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High End Luxury Cars

24697 messages,  Last post on Nov 28, 2009 at 3:09 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan

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.

#22954 of 24697 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [tagman] by merc1 Jan 15, 2007 (6:55 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:46 pm) Well actually all 4 cars will be compared, the C63, M3, RS4, and IS-F. The thing is unless the IS-F goes a way different route from the usual Lexus type suspension and surprises at the last minute with a manual it won't be any competition for the M3. The C63 might be dynamically going by AMG's recent efforts, but it won't have a manual either. Being compared to and actual competiton for is two different things, but we'll see.   M
#22955 of 24697 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [tagman] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:00 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:46 pm) IMHO, comparing the "4.9 or less" from IS-F to the 4.9 from 335i is somewhat missing the point. "4.9 or less" for IS-F is manufacturer's spec, whereas 335i's manufacturer's spec is 5.4 for 0-60 manual, and 5.6 for automatic. At that performance level, half a second is enough room for an entire different class. The manual vs. automatic also makes a huge difference. Magazine reviewers have no qualms about revving the engine sky high and then dump clutch, whereas for someone who owns (or for that matter leases) a new 335i, if the person chooses to drive like that, the transmission wouldn't last through the first year, or even 6 months. In contrast, results with automatics are repeatable by flooring the gas pedal; it's not good for the car either in the long run, but nothing like killing the synchro and clutch within a few months with dump-clutch starts.   Until the cars are physically avaialble for reviews, I'd say the 400hp V8's propelling cars weighing about 3500lb each make IS-F and M3 quite well matched, at least for the vast majority who are not obsessed with manual transmission. Replies to this message: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 7:46 pm) maxhonda99 (Jan 16, 2007 1:38 am) tagman (Jan 16, 2007 8:18 am)
#22956 of 24697 Re: hpowders [tagman] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:05 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 6:50 pm) I tried both a Sony upscaling DVD player, and the HD cable box (two of them) from Verizon (Fiber Optics). Three Verizon guys spent four hours in my living room. We made all the right output selections . . . no luck. The HD cable box can put an image on the TV for about 10 minutes, then image freezes up and go blank. garr! I'm going to insist on HDMI test at the store next time. Replies to this message: lexusguy (Jan 16, 2007 1:50 pm)
#22957 of 24697 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by brightness04 Jan 15, 2007 (7:21 pm)
Replying to: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 12:48 pm) hey, which AVS forum is that? I can use some help. XBR2 is certainly nice. Are you by any chance using HDMI input? I got the Plain-Jane Bravia KDL40V2500 for only $2000, in the hopes of saving perhaps $500 compared to the 40" XBR2; hey 1080p is 1080p, right? Wrong! The plain-jane V2500 gives me a boat load of useless composite inputs, but only two component and two un-useable HDMI; that's not nearly enough to juggle HD cable, DVD, and HD video recorders. ahh, penny-wise and pound-foolish if I have to take this door stopper back. Replies to this message: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 8:07 pm)
#22958 of 24697 Re: hpowders [hpowders] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (7:42 pm)
Replying to: hpowders (Jan 15, 2007 6:53 pm) Being compared to and actual competiton for is two different things, but we'll see.   Well said, and that's exactly the point. Just playing in the same arena doesn't mean actually being equivalent, but it sure does tons for being perceived as such. And, perhaps unfair, but that perception will go a long way for the IS-F, and Lexus knows it.   TagMan Replies to this message: merc1 (Jan 16, 2007 8:42 am) hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 8:47 am) anthonyp (Jan 16, 2007 1:50 pm) and 21 more... tagman (Jan 16, 2007 9:57 am) hpowders (Jan 16, 2007 1:47 pm)
#22959 of 24697 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [brightness04] by tagman Jan 15, 2007 (7:46 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:00 pm) Until the cars are physically avaialble for reviews, I'd say the 400hp V8's propelling cars weighing about 3500lb each make IS-F and M3 quite well matched, at least for the vast majority who are not obsessed with manual transmission.   And that, my friend, is just more fuel and evidence of the upcoming comps between the IS-F and the M3. Fair or not, you speak for many who will see it that way.   TagMan
#22960 of 24697 Re: hpowders [brightness04] by hpowders Jan 15, 2007 (8:07 pm)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:21 pm) No. I am using the component video connections. No great difference with HDMI to justify the added expense of the cables.   Check out the XBR2 forum over there. Some of those folks are quite knowledgeable. It's called the "Official Sony XBR2 Thread." When I started posting there they made it "official."
#22961 of 24697 Re: hpowders [tagman] by syswei Jan 15, 2007 (9:01 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Jan 15, 2007 2:54 pm) make sure you go 1080p   This 32er was only for my eat-in-kitchen. Most companies make 1080p only for 40" and up sets, and there is only one 1080p available from any company in 37", and zero available in 32". The theory is that 1080p benefits just aren't perceptible at 32".   Anyway we should move the HDTV discussions over to the AVS Forum before our kind host shuts us down over here.
#22962 of 24697 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [brightness04] by maxhonda99 Jan 16, 2007 (1:38 am)
Replying to: brightness04 (Jan 15, 2007 7:00 pm) Road & Track just timed the stock IS350 at 4.9 seconds 0-60. That's with 306bhp and a 6-speed auto. The IS-F with a minimal 400bhp and more likely about 450bhp and 2 more gears in the tranny should do 0-60 in around 4 seconds or low 4's! Replies to this message: tagman (Jan 16, 2007 8:18 am)
#22963 of 24697 Re: Mercedes, McLaren SLS [maxhonda99] by tagman Jan 16, 2007 (8:18 am)
Replying to: maxhonda99 (Jan 16, 2007 1:38 am) Everything's pointing to a new legitimate "F" monster on the block. I'm expecting it to be a real screamer... genuine performance from Lexus.   Anyone want to guess at the price tag?   According to Lexus, the added "F" treatment will also be offered on other models in the future, so my guess is that the added "F" premium could possibly be an indication of what to expect on those other models as well.   TagMan

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