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Sedans High End Luxury Cars
24699 messages, Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 6:41 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.
A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.
Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.
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Replying to: drfill (Oct 28, 2006 9:02 pm) It could've been such a good car, too. The problem was Lexus took the Toyota Altezza, replaced the badge, and went "done!". Thats fine for cars like the Aristo (GS) and Soarer (SC), but the Altezza just wasn't an upmarket car. If Lexus had instead used the Altezza platform to make a car with Lexus level body design and interior quality (think Camry\ES), and used the Supra twin turbos on the old 3.0L inline, 300hp would be no problem at all. That would've been a fabulous car, and probably would've given the G35 a very tough fight, instead of handing Acura and Infiniti sales on a silver platter. Why dont I work at Lexus? |
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Replying to: dhamilton (Oct 28, 2006 6:32 pm) |
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Those who are signed up but still haven't gone yet should remember to set your LS460s to "sport" mode. The switch is on the console, not far from the shifter. Dhamilton, I assume yours was set that way?
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Replying to: syswei (Oct 29, 2006 2:14 am) |
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I don't care much for the auto-parking feature, but this is a nice commercial: commercial Actually the only LS460 spot I've seen, since I don't watch much TV. Hope the other ads get posted on the web, if anyone else finds one, please post a link. Of course, more user intervention is required to park than is suggested by the commercial, but that's typical of ads I guess. |
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I honestly don't know about it being in sport mode. I did two drives in it and in the interest in keeping the lines moving, I mostly just fiddles with seat adjustments. FWIW, I thought about it but then when getting in to the S class I thought to myself there is no way in hell I'll find the sport mode in the next 10 minutes trying to rifle through all the command prompts so I figure that all cars were in normal mode so as to be even. Again, the bimmers tranny hunted the most. The LS was [is]an excellent car. I never felt it complained about being thrown it to curves fast, and it powered out nicely. I really can't say enough positives about the car other than the grabby brakes. It's no brakes, no brakes, oh crap, a ton of brakes. Ultimately, it's not the "drivers car" that the S class is, but it's very good. All comments [to state the obvious] are just my opinion, but to clarify about the LS feeling better in the curves, the IS may have more grip numbers wise but it didn't feel as composed. I'm not so much talking about body motions because it stayed flat. There was just something about the car that felt wrong to me on many levels once it got moving. Keep in mind that about two weeks ago I did the BMW event and drove the 335 VERY HARD around an autocross track in almost the exact same spot. I also did a quick spin in a new [demo at my dealership] G sedan with sports package, and both felt 100 times more "screwed down" than the IS. The GS350 is the best sporty offering from Lexus IMO. The LS is the second LOL.
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Replying to: dhamilton (Oct 28, 2006 6:32 pm) That car had the perfect balance of fun and comfort that most car companies dream about. But the ergonomics proved too much for this ol' fart and it had to go for one with slightly less buttons but easily figured out, A8L W12. On to the the LS, a buddy of mine found that the LS he drove is better than the 430 it replaces, but Lexus still forgot to give it enough calcium so that it's bones will be more sturdy when taking corners. The new 4.6L V8 VVT-i was found to be a remarkable powerplant with cutting edge technology such as direct and port EFI and electric VVT(on intake only tho), and with it's sonorous sing that will entice any gearhead to ride with the windows down. But it's been said it doesn't have that big-displacement nudge-in-the-back you get with the Americans or German V8's. And altho with 8 ratio, the tranny sometimes shifted without haste, and hunted frequently in rapid transitions, while the 7-G Mercedes shifts with aplomb in all conditions. But for all-out highway crusing, the quieter, softer LS holds the bar on it's German competitors, albeit not by much, especially a LWB Audi. And the interior decor/assembly is worth more than just noting. We can go back and forth all day on why the LS460 is or isn't the best, but Lexus really came a long way with this over it's predecessor. I'm not jumpin ship or anything, but judging from what I've read and heard from you guys and everyone else, this car will keep the button pushed down for Lexus for some time to come.. I personally can't wait to go to Altmer's Lexus to drive the 460L to gauge my own reaction and on a longer drive than what the Taste gives.... BTW: Did anyone notice or know that the LS460's engine bay is completely concealed, top and bottom? Ingenious!!!! And that's how they acheive that coefficient drag of only .28, BETTER than a RX-7, 97-04 Vette, and Porsche 911, and we're still talking a 4200 pound car!!!!!!
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Replying to: dhamilton (Oct 29, 2006 4:17 am) And hopefully, I won't get that lame "fuel econ" excuse, as the 450h squeaks out maybe 2-3mpg at best. The simpler 3.5L V-6 with 306 horses the better buy than all GS'. Maybe when the 460 comes out, we'll be singing a different tune. But if they haven't fixed the brakes or steering on the V8's, GS350 in black please.......
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Replying to: blkhemi (Oct 29, 2006 6:56 am) Given your sport predilictions, you might want to see if they have a Touring model available to test drive. Bigger and wider wheels, but I still don't know if the suspension differs from the AVS-equipped models. Also, I'm not sure the Touring is even available yet.
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Replying to: syswei (Oct 29, 2006 7:38 am) But the bigger wheels and tires may help the LS be more fluid(and less flaccid) in the twisties. And I still have not seen anything indicating that the suspensions will be different. |
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