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Comments
Denny Clements, Lexus' GM, commented on a variety of topics.
Most relevant here are his comments about the next LS. He says it is more than just a redesign of the Lexus flagship, that it will make the same impact as the original in 1989. No other upcoming new model gets him more emotional according to the article.
Other comments by Clements (these are all approved programs that are definitely happening):
1. A distinct new Lexus design beginning with the next GS
2. A redesign of every car line by spring 2007
3. Lexus-dedicated product planners, designers and engineers
4. All-wheel drive availability with each redesign
5. The addition of a flagship car above the LS 430
6. The creation of a factory performance division like Mercedes' AMG and BMW's M
7. Many varieties of the next IS, including a sedan, coupe and convertible, all-wheel drive and multiple engine choices
TNX
I wonder if the model above the LS is simply a stretched LS with a 12 cyl engine or an entirely new car. In the latter case I'd imagine a powerful or supercharged V-8 with a V-12 option. The smart move would be a $85k+ new model to draw in a competitor to the S600 but one which is a stand alone car. I would never buy an S600 because for all that money at $125k+ it's the same skin as an S430 and an S500. In other words a total ripoff.
Did you pick up any news on the HPX in the article or at the show.
Toyota would probably use existing Century hardware with new skin. Maybe bigger engine.
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/Century/index.- html
One technology being looked at is programmable vehicle-dynamic software, which allows the car to be adjusted to perform according to the driver's mood. The car could be a "road rocket" one day, a "grand tourer" the next and a "luxury cruiser" after that all with the touch of a button. It sounds like the next step beyond the current adjustable variable suspension, although with engine power variations.
As for the HPX, I saw it in Detroit and really liked it. The vehicle has far more presence than the Infiniti FX (what appears to be the closest vehicle out there to the HPX) in my opinion and looks upscale (as opposed to the Infiniti, which I think looks cartoonish). There were no brochures, and the article mentions nothing. But with Mercedes bringing out their "wagon" I would guess the Lexus will become a reality.
"2006 Coupe
Lexus is reportedly working on an ultra-luxury coupe that will sell for roughly $150,000, a figure that will place it head on with some of the world's most exotic two-doors. It's intended as a limited-production halo car that will add prestige to the Lexus name."
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/futurecars/articles/44810/page022.- - html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040204/45500_1.html
uclan
'01 LS430 Nav/ML
I love the HPX and hope they build it. I had to laugh when people on the lux board were posting that it was a copy of the FX last summer. That was a joke. It's got so much more presence and prestige.
What kind of reaction to the GS did you pick-up at the show? It's growing on me but I'm not crazy about the back lights.
The GS was swarmed with people. I brought a digital camera and had a very hard time getting shots because of all the people. I loved the car. The back lights actually are vaguely reminiscent of the original GS. Lexus did everything right with this car - it is sportier and more "masculine." I will do everything in my power to get my mother to trade her 1999 GS in on this car (and shouldn't have too much trouble convincing her).
Carnaught - agree but I wasn't all that impressed with the first GS in the early 90's but loved it when I saw it in person. Who knows. I am an LS buyer anyway but I'd love to get my hands on that HPX.
Removing the warning opens you up to litigation after you get rid of the car.
By the way, I am one that finds the new GS exterior design to be very appealing (from the published pictures) even though like many I was surprised that it did not resemble the prototype at the Tokyo Autoshow. Of course, like ljflx, I want to see it in person at the NYC Autoshow.
Also, did you happen to see the new Automobile magazine's wrap up of the Detroit Auto Show? Here's what they had to say about the new GS (a little off-topic, I know): "One of the least derivative sedan designs Lexus has proposed, the newest GS is smoother and far more interesting than the Mercedes clones Lexus has done in the past. Very nice." That bodes well for the next generation LS.
TO CONTINUE ITS EXCELLENCE THE LEXUS 430 MUST OFFER AN "AWD" MODEL. REALITY IS THAT THIS CAR IS NOT MADE FOR THE NORTHEAST... IT ACTUALLY CAME WITH SUMMER TIRES WHICH I REPLACED WITH MICHELIN MXV4.
I hear you. I have an '02 LS430 with SNOW tires and it STILL won't go up 1 inch of snow. I've got Michelin Artic Alpins on 17" wheels.
Incidentally, I keep a 92 LS400 with Bridgestone Blizzak's too. That car is absolute dynamite in the snow. It will go through practically anything.
For the more knowledgeable tire guys here:
1) Is the Blizzak just better than the Artic Alpins?
2) Or is the difference in tire size 15" on the 92 and 17" on the 02 causing the difference?
SV
Enjoy.
I passed a neighbor at a stop sign last week. He was exchanging insurance information after his AWD Volvo SUV had rear-ended another car. His accident is a good example of how 4WD can lure one to drive at speed beyond the capabilities of braking and steering. AWD is clearly superior in acceleration on inclines, but its added weight and higher center of gravity are a disadvantage is steering and braking.
In my situation, ice is much more of a threat than deep snow. I have had a significant improvement in icy conditions with Blizzaks on my previous car (a 2000 E320) and with Dunlap M-3 on my 2004 LS430. Car and Driver magazine and CanadianDriver webb site have good articles on the merits of snow tires.
First thank you for your responses. I do not equate a car AWD with a SUV-AWD. These SUV drivers feel invincible and that somehow they can overcome some basic laws of physics. Fact is that most snow accidents I see are with SUV,s. However, I agree that whatever vehicle you are driving you have to stop and having AWD will not stop you quicker. I consider myself a cautious driver and my concern is how to keep going; the VSC will stop the Lexus in its tracks if it cannot keep you straight. You wont be fish tailing as you are dead in the water [Snow].
Chains are Illegal in NY but it is a good solution in States that they are legal.
It makes sense to have an AWD that will allow the Lexus to go through a winter in our snow states.
I reiterate ... we drive the best automobile made it just needs some tweaking.
Again my thanks to all that keep the Lexus Car Discussions going, as it is very helpful and informative.
The Nokian WR tires substantially improve the handling in snow over the standard tires, and they're quiet as well.
Having said that, if an AWD version of the LS became available, I'd purchase one immediately.
I would not recommend the RE950. In comparison to the Turanza LH, it may provide an increase in dry handling, but at the price of noise, smooth ride, wear, and possibly wet/snow traction. The LH is a newer design.