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Diesel hybrid technology is being used in buses, so this would trickle into cars soon...
After sitting in the GS and LS at the auto show, I am not very encouraged.
I found the LS driver's seat too soft with minimal lumbar support and a too narrow foot well.
As for the GS, my right knee and leg kept hitting the console despite multiple efforts at adjusting the seat.
It seems like Lexus uses a 5'10" person with narrow feet as their driver's model. It's about time they move it to someone around 6' tall with average to wide feet for their USA-destined vehicles, so at least someone like me has a fighting chance. (I am 6'2", 200 lbs).
Except for wanting 2"-3" more legroom, I never have had trouble getting comfortable in any BMW vehicle. No console or foot well problems.
I have to say though that the wood in the LS vehicle was first rate. Very expensive looking.
I believe there is a power lumbar adjustment. But too bad on the other issues.
I'm 5'10" 220 lbs and I thought that the GS's inside room didn't reflect the cars outward "looking" size. In other words, it looks like a bigger car than it really is. Rather cramped, but the funnest car to drive there with the exception of the S class.
I wasn't planning on driving an IS because I know it will be too cramped for me, but I might as well as long as I'm there. It is a good looking vehicle.
Your good questions indicate that you most likely haven't had the opportunity to test drive even the recent Mercedes (prior to BlueTec) diesel. Modern diesels are far ahead of the 300TD that you were last familiar with.
It is not unfair to compare the diesel with the V8, due to the near neck-snapping torque. It is just amazing. Even with the very last diesel there was just a little exterior chatter at idle, otherwise very quiet and smooth, and from the interior it was barely perceptible.
What state do you reside in? If the BlueTec is available in your state, I suggest that you check it out. You can get all your questions answered, and then let us all know what your impressions are.
TagMan
TagMan
The "power" mode switch is a carry-over from the out-going LS, if I remember my test drive correctly, and results in more pick-up, but a little more fuel consumption than the "economy" mode. Imagine spending $60k and up and worrying about an "economy" mode. LOL!
The best thing might be to just remember to set them yourself when you get into the car. The sport/normal/comfort switch is on the console near the shifter. I forgot the power/normal/snow switch when I got into the LS myself, but I think that is near the other switch; I think what it does is, if set to power, keeps the car in a lower gear longer than it would in "normal" mode.
However, not all cars have the variable suspension setup that lets you switch to sport. I believe when I went to TOL, 3 out of 4 models did....that's something you can ask the coordinator.
The XKR is somewhat inbetween the SL550 and 55 AMG, just like the S-type R. The fact that it costs less than the standard V8 though does make the 55 AMG look a bit overpriced.
In defence of the Jag's snout, Jag sports cars have had that look since the D-type racer of the late '50s, long before the Taurus even existed.
Lexus vehicles have always had a "Norm\Power" switch. The "snow" mode is a fairly new addition that I believe showed up when VSC replaced the Trac mode. In "normal" mode, the electronics cut a bit of torque in first gear to reduce wheelspin, the transmission upshifts early, and is more reluctant to downshift unless you really nail the throttle to the floor.
In "Power" mode (and with VSC or VDIM turned off) no torque is cut, and the transmission shifts at redline and will downshift more readily.
We are talking about state of the art, ultra clean, personal vehicles in the good ol' U.S.A.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Not dozens D-Man, but I do have a few more interesting rides like the '48 Packard similar to the one that was featured in Driving Miss Daisy.
Also have a '70 Chevelle SS 454 and a '71 Pontiac Trans Am Judge IV Ram Air.
And then more modern cars like a '87 Buick Grand National and '92 Corvette ZR1(I have all 6 Corvette models C1-C6).
So not ho-hum, but not quite as interesting than the cars I first named. And I'm still on the prowl for more. It's a "small" habit.
Hope they have a big can opener.
Seriously, no pressure, I just want to see if i'm crazy or if the car is really as bad as I thought.
Wow . . . a life without any pain . . . now I could go for that!
Now, being married to an anesthesiologist . . . have you ever awakened without being able to remember a darned thing that happened recently?
TagMan
You absolutely MUST post this on the LS board (if you can find the right one, nowadays!)
TagMan
For the love of humanity, I would think that a vicodin tray would be a necessary part of the buffet table, hopefully, far, far away fom the Cherry Heering.
Happy to report that at 6'4", over 230 lbs., had no problems with ingress/egress for the Lexus IS350. Wouldn't recommend it as a car to move 4 people in consistently, doh.
More of a 2+2. Fastest ride in the park. Needs a stick for a return engagement.
DrFill
Happy to report that at 6'4", over 230 lbs., had no problems with ingress/egress for the Lexus IS350. Wouldn't recommend it as a car to move 4 people in consistently, doh.
More of a 2+2. Fastest ride in the park. Needs a stick for a return engagement.
DrFill
Lexus has issued a statement washing their hands of any potential legalities for damages that may result from using the self-parking feature.
It goes to show; BMW does not have a monopoly on technological stupidity.
Lexus wants to compete with BMW. On this level, they may even be "better." :lemon:
PS: If you do post that video "elsewhere", not to worry. I'm sure it was only a pre-production model tested, the moon was not in the seventh house and there was a vicious cross-breeze at the time which the reviewers conspired to leave out.
Diesels do not deliver the power of a V8, so the much more appropriate comparison would be to V6 gasser, until there is such a thing as a V8 diesel offered in the same line.
I happen to live in one of the states that account for the overwhelming majority of MB and BMW sales, yet having regulators that follow CARB like shadow (LOL). I'm not against diesel at all for my own vehicle purchase when I want a car that delivers decent performance and economy . . . however, I'm quite skeptical diesel's potential in HELM. It's like, the RL, good performance, good economy, but a non-starter for HELM with a V6, even if it's a 300hp V6. In terms of smoothness, which is so quintessential to HELM since the days of Rolls-Royce, no modern diesel can come even close to the Acura 3.5 V6, which as we know still does not cut it.
I respect your opinion, but I completely disagree with you.
And this is why . . . Take a closer look at the torque levels provided by diesels, and the amazingly low RPMs that can provide 100% of the engine's torque . . . which is what provides the surge out of the gate, and the lower rpm power which is ideal for quick bursts, and perfect for passing.
Depending upon the engines, a V6 diesel can easily compare to a V8 gas ICE. Interestingly, the hybrids with their small gas ICEs mated to those electric motors end up comparing to much larger engines, don't they?
I'm quite skeptical diesel's potential in HELM.
I do not share your skepticism. The global picture already does not share your skepticism. In addition, I've seen enough posts on this forum, which of course is the HELM forum, and the concensus has been an overwhelming acceptance of the notion of a diesel-powered HELM.
TagMan
There was no way Bentley was going to allow Rolls to produce the 100 and 101 EX models Coupe and Convertibles without any competition from Bentley.
M
Well you know I'd disagree with that because to me if the Jaguar can't match the peformance of a SL55 or M6 then their prices are justified. You pay for what you get, the SL is imo just a whole lot more car.
I realize the Ford stole the look, but still it is there so I don't see a problem with all one brand (the Benzes) sharing a look if Jaguar/Ford can share one though not on purpose. The Benzes are supposed to look somewhat alike, but a Ford and Jaguar aren't. I seem to remember reading where the brother of Jaguar's stylist did the Taurus so that is where he got the idea from.
M
If anyone wants to continue a discussion about high end vehicles, please feel free to create a new discussion to do so. Personally, I'd like to see that, but I'd really like to see it stay on topic. I very much miss the days when the high end vehicles were what we discussed.
I'd like to hear from more of you in What makes a vehicle truly high end?. Some of you may want to check out Is This the "Day of the Diesel?". All of you are invited to create new subjects of interest and if you need help or have questions, please feel free to email me.
Thanks everyone.
Sedans Board - the Add a Discussion link is on the right over the list of discussions (under the list of groups). Create what you want - we'll move it to the right place if need be.
Okay, have at it!! :P
Now that the wake is over, and Dewey is back into the fold, let's talk about the High-End again!
I just noticed that the Merc GL in the commercial doesn't have power lumbar? What's up with that? :confuse:
DrFill
Even though my original '97 Boxster was underpowered, I regret that I sold it. Since yours is an S, what other Porsche would you really consider, unless you need the power of the turbo?
I’m considering all Porsches from 1988 up to the 997 Carrera S. The exceptions are the 944s and 928s. That’s a lot of cars.
In addtion, you've already got the cabriolet, and the mid-engine. The Cayman, while better, wouldn't be enough of an improvement, IMO, to lose the drop top. Cayman doesn't even have a sunroof. Already owning the Boxster S, there's little reason for a Cayman here, IMO.
Cayman is a longshot for me even though it a fantastic car. If I go coupe I think the Croc has to wait in line behind a lot of 911s. The drop top was very important with my purchase of the Boxster and it cost a lot less than a 911 cab. As it turns out, if I had bought a 993 cab as I had originally planned, it would have cost considerably less in resale, but with the Boxster I got an impeccable driving car with the 4-year warranty, in addtion to the mid-engine experience which is necessary for anyone who considers themself a well-round Porsche aficionado.
Is your Boxster S in good condition? Why sell it?
It’s in great condition. Why sell it? Remember the movie Close Encounters where there was the craving to get to the encounter? I’ve had this craving for 911s for over 30 years. I’ve driven many of them through the years but never owned one. It’s manifest destiny.
Could you consider waiting two+ years for the all new 911? Now THAT could be a real reason to make a change.
Two years is a long time. I could get a lot accomplished with the quest by that time and it may be more desirable to start in the past and work forward. Not sure. Too bad buying and selling cars is a bigger hassle than doing so with stocks as Blkhemi alluded to, although the way some people go through cars you would never know there is any problem. Lastly, Porsches have changed so much through the years in terms of mechanics and driving dynamics. All true Porsche fans want that experience and knowledge of the marque—the historical perspective and understanding of its great sport engineering. Close Encounters, Tag. I guess I’m building the butte with topsoil in my backyard.
;-)
Thanks Pat.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
You can untrack it to get it off your list. I promise nothing new is going to be posted in it. Ever!! :shades:
And you're welcome.
Hope this thread doesn't metamorphosize into something "new and improved" before I get back! :surprise: :P
Lab workers put each new model's electronics system through a battery of 10,000 tests that run 24 hours a day and take three weeks to complete. One favorite tactic: Simulate what happens when a driver hits buttons all over the dashboard willy-nilly at the same time. "We try to come up with every strange situation possible," says Dieter Serries, Mercedes' head of development testing. Mercedes used the technique to ferret out more than 1,000 errors in the new S-Class, including one where the blinkers didn't function when there was no air conditioning system in the car. Says Zetsche: "You can find 99% of the glitches before a car ever hits the road."
Unfortunately MB has a great cost disadvantage when compared to BMW and Lexus:
But Mercedes still has a long way to go. Its costs per vehicle are as much as $3,800 higher than for comparable BMWs, says Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, director of the German Center for Automotive Research at the University of Gelsenkirchen. Much of that difference could be made up by standardizing design and manufacturing and sharing more parts, but Mercedes is a good five years behind the likes of BMW and Toyota Motor Corp. (TM ) in this arena.
SOURCE:Businessweek
Doc,
What's this? You've GOT to be kidding.
TagMan
I completely understand. I'm very close to a 911 myself. But it would be my second 911 and my third Porsche. I've had a deposit in place for a few weeks now . . . 911 Carrera 4S Targa.
So, I DO understand.
TagMan