steve c

I'm tempted by the Lexus -- but for my needs the Mercedes is still the better choice. Wrong as they are clients percieve the Mercedes we haul them around in to be the better car.

I know it isn't ... but whatever.

no_really

on-topic (sorry) anyone have specs on that Lexus 4.6 engine? I'm guessing they got the hp numbers at 7000 rpms, which isn't what I'd think customers in that class are looking for. Is the engine NA, or did they go with some form of FI to lower the peak hp rpms?

PLYRS 3

and that will always be 1/2 the point.....

bkw

Mom, who was a devoted MB customer for the past 35+ years has just purchased a brand new (her first) Lexus 06 LS430. While it's considerably smaller than the S500 that was traded, build and ergonomics are top notch. The car is pretty damn silent as well. Much more so than our RL and on par to the S500.

I warned her about the 07 LS, but for the deal Rallye Lexus gave her, it was totally worth it. I've shown her the pics of the 07 and she thinks the next generation LS would be a viable candidate for her next purchase which occurs every 3-4 years, but at the present time, shes totally content with her 06.

The last generation LS was made to compete with the E-Class from MB and the 5 series. With the 07, they've moved up market to hunt some bigger fish.. the S, and 7 series.

Lovely car by the way.. for my parents. Toyota has done a helluva job in marketing and product development and is the clear winner in the Japanese luxury segment with Lexus. It's too bad that the wife's Acura RL will never be perceived as worthy.

bkw

While I totally agree with you, it's not all that feasible. Acura cannot offer the RL, or any other sedan priced at $75k and expect it to sell. Honda does not have the same consumer base that Lexus has to substantiate this. Now, if they were to offer a car larger than the RL, with a V8, add a few more goodies (and cooled seats, GODDAMNIT!), and price it at $55-$65 (below everyone else).. well.. that'd be interesting to watch.

Honda really needs to raise it's consumer brand perception of the Acura badge up a few notches. And I really hope they start it with their dealerships and service departments.

pixelsonic

The LS is pure SILK

What worries me is more and more computers being put into cars...no biggie while it's under warranty but what about after that? Seems cars are getting even better but while becoming more of a disposable commodity. I kindof yearn for cars like the old Mercs (80s S class) that last like 20 years with only routine maintenance and still say "classsss".

DERF

Going ?


They already own the car market, and will take over the Truck market by 2010. This is Toyota's Goal, and they have reached every goal ahead of predictions for the last ten years.

s2kpdx01

DERF

Toyota is also the Strongest Auto company in the World with over FIVE BILLION in Cash Reserves as of two years ago.

I have a feeling that they have even more cash to play with today.


Toyota sells more CARS than the Old Big Three combined. Now they want the United States bread and butter market where all the big profits are.

Without the Truck market the old Big Three are in Big Trouble, sad to say.

Hate to say this coming from a GM Family ( Father is a retired GM Designer ) in the Detroit area.

Guess what Stock good old Dad owns today ?

rai

GM worldwide still outsells Toyota worldwide. (but not by much).

I'm seeing the 06 LS430 has 107 cu-ft of Passenger Volume while the S500 has 105 cu ft. and the LS has a much larger trunk 20 cu-ft vs 15.4 cu-ft.