2008 Lexus GS 460 unveiled

Bavarian Missile

yawn…………

No Name

You tired BM?
Yes I know what you mean another Lexus that looks like any other Lexus has looked. Yaawwwn (and I’ve only just got to work).

http://ACA Andre Taute

I wonder if Holden or Ford have any competition against this awesome car or is the prestiage level grossly beyond thier achieveable levels.

I think i might know the answer to that.

Much unlike Holden and Ford in the modern era, Lexus has substance far beyond what either of them could ever possibly fathom.

jamison

I wouldnt pay the price for it…

lets just say that.

LS600 is where its at…. and the hybrid is even better.

Bavarian Missile

Um……….hardly aimed at Holden and Ford Andre…….try Merc,Audi and BMW………NOW you yawning cause they would be!

http://ACA K.Rashleigh

Bavarian, not sure about yourself but in recent years Lexus has become one of the most sort aftered luxury brands in the world with a reputation to go with it. There is nothing shy about the intense development work that is invested into a Lexus and i believe that Audi, Merc and BMW all trail the quality, reliability and attention to detail of a typical Lexus.

Now that i think of it, Lexus has ranked No.1 in the US for quality for past 12 consecative years. Lexus is strong now and will only get stronger with some fantastic models hitting the showroom floors. Actually bavarian, it is Holden who likes to compare thier cars to the top of the field so why be reluctant to do the same.

Whats wrong, don’t you trust Holden or something.

Myke

The only reason to buy the GS compared to the E-Class, 5-series and A6 is if you wanted a hybrid engine. Maybe if they made a F-series GS it would add more excitment to the Lexus GS.

http://ACA Bilstein

Like it, looks good. The GS comes with a 3.0 v6, 3.5 v6 hybrid (better known as the 450h)and the now the 4.6 v8 relacement of the old 4.3 and a rumoured GS-F. Would like to see Lexus Australia import the IS350 to fill the gap between the IS250 and up coming IS-F. Checked out some Lexus cars before and must say, they are impressive.

http://ACA Bilstein

Forgot to add, yawn they are not by any means. Check them out for yourselves, i’m sure you will find them every bit as impressive as i did. Pity i don’t have the money to buy one and if i did it would defantly be the IS-F as my weekend car and LS460 for weekdays. Of course i would have a big boat so i’ll need a LX570 aswell.

golfschwein

Nobody doubts the quality, reliability or presentation of these cars. Read what WHEELS says about the LS in their Car of The Year coverage.

There’s a cornering shot to go with the commentary that shows an LS leaning over like a pig with two right legs.

That’s why people will always covet a Merc, BMW or Audi. Lexuses are sold, not coveted.

Bavarian Missile

K.Rashleigh says
Bavarian, not sure about yourself but in recent years Lexus has become one of the most sort aftered luxury brands in the world with a reputation to go with it. There is nothing shy about the intense development work that is invested into a Lexus and i believe that Audi, Merc and BMW all trail the quality, reliability and attention to detail of a typical Lexus.

Reply………mate you have to be joking regarding the quality don’t you???????? Who do you think set the standard for them to copy in the first place? I guess the Germans are the innovators ………still! Lexus just play catchup!

Quote
Now that i think of it, Lexus has ranked No.1 in the US for quality for past 12 consecutive years. Lexus is strong now and will only get stronger with some fantastic models hitting the showroom floors. Actually bavarian, it is Holden who likes to compare thier cars to the top of the field so why be reluctant to do the same.

Reply
You mean Lexus is Americas top selling Luxury car don’t you………….not number 1 in quality or best Luxury car.

Quote
Whats wrong, don’t you trust Holden or something.

Reply……..

Dont I trust Holden?????? Well bang for buck I think the Holden make a pretty good argument against BMWs 5 series!Or any of the other Luxury cars including Lexus!

Performance wise Germans have it all over Lexus !After all they have been doing it longer…….. Dont get me wrong they have done a great job over the years trying to catch the Germans……but someone has to be the leader!

Wheelnut

Krash leigh – you must be one of those who compares a Yaris to a Koennigsegg..

The Lexus is aimed at a completely different demographic to what The Commodores and HSVs are.. As BM said they/you should focus more on TRYING to outdo BMW.

Why is it that in your first statements you Toyota/Lexus lovers must always try to include how good it is compared to Holden or Ford.. Its almost as if you believe that there isn nothing good about the car itself except the badge

Bavarian Missile

Krash leigh – you must be one of those who compares a Yaris to a Koennigsegg..

hahaha…….thats very funny!

TP

Rashleigh you aern going to win with these idiots… especially BM who is a BMW fairy. The fact is Lexus has had to work alot harder then their rivals to get a market share, while BMW in most cases is just a $60k with a $60k badge, Lexus provide innovative features in their lower priced vehicles (such as knee airbags… or self parking).

Wheelnut

TP.. We “idiots” have no problem with Lexus.. they make nice luxury vehicles.

However; what we don’t understand is why you Lexus fans would be so concerned about losing sales to Holden or Ford who also make quality cars BUT are in a completely different part of the market.

All companies main focus should be their closest most direct rival and there is no justifiable way that you could call Holden a direct rival to Lexus [or Vice Versa]

Which is why I made the Koenigsegg V Yaris Statement.. tru comparisons can only be made between products of similar price specifiaction and quality and value etc

Bavarian Missile

# TP Says:
February 2nd, 2008 at 11:00 am

Rashleigh you aern going to win with these idiots… especially BM who is a BMW fairy. The fact is Lexus has had to work alot harder then their rivals to get a market share, while BMW in most cases is just a $60k with a $60k badge, Lexus provide innovative features in their lower priced vehicles (such as knee airbags… or self parking).

Gee Paul………put your manners back in.

So now Im a BMW Fairy….good for me. At least I can support more than one brand !

BMW have well and truly earnt their badge. So why don’t you accept it!

Wheelnut

I admit that Holden compares itself to BMW; which is understandable as BMW is the industry benchmark in a number of areas such as fit and fiish etc. as a result Holden are gradually improving the quality of their cars.

Yet if Lexus was to compare themselves to Holden they would start to think that their product is so much better than Holden that they could start to become complacent and find themselves being overtaken by other car companies that they weren’t keeping an eye on..

It’s easier to chase than it is to lead – by chasing you’ve got a target.. whereas by leading you’re always looking over your shoulder.

Wheelnut

Anyway.. based on the fact that the way a car looks is the main thing that drws people towards a particular car..

On looks alone.. If I couldn’t have a BMW 5series I would opt for the Statesman as the Lexus appears to be nothing more than a slightly modified more refined Aurion – from the front [headlightts] and I don’t like the cheesy grille

TP

HAHAHAH yeah it has alot of shared components with the Aurion, WHAT IS NEXT WHEELNUT? This car is lightyears ahead of the Aurion and arguably ahead of BMW etc is luxury, at the very least, far better bang for your buck.

http://ACA K.Rashleigh

Bavarian, whats with the insults on my name. I haven’t insulted you on one occassion so what gives.

Lexus has been America’s No.1 best quality car for the past 12 consecative years. Don’t believe me, have a look for yourself although i believe Porsche just toppled them hence now No.2 Believe it not, Toyota has been more successful with Lexus chasing the benchmarks then any other brand has had success with including Ford with Lincoln and Jaguar and GM with a questionable Caddalac brand.

Lets face it people, Lexus has evolved as one of the most respected luxury brands in the world today and in some cases has redefined benchmarks of it’s own such as technology, quality, craftsmanship, hybrids, powertrain refinement and certainly value for money.

The Lexus LS460 also just happens to be the current World Car Of The Year which is the most prestiages motoring award of all. Why do you people find it so necessary to down others because they appreciate fine cars from companies like Toyota and Lexus. I don’t understand why all the concern and even insults of peoples names. Just goes to show the mentality of some individuals.

Bavarian, before you insult TP by telling him to put his manners back in, what is your excuse for losing your own by insulting myself. You obviously have problems or issues to sort out. This is a open blog to the public to discuss thier thoughts and opinions on motoring subjects but for some reason you are insulting other bloggers such as myself who haven’t even engaged into such low acts.
As far as i am concerned, people like yourself have little credibility as you are obviously to immature to accept the opinions of others. By all means judging by reviews, new models and statistics published worldwide, Lexus is leading a potent charge towards the top and that doesn’t mean i an not fond of the other brands becuase just to let you know, i am but this just happens to be a Lexus topic.

http://ACA Bilstein

Lexus is infact a better quality car then Audi, BMW and Benz as proven by the magnitude of differing quality surveys. While Lexus has always been ranked at the top BMW, Benz etc are considerly down the list. If my memory serves me correcly, the late US Consumer Choice findings as with other publications ranked Audi, BMW and Benz much, much further down the list compared to that of Lexus.

Lexus may still have work to do to achieve the same driving involvement of the others but they are on the ball were everything else is concerned and no doubt the new ‘F’ series performance cars coming from Lexus will go along way securing the added driveability of their cars although in 20 shorts years Lexus has achieved outstanding results by all means.

Myke

“while BMW in most cases is just a $60k with a $60k badge, Lexus provide innovative features in their lower priced vehicles (such as knee airbags… or self parking)”

TP, self parking is only standard on the $240000 LS, I wouldn’t consider that a low priced vehicle. Lexus may have a better range of standard features/equipment but they have a lack of choices in engines, the IS for example only has the 2.5 litre petrol.

Wheelnut

K.Rashleigh – If you are referrring to “Krash leigh” you will find that it first appeared on my bog.. It was by no means intentional..
becos yu will also find on this sit there r a number of blogs with spellin gor gramatical erros simlar as this

golfschwein

Wealnutt, you arse oh norty!

Krasssssssshley-Smythe, have a look at the current issue of WEALS. The Lexus went nowhere near winning car of the year. Refer my earlier post. I haven’t heard of the WCOTY and I wonder how it’s weighted.

BTW mate, I’m not meaning to insult, I’m just having some fun with Miss Spelling. A little more wine?

Wheelnut

Aahh Surveys.. not the most accurate measuring stick. as the outcome is often influenced by where the survey was held and how the qquestion was worded/interpreted.

For instance if the survey was held somewhere like Toorak in VIC or Double Bay in NSW where there are far more luxury car owners than other areas.. which would mean the most popular answers would be in favour of either BMW Merc Porsche or even Lexus.. yet it would be completely different had it been held somewhere like Elizabeth is SA

As they say theres Truth; Lies and then there’s Statistics

http://aca K.Rashleigh

Golf, World Car Of The Year is the most prestiages Motoring Award in the World and you won’t find another with greater weighting. It is awarded annually in the States with the LS460 being awarded the honour in 2007.

If you are not up to scratch with it, take the time and educate yourself because it really is worth while. Somehow the local Wheels award just does not remotely compare to WCOTY. Not even close.

Wheelnut, i like statistics because it allows the public to determine lies form truth.

golfschwein

What’s gonna win it next year? A Saturn? A Lincoln? Take no notice of it, Krassssssshleigh-Smythe, it has no relevance to this country whatsoever, regardless of how prestigious anyone thinks it is. Who does it? Is it Motor Trend? Road & Track? Or a consumer organisation like CHOICE or JD Power? If it’s the latter, subscribe, and quote survey results to your heart’s content.

The LS fell over its own door handles in WHEELS COTY testing. For retired folk in Florida, there can be no doubting that it would be the World Car of The Year, but for people who DRIVE, and who are car enthusiasts in THIS country, the answer is somewhat diferent.

Wheelnut

Here are some stats for you then… the latest [january]sales figures from the USA – Toyota V GM

Buick: UP 6.1% at 12,749 (1/07: 12,013)
Cadillac: UP 7.7% at 14,792 (1/07: 13,740)
Chevrolet: UP 0.7% at 149,548 (1/07: 148,449)
GMC: UP 13.3% at 32,270 (1/07: 28,488) – MOST IMPROVED
Hummer: DOWN –23.4% at 3,050 (1/07: 3,980)
Pontiac: DOWN –4.3% at 23,025 (1/07: 24,060)
Lexus: DOWN –8.2% at 20,299 (1/07: 22,118)
Toyota: –1.4% at 151,550 (1/07: 153,732)

Overall

General Motors: UP 2.1% at 252,565 (1/07: 247,464)
Toyota Motor Co: DOWN –2.3% at 171,849 (1/07: 175,850)

golfschwein

Okay, I’ve just Googled the WCOTY. It was inaugurated in 2005. It’s American. That may afford it all the gravitas some people need, and all the derision others feel it warrants. It has 22 International jurors. Who are they? Do they drive the cars in one place at the same time or do they try them all on home ground with market-specific engine choices and suspension settings throughout the year?

The envelope gets opened at the New York Auto Show after the 22 jurors select their car, but how do they select it?

I’m sure the trophy’s in the pool-room at Lexus HQ. But our local awards are still the greatest indicator for our country.

Wheelnut

I’d also expect that inorder to be elligible for WCOTY that the car would have to be available in markets other than it’s country of origin – that is sold around the world.. in the same way as the Wheels [Australian] COTY award is for cars sold in Australia
which would mean that alot of other cars would probably be excluded.

Mind you the Yanks call their Baseball the World Series yet the competition only involves teams from within America.. which kind ogf backs up my previous statement.

golfschwein

I agree Wheelnut. Still, it was inaugurated in 2005, so at least it has some credible history behind it LOL!

Wheelnut

Hold on a minute..

This blog is starting to get a little like the one relating to the TRD Hilux. Where there were initially a handful of statements about the actual car but slowly degenerated into a debate about various off topic issues before becoming rather personal.. [which was started by a Toyota fan]

Which is rather ironic given that the subject of both blogs were “Toyotas”.. which; when you think about it is saying something about their products

Chaser

This Lexus isn’t meant to be driven the way those fools in wheels were trying to do, the same wheels folks who had the Kluger accident and sent a report to Toyota – only to get a reply back (with readings from the ecu output to show that their test was inconclusive).

The fact of the matter is, in a country where people like to have European wannabe plates (do I see Europeans putting on Aussie plates?- don’t think so) the mentality inclines towards the arrogance, snobness and ignorance that just because it has a european badge it ‘has’ to be good.

I’m sorry, but the upcoming Is-F , the Lf-A series from Lexus will truely shine and put this nonsense to a stop. Bmw has M series , how good is the rest of their range when the features (all the more options to add on$$) , we all are well aware, the Mercs? sure how many Amg or Brabus are out there? and even then how good are they in their cornering? (for the twat who was saying the Lexus was struggling around the corner, that model ISN’T meant for that sort of drive) but the all so powerful AMGs or Brabus with each component upgraded – even those are (as TopGear has always stated) squishy around the corners, Audi? alright the RS series, how affordable is that? (and again reviews speak for themselves with Audis’ positioning of the engine , which has only just recently been changed to allow for better dynamics and handling)

So to be able to offer better options and a more refined overall package Lexus is definitely doing better than what the majority of you ignorant and narrow minded so called car enthusiasts state. Forget the badges , you can’t even appreciate the aspect of Lexus being in the field far less than the Euro rivals and still getting to where they are – absolutely inconsiderate.

Have you been to a Lexus production plant? or have you seen the dedication that goes into assembling them?

The Europeans themselves regard Lexus above bmw, mercs and audis, (topgear yearly surveys – Lexus always in top3 , the Is and Rx range).

ENough said.

golfschwein

You’ve missed the point behind the WHEELS tests, Chaser.

The Lexus fell over itself. Other cars didn’t. Had it provided the same accomplished road manners as a Merc or BMW, it might’ve won. It doesn’t, so it didn’t.

It’s not complicated.

Enough said.

TP

Myke indeed but they still have the other features such as the knee airbags… in relation to the engine complaint well that not Lexus, thats just Australia, the IS350 does the 100 in 5.5seconds and from my understanding isnt loads more expensive then the IS250, it also has the engine which was in Wards top 10 for 2007, the direct injection variant of the Aurions engine with 230kw and 400Nm, with RWD…. and paaaaddle shifters! Wish we had IS350.

Bavarian Missile

K.Rashleigh said
Bavarian, before you insult TP by telling him to put his manners back in, what is your excuse for losing your own by insulting myself. You obviously have problems or issues to sort out. This is a open blog to the public to discuss thier thoughts and opinions on motoring subjects but for some reason you are insulting other bloggers such as myself who haven’t even engaged into such low acts.
As far as i am concerned, people like yourself have little credibility as you are obviously to immature to accept the opinions of others. By all means judging by reviews, new models and statistics published worldwide, Lexus is leading a potent charge towards the top and that doesn’t mean i an not fond of the other brands becuase just to let you know, i am but this just happens to be a Lexus topic.

An apology would be needed it seems………suggest you read next time before you start bagging people.Me get into TP……..hahaha….mate he got into to me and has most on this site over 6 months.

Lexus world Car of the year…..and? BMW 3 series year before…….you know BMW hold more engine awards than any other? Seeing I know you like statistics!

As I said BMW MERC and AUDI are the standards they try to meet…………I did say they have done well ….but how well would they have without those to copy ? Someone as I mentioned has to be the leader………

Once again lets see how Lexus new ISF runs against the Original …………..M3! Me I have my money on the M3…….Copies just cant match the original! Sorry!

Chaser

yup and if the Is-F holds itself well against the original M3, I expect you to rather ‘shut down’ that arrogant tone of ‘omg look at me bavarian missile, uber number of gears and settings etc etc ‘ .

You didn’t have much to say on the R35-GTR (shut down slap) and I’ll be looking forward to your silence when the Is-F comes out.

yes you will be sorry

http://aca K.Rashleigh

Golf, if you don’t want to note the World Car Of The Year then that is ok with me. Each for thier own i guess.

We will talk about local awards if that is your preferance. To start with, i believe no Holden of any sort was selected for the latest round of Wheels Awards although that is undeniably the least respected of all. However, i can note many awards that the Aurion as with other Toyota and Lexus vehicles have been awarded with over the past couple of years in Australia.

Example, DRIVE published thier own awards with many more going to Toyota and Lexus then Holden or Ford so that is a indicator for our country. Other good indicators include the multitude of varying quality surveys released in 2007 based on vehicles sold in Australia with such names as Drive with the Australian Quality aswell as JD powers and RAC. If you would have taken notice of each findings, you would have noted that Toyota and Lexus faired strongly in all of them. And i guess local car sales can be another indicator with already strong and growing sales from Toyota outwaying Holden and Ford to the tune of 90 000 and 125 000 respectively in 2007 up several thousand on 2006 so i guess with all that factored it does say something about thier products.

Here are other stats, Toyota is expected to return an approx 20 billion dollar profit for the year of 2007 compared to GM’s 40 billion loss in one qtr alone. In all, Toyota sales in America has dramatically increased in recent years to that point it now eclipses Ford while closing in on GM. The late Consumer Award survey revealed Toyota, Lexus and Scion all ranked in the top six while GM came in at 10th with Cadillac then bugger all after that while i believe Ford managed 13th, 14th and 15th with thier local American companies.

I like stalking stats, i can chat away allday with all sorts of statistics.

Wheelnut

I suppose you;re going to get on to their motorsport and heritage etc soon to hey Krash

Wheelnut

Chaser even IF the IS-F “holds its own” against the BMW M3.. if it doesn;t beat the M3 people will be justified in going on about the M3s superiority because the M3 is the “benchmark” for that type of performance car

And as Stirling moss said “show me someone who came second and I’ll show you a loser..

Bavarian Missile

# Chaser Says:
February 2nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm

yup and if the Is-F holds itself well against the original M3, I expect you to rather ’shut down’ that arrogant tone of ‘omg look at me bavarian missile, uber number of gears and settings etc etc ‘ .

You didn’t have much to say on the R35-GTR (shut down slap) and I’ll be looking forward to your silence when the Is-F comes out.

yes you will be sorry

Ah I don’t think you will see me having to Chaser….Will you though when you get nailed? Tell me something why is it that Lexus lovers can sprout on about how good they are but apparently others aren’t ??????

The GTR………..what has that to do with a BMW or Lexus.Did I bag it……….? No! Would I prefer a Porsche still………yes! Do I think the GTR is amazing,yes.

Chaser

I can play all the word games you want BM , but you know damn right well that its not the Jap automobile enthusiast, but more the kind of yourself who can’t appreciate what the Japs have to offer.

As is the case with any of your posts. The Gtr example was just to show that a Jap car did better than you thought it would and for being in the industry lesser in age compared to Porsche it did better. That was more the point,

You make the Euro brands seem ‘Perfect, or the benchmark” exactly what world do you live in? and you keep ignoring the fact that it ranks higher than its Euro rivals (the Lexus in terms of ownership, dealings at the dealership, issues etc) and has been shown on TopGear (who can be bias to Euro badges at times).

To be honest , I quite frankly couldn’t give a damn if you can’t appreciate the engineering feats that the Japanese have achieved. I can appreciate the technology, poise and performance an M series can achieve, much respect for the sheer amount of (ridiculous) power a Brabus can exhibit or the dynamics, planted feel of a well laid out Quattro system. However if you fail to respect Lexus for their accomplishments or Nissan with their insane road registrable GTRs also lets not forget the beasty 2JZ platform from Toyota which to this day powers some of the record achieving cars (2074hp Supra, 8-9 second Trd Solara etc) – then I’d rather not acknowledge your existance and deem you a waste of human flesh. You can call yourself all the enthusiast you want, but deep down you know you’re just a narrow minded arrogant person.

Chaser

* correction 1000hp , typing error *

Wheelnut

I don’t think that BM is disputing that Lexus have made some serious achievements and improvements to their cars over the years

It’s just that as the Germans are considered to be the benchmark in nearly all areas of automotive engineering and design its fairly obvious to expect that until proven otherwise the Germans will have the ability and technology to outperform most of their competitors.. and therefore go into most tests as favourites

In general The Germans introduce new technology.. the Japanese then spend years refining it making it smaller etc by which time the Germans have introduced even newer technology – which is why they are the benchmark

Chaser

Lexus = 8speed transmission first ,and yes for the autobahns in Europe that does matter.

Self parking assist, mock it if you like, you know that Lexus beat S series (who are usually the first in anything to do with technology + build it into your car).

Maybe in the old days the Japanese did consider European labels a benchmark. These days I just can’t see that point through, I mean you have to go visit Japan to see exactly what I’m on about, be it cars or even electronics, they are just eons ahead. To the point where certain items will always remain for the local Japanese market and never come out. The imported cars are well over 10-11 years old or even more, yet some of them have features that not even the current line up of cars here, has.

I’ve been to Europe and I’ve been to Japan, I speak from what I see, not read on reviews or from magazine (esp as bias as wheels is).

golfschwein

ya know what, Krassleigh, Holden and Ford weren’t good enough to win any award this year. Hey, maybe they did somewhere along the line, but who’s lookin’ it up? Not me! And I don’t care!

My position is this: Lexus has beautiful quality and presentation and I dont deny their customer satisfaction results. Gorgeous engines. Their suspensions aren’t as well sorted as best Aussie or Euro practice. Not for this country. Maybe for USA. Don’t take any notice of a fledgling World Car of the Year. WHEELS COTY is well respected, except by those who don’t read it properly. I’ve had three brand new Toyotas over time. One was roobbash. Holden and Ford deserve brickbats for their junky 4 speed trannies and leaf rears respectively. I drive a VW. Surveys and statistics bore me. I hate coleslaw. There ya go! All out in the open now

http://aca K.Rashleigh

BMW, Benz and Audi are all fantastic cars of the highest order and so is Lexus. As i stated, Lexus still has work to do to improve handling and no doubt that will be achieved with the new various ‘F’ series about to hit the market. That to one side, Lexus has not only been able to match but excel and redefine new benchmarks when it comes to quality, craftsmanship, technology, hybrids, drivetrain refinement and value for money.

No company is the leader in everything and holds all the fortunes. Ferrari is probably the best performance brand as BMW with engines, Mazda with rotories, Ford with Pickups, GM … ‘notsure’, Toyota with commericials and hybrids, Subaru with pocket rockets, Lexus with quality and so on. No company holds all the jewells but each challenges the others with varing results from different companies.

Copies cannot match the original. I think you would understand as much as myself that holds little truth and is far from even being remotely accurate. It sounds all good but just doesn’t hold and the fact that Lexus has managed to topple the German brands in many areas is testimony to that.

The Ford Fairlane was Australia’s own original luxury car as with the L6 engine and the Holden 5.0 v8. As they were local originals then why have (or will be) they all disappeared if nothing cannot better the original.
What about all those original designs, engines, gearboxes, suspensions, seats, fabrics, electrics and so on. If nothing beats the original then why have we moved on.
Why isn’t the original T model Ford still the going car in Australia.

I must say Bavarian, you have a strange if not muddled way of looking at things and can not comprehend your way of thinking no matter how much i try.

Wheelnut

If I remember rightly The VE Commodore did manage to take out the best sports sedan in the Middle East.. and the sheiks over there [Dubai] are quite astute; discerning when it comes to spending money.. particularly on cars.. I mean they didn’t become millionaire by spending their moneu on C-R-A-P.

They love em over there and a number of them wanted the EFIJY to go into production after seeing it on a recent visit.. One sheik reportedly offered Richard Fellazzo over $1m for the one off concept.

http://aca K.Rashleigh

Wheelnut, no i will not talk about Toyota motorsport because there is not much to talk about on that front. However, it is pleasing to see that they are now taking motorsport and performance cars alot more seriously then they have for quite a few years and i believe they will achieve strong results is due time as they have with just about everything else thay have taken onboard over the past few years.

If you want to see a loser then i can suggest many things that Holden and Ford have come of second best against Toyota over the past 5 years. I guess only then we will see the same ole losers manytimes over but i might just leave that one alone incase i up set a few people.

Golf, if you wish to respect wheels then i must say you are one in a minority because that magazine would have to be the least respected motoring publication in Oz. Infact, i seriuosly can not name many people at all who actually take the publication any more seriously then a grain of salt. As for surveys and statistics, they are very interesting to me as with alot of other consumers because they indicate the truths from the lies in any given market.

Of course there are questionable surveys but then there are those which are reputable and even regarded by motoring manufactuers themselves. RAC in Australia is a pleasing example. My point is alot of people can say ‘this’ or ‘that’ about a car but good quality surveys can allow us (the consumer)to accurately judge those claims.

Wheelnut

A belief is not a thoyught that the mind possesses.. It is a thought that posesses the mind.

Translation: most people have set views on certain things[usually based on personal experiences] and no matter how much evidence is put forward its often hard to convince them of anything to the contrary

We should accept this and TRY to have a civil discussion about the car.. and try to avoid personal attacks

we are all different and entiitled to our opinions.. I mean it would be bloody boring if we all liked/drove a particular make or model of car now wouldn’t it?

http://aca K.Rashleigh

Wheelnut, the VE has won a number of awards but no more then the Aurion. The Camry is also a regarded family car in the Middle East selling alot more then Holden imports. I recently read a report that the ME and US were keen to import the new TRD Aurion but our local mob turned down the offer until they are completely satified with the new undertakings themselves.

http://aca K.Rashleigh

Wheelnut, you are now starting to sound like the person i like to chat with or even have a beer with.

Bavarian Missile

Geez……..Chaser seems I hit a nerve. Me arrogant ? Why cant I defend BMW when you defend Lexus and the Japs?Explain the difference. I have never said I don’t repect Lexus just my opinion the Germans do a better job.

Just so happens my eldest son is a ricer………..so yes I can fully understand what the Japs can do…….even with big hair driers!

I sat down with him this morning to watch Drive …….you see the new GTR on it……..? Just after ANDRA…..

Dont tell me what I am and what you assume I like ……where do you get off? You know I have a passion for Subaru’s……currently looking at finding a Liberty Turbo for my 14 year old to work on and become his drive car latter! Also love REXs…..Alborz will tell you that!

I hope your speaking from experience of owning Lexus and not just from what print says about them! Me I can backup owning German for 20 years……….what about you?

Once again Ill say it for you M3…….Original……lets see how the copy goes !

You want to talk mods……….well I guess I can goggle as much as you!

You want to talk cheap horse power…..Cant go pass the old stuff…….real Muscle Cars……….You build 600 hp for less than $10,000 ?????

Geez the gear box in my M3 costs $10,000…….

Wheelnut

Liberty Turbo [RS] – fairly rare car BM.. Hope ya find one

Wheelnut

Cheap Horsepower – for $6K CAPA will turn your Holden V8 ute into a intercooled/supercharged 1,000Kw Drifter.. FUN!

Bavarian Missile

KR…………where is my apology?

What do you mean I have a muddled way of looking at things?

M3…………the original bench mark all others set themselves too beat…they have been doing it longer than the rest.So how is that hard to understand,M3s,have won more Touring Car races than anything else in the world. Why don’t we just see how the ISF goes up against it! Its not all about HP………having a true performance car is a package………Im not after straight line speed…..

So you want to have a beer with my online husband……hahaha He doesn’t drink beer! Do you babe?

Wheelnut

Quote [K.Rashleigh]:If nothing beats the original then why have we moved on. Why isn’t the original T model Ford still the going car in Australia.

The Model T is still going in Australia.. I see a number of examples of them [from Tin Lizzies to T Buckets] at various car shows all lovingly restored and road registered.. perfect for that leisurely sunday drive

Thet are no longer made in Australia because as times and technology changes peoples demands also change.. Therefore overtime the manufacturers make a number of changes to their cars to suit.

I mean we now travel much greater distances than before yet want to do it in the same time if not less so the cars had to become more powerful more reliable more comfortable etc.

Having said that.. Remember: NASA spent billions of dollars working on a pen that would write in space.. The Russians took a pencil.

Bavarian Missile

hahaha……….hey s e x y…….you would know, your looking for one for me…….hahaha

Capa……..Yep but Im talking from block up ………….Cleveland!600 HP for $10,000……..I think Brett even has the recipe for it seeing hes been building them for 25 years…….

Chevs even cheaper !

You off soon?

Keep your phone on……..I may call you later!xxx

plonkernator

ur all a bunch of soft cox gize !!!!!!!!

i drive an evo ix. will shite all over dem shitcans (bmw-merc-lexus-etc).

my advise: get rid of em and go evo — all da way gize!!

Wheelnut

Yes but unlike a BMW M3 or a GT-R.. an EVO can be easily replicated by simply bolting on an Aftermarket intercooler turbo and the obligatory “bookshelf” spoiler.. same goes for Imprezas.

And the more fakes or replicas there are the lesser the value of the originals is

Which is another reason why “you can’t beat the original”

Which is why I love the older classic cars – Chargers Monaros and Cobras etc

Bavarian Missile

Not to mention you look like your going through mid life challenge if your 40 and drive an Evo……..My sons mate has an EVO 9………..nice car,sure but not me!

Why I like the New Rex………

Wheelnut

Plonkernator – you’re not seriously comparing an AWD Turbo 4 cyl ricer sedan to a RWD Straight 6 [Now V8] Sports Coupe are you

They’re two different cars in different categories becausse they have different characteristics which effect their perfomance.

plonkernator

true man … it pains me to see them silly evo’d up lancers fakos …. but they cannot replicate the superb handling or awd power-down. also note that real evos also have truly aggresive boxed arches.

Carl

Toyota build almost perfect cars in the Lexus brand BUT while technically they might be as good as the very best that the Germans can muster there is somthing missing.

i know cars don’t have souls but the German cars are a lot closer to having soul and passion than the Toyota Lexus!!

Bavarian Missile

Now thats what Im talking about………….

Me…..I feel the soul of my M3 as soon as I turn the key……….instant smile on the dial…….unless you have experienced it you wouldn’t understand!You truly can feel the car beneath you……..better than s e x……..well depends with whom………hehehehe

Anyone had either or both ??????????

If you have had an M3………..there is no going back!

Arrogant maybe…….but if your in the West………contact me and experience the best! Disappointment wont be felt…………

Duck

What a crap V8! And i hate the darn, ugly, stupid grill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://aca Marshall

Lexus make wonderful v8′s and are defantly amoung the best in the world for shear refinement and performance. I visit the drags as often as i can and have noticed a steady increase in 4.0 Lexus v8 powered cars pulling some very impressive times. I have also had the pleasure to have driven a GS430 once while at a cart meeting and it was a wonderful car. I can only imagine that the new GS460 8 speed would be even sweeter. Congats Lexus, love ya cars and believe the company is heading in the right direction. Cannot wait for the IS-F and please bring the IS350 to our shores.

Cheers

Marshall

CHAPPY

I agree with you marshall i have a IS250 sport now for 2 years and waiting for the final price of the IS-F.
But the big gap between the IS250 and the IS-F is huge
This rocket does 0-100 in 4.5 and pulls over .9g in corners without loss of traction
And yes waiting for the IS350 this will be easy enough power to suite me its very fast indeed.
Will kill alot of v8s outhere.
Bring over the IS350 please lexus.

Godspeed

Some great points here.

Firstly, I really like both Lexus and BMW cars.

I think you can certainly LIKE Lexus, but you can LOVE BMW. There is passion there – it has so much heritage, and true racing pedigree. Hence the Lexus, for all its quality, durability and reliability superiority might just leave you a bit… cold.

I hope, the IS-F is a car you can be passionate about. All credit and kudos to Lexus; like wheelnut said, in the past they’ve taken German tech and tried to micro-engineer it to perfection, and the JD Power satisfaction studies show that that has worked to a big extent.

I’ve sat in the back of the new LS 600h, and it is truly spectacular, a shiatsu massage function, ottoman seats and so on. Lexus may be the standard for panel gaps, but I think the Europeans still hold the styling advantage, as it seems only Europeans can.

Lexus is brilliant. And of course it’s all down to personal preference. But for us enthusiasts out there, isn’t it all about how a car makes you FEEL? If it doesn’t feel special, make YOU feel special, then it’s not worth your hard-earned. At the least, you expect to pay less for it than something that DOES make you feel good when driving it – is this why Lexus cars (in the Australian market at least) have always been just that bit cheaper than the Germans?
Let’s see if in the future the Japanese can prove that theory wrong.

http://aca Justin

Godspeed, in 20 short years Lexus has grown from the ashes as nothing more then just a another ‘tryer’ to what is today one of the worlds best marques. I feel intime Lexus will achieve it’s entire goals as they have gone from strength to strength and lately have not been able to put a foot wrong.

I to respect BMW by all means and love thier engineering and external styling but for some reason the internal ambiance of a BMW has never done it for me. For instance, i love to stand and look at a BM but once i climb inside the dash designs and somewhat just don’t do it for me hence give that FEEL. A particular car i do like and that is the IS250 and also wish Lexus brought the 350 to our market. Carn’t for the IS-F and LF-A.

Not all cars for all people.

Andrew M

i think it has been pretty much summed up once the word “soul” came into the equation.

i wouldnt pay 20K for a car let alone 200k if it didnt feel “soulfull” or spirited to drive.
bottom line is no amount of surveys or string of car awards will ever push me to a certain vehicle. the car has to feel right to ME and above all be enjoyable to drive.

with the “Luxo”, for me its definately BMW (if you exclude Aston etc) purely because of styling. BMW bodylines are unbeatable amongst its competitors.

also those rubbing in the recent award winnings of toyota here in OZ are forgetting one thing………
ford didnt compete the last 2 years.

the last time ford, holden, and toyota released new models at pretty much exactlly the same time was in ’02.

do we all remember how long after ’02 ford was still winning awards for their efforts? was it 4 yrs after?

the recent awards have only really seen toyota and holden directly compete.
oh i tell a lie…….ford released the mondeo, and that got amongst the awards. but i suppose when we talk in terms of aussie stuff it wasnt.

Godspeed

ROFLMAO! wtf, omg BMWs FTW dude, FTMFW!!!!!! BMW M3 pwns Lexis Forari and bugarti, WOOT! lol

…Hahaha