early here to get details, but they are claiming that the Lotus Eagle has ran the Nurburgring faster than the Elise and the Exige. Expect 0-60 times somewhere just under 5 seconds... very good but the Eagle will not be a monster, like a GT-R.
As a tech-minded guy, you might appreciate this little extra info...
Eagle boasts a truly cutting edge in-car entertainment and navigation system. The multi-media system features a 7in touch-screen providing advanced audio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and iPod® connectivity functions; the screen also serves as a monitor for Project Eagle’s optional reversing camera. The satellite navigation element of the system has a removable hard-drive, allowing you to programme it from the comfort of your home or use it as a roaming satellite navigation unit and MP3 player.
The Alpine audio set-up is one of the most sophisticated automotive systems in the world. Called IMPRINT and using MultEQ sound enhancement technology, it is able to cancel out imbalances in the sound caused by different areas of the cabin – window glass, for instance, creates echoes, while carpets suppress mid-range frequencies – resulting in amazingly crisp, clear, undistorted sound reproduction wherever you are seated in the car.
I believe I read that it's been 13 years since the "Elise was R-Elise-d", and since this is just the beginning of the Eagle, I would espect it to evolve nicely over the next few years. By then, the car will likely be tweaked and improved considerably.
Still, I'm fairly impressed, and I have received an invitation to check the car out when it is released here. I will indeed check it out.
BTW, I also just got an invitation to a private event showing off the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which I will not be able to attend. But, they didn't lose a sale they never had to begin with...
TM
I'm so glad you are Canadian!!
I certainly can't imagine that any Iranian leaders are basing their nuclear policies on anything that comes from this forum or from the distribution of t-shirts. :surprise:
To be realistic here, the policies of Iran are not based upon anything that the United States does or doesn't do. Their policies go back long before the internet even existed. They are steadfast in their twisted goal to destroy a "certain neighbor". THAT's been their screwed-up policy, and THAT's the problem. Nothing will stop them from this sick ambition except the serious and devastating consequences resulting from their own stupid actions when they try. :sick:
TM
I expected that after the Lotus makeover, the 3.5L would produce at least 315hp or so. That's why I was surprised that the apparent output is so much lower than what the engine produces in the IS350. It's barely any more power than a V6 Camry. Just seems odd after they've squeezed so much out of that Celica 4-cyl.
I think I like the coupe better.
I have no doubts that I like the R8 coupe better.
And I say that in spite of the fact that convertibles are typically a model's pinnacle representation. It's quite obvious that the R8 best fulfills it's original design potential as a coupe. IMO, the R8 convertible appears too contrived, and represents more of a "targa" look than a complete convertible anyway. I give the R8 "targa convertible" chop-job a definate thumbdown.
TM
http://www.leftlanenews.com/lotus-project-eagle.html
If we can look past the actually physical dimensions and concentrate on what the first-gen SC was:
a sporty 2-door coupe based on Supra
and what the IS coupe is going to be:
a sporty 2-door coupe based on the IS (which is going to share the engine and/or platform with the new Supra if Toyota decides to bring it back, you can bank on it)
We can easily see that an IS coupe is actually a better first-gen SC replacement than the current fat, ugly, blvd cruiser-type SC430...
The bottom line is that:
If first-gen SC is something a person wants then the IS coupe would fit the bill pretty well. I do not claim that the IS coupe is going to replace the SC and it won't because the SC is marketed higher than entry level coupes like the IS-C/335i/G37. If the rumor is true then let's hope that's only temporary and Lexus will bring the SC back either based on the next GS (like how the 6er is based on 5er) or as a cheap man's LF-A (smaller engine with less weight-saving materials).
I hope a little of the Eagle rubs off on the Elise's evolution... although I tend to doubt it.
BTW, I absolutely expect the engine to incrementally continue to increase in output over the years. That is what Lotus does. In addition there is every likelihood that there will suddenly be an S and and SC version as well.
TM
TM
Somehow I just know you understand the truth about convertibles typically representing the pinnacle model. But, I'll concede that it's not always the case!
Besides, that R8 isn't ANY kind of real convertible anyway. It's a chop-job after-thought targa. It stinks! I don't see the top down, if you get my drift.
TM
That's because you are focusing on the model designation and its market place but not the car itself, which is common to many people.
Let me give you a simple example, which one is closer to an E30 coupe? The E92 coupe or 1 coupe?
TM
Even if you want to talk about dimension, I've got news for you. Yeah, the IS is shorter than the first-gen SC but guess what, the SC430 is even shorter than the IS (178.5 vs. 180.1) so either way, the IS coupe will fit the bill well for those who are looking for a SC300 replacement (read: I am not claiming that the IS coupe will replace the the SC line, it won't. What I am saying is that the IS coupe will be a pretty good surrogate for the original SC).
Blocked by my work proxy, no doubt.
edit:
After resorting to the Samsung Glyde, I see that I've seen that ad photo before. What's wrong is that 1) it portrays the RX as "off-roadable" and 2) that it's fast.
TM
You are the one on this board with the most IS experience. And I know how much you really like the IS. Your perspective on that vehicle is uniquely first-hand and personal... so I'm just going to have to ride along with your perspective here. I don't necessarily see it like you, but then again, like I said, you are much more familiar with the IS than anyone else here.
TM
Yes indeed. Highly misrepresentative... LOL.
TM
I think, in Lexus' collective mind, that they thought Gen 2 SC was just such an evolution, plus a retractable top. But, the SC430 lacked much of what the SC400 had to offer (style, ride, handling, some utility...). The top, and to me, the interior were the only attractive attributes of the car back in '02 when it had its debut (I think '02, or '01 as an '02?). And those wheels! Really, I know beauty is in they eye but could anyone on this earth have found those hubcaps attractive?
So, no direct replacement for the SC430. No problem for me. If the IS Coupe/Convert is, as Louis notes, a spiritual successor, it's on my list. I don't want or need the next "SC." I'm just looking for attributes as such, at an attractive price point. An XK for an A5/335i/IS350/G37 et al price. All of those and their derivations will be on my list, too.
Poor and cheap! What a wonderful combination!
'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...)
Yes indeed. Highly misrepresentative... LOL. "
No, not at all:
1) Evil Wife often goes off (the) road in her RX as she talks/texts on her cell phone whislt drinking her Starbucks and applying make-up. But the RX deftly handles that and drifts back onto the highway...
2) The RX is quite fast. It has the Evil Wife at the Mall faster than I can realize that she is gone!
Disclaimer: Above is totally in jest, like Rainman, my lovely wife is an excellent driver... :shades:
'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...)