What's coming from Lexus:

TheSailor, remember the SC is the #1 choice for hair dressers from San Francisco to West Hollywood.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:19:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

That's marketing.

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 4:47:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

rapper Micheal "Baby" Williams of Cash money records owns a blinged out sc430.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 9:34:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

BUCK, even with that bodykit, it can't hold a candle to the SL.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:20:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

who cares what toyota makes?

— moparman64 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 4:59:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -18   

A gloified RAV4.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:20:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

The big news here is that Lexus is going into the entry-level market head on. This means more competition in Europe, although I think I can speak for everyone in questioning whether or not they are even considering more diesel variants for these "entry-level" vehicles?

Also, Australia doesn't seem to believe that the performance variant of the IS will be called the IS-F. Someone should let them know that there will be an IS-F, as well as a reported GS-F.

Lastly, I'll go ahead and admit that the SC cannot hold out all the way to 2010 as they are reporting, but where do they get the idea that the LF-A will "replace" the SC? Those will be two separate vehicles.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:07:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

Oh, so according to the Lexus camp, there's an excuse for the Lexus hatch now! It's being COMPETITIVE! Oh, of course! The Germans weren't being competitive at all with the 1 Series, A3 and A/B-Class! They were just trying to make cheap cars for the hell of it, right? Ha!

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:25:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Just because a company makes a hatchback doesn't mean it has to be a POS like the BMW 318ti or Merc C hatch.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:15:30 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Stop trying to turn this into a "Lexus vs. German" bitchfight. The 1-Series and A-Class both posses the fewest values of their respective brands. I for one am not excited that they are looking at doing an economy car. It's called being competitive...

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:30:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

If you think the 3 hatchback or the Merc hatchback were representative of a good German luxury car, than I think you are the moron.

The 318ti even featured hubcaps. I believe things like that is what people think of when saying the car hurt the brand's image.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:30:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

It starts to share more in common with a Hyundai than the S Class. That's the problem.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:43:05 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ooohhh hubcaps...which you can still get on the 1 series and A class.
I think the 1 series possesses every single one of BMW's brand values; small, light, and great handling. More so than other BMWs, which have become tech-laden and heavy.
The A class does follow the Merc ethos, but the A3 stands for Audi values.
The 3er ti, while small and ugly, was a good little car.

And answer, a bit of your comment gave away your American, biased point of view. "If you think the 3 hatchback or the Merc hatchback were representative of a good German luxury car"
Luxury.
Whoever said that the 3er ti or A class were luxury cars? Not BMW or Merc, but the Americans, for whom premium MUST equal luxury, and thus have failed to grasp the concept of cars with 2 litres or less, cloth seats, hubcaps, a squidgy ride or an interior that doesn't look like a brothel (I'm looking at Lincoln in particular here).
Premium in Europe means more than more equipment, it means a better constructed, more focussed car, with traditional premium values, offering high quality cars.

— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:44:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

So the American mindset of a "premium" car is wrong because it does not match the European idea?

When viewed from an American point of view, which is fair as I live in the U.S., both the 318ti and Merc hatch were seen as "lesser" than their brand counterparts.

The 318ti in America was more of a 3 series for less money, than the "entusiast's" 3.

I think the bottom line for the American market was that both cars were both rather unnecesarry.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:58:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Lexus fans didn't "deny" that it would happen, we just expressed our viewpoint that we did not want Lexus to make a hatchback. Everyone here has a serious problem with mocking the fake Lexus fans here, but not allowing anyone else to mock the droves of retarded German fans.

The 1-Series and A-Class do not represent luxury, which Mercedes and BMW try to portray themselves as. An S-Class has no business being in the same brand as an A-Class. why do you think the luxe Euro companies refuse to send their economy cars to North America? Because they know that they will hurt their prestigious reputations.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 7:19:06 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

answer, you're right, the "cheap" BMW's and Benz's were much closer to Hyundai's than S-classes. They were also a hell of a lot closer in price to Hyundai's than S-classes. When BMW and Mercedes want to make cars like an S-class, they do, they call them 7's and S's. When they want to make less expensive cars to tap into a market full of people who'd love to own a BMW or Mercedes but thought they could never afford it, people who might buy a Hyundai for example, they make cars like the ones you're talking about.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:47:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Oh get real.

You know what I am talking about. Both the 318ti and the Merc hatch were not very representative of their respective brands.

As much as people love to knock Lexus, no Lexus has come with hupcaps (maybe the old ES250 if anything). That is something that Lexus did to preserve their image.

Common sense says that an $80,000 car will be a lot different than a $25,000 one. But certain things on entry level cars of luxury brands are to be expected. Hupcaps aren't one of them.

It's just an example of how much you want to water-down your brand image in persuit of a niche in the market.

Now the 1 series looks to be a different story. A more affordable BMW that perserves the "BMWness" of the brand.

It might be different in Europe where the delivery man pulls up to your place in a Mercedes van, but here in America the brand is first and foremost a luxury brand. The mere idea of a small, cheap hatchback is not a good fit for the brand image.

And if those cars were so great and so beloved, why aren't they offered in the U.S. anymore?

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 12:20:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

What's coming to autospies.com?

More incessant bitching about Lexus apparently.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:16:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

LEXUS creates so much emotional appeal to german/crysler fans... :)

— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:33:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I can't wait to drive the IS500, so long A4.

— CBR2200 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:44:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

How about ES?

ES-F?

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 5:47:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Apparently, German fans, should admit their deeply passion and love for Lexus. Every time a Lexus article is posted they ALWAYS come here to express their passion with so much extratension!
One thing for sure, Formula1 is watching previews of Tokachi 24 hour race! He must loved that Hybrid SUPRA at first sight. Don' t fight it guys. Its over you. :)

— silent_power (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:04:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

man why is everybody always arguing? dang, lol.stop the maddness

— trd1 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:05:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

#formula1

You realy don't know what you talking about, the lexus GS looks ten times better than de E-class en 5-series. And passion wait until the IS-F and LF-A are out.

— STJ88 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:25:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

How long do we need to tolerate the unpleasantness and immaturity of Formula -1? What possible use is he to anybody here? He has never uttered one constructive word about anybody or anything here but rather, is completely disruptive of intelligent people trying to talk about cars.

— mitchatlexusofmarin (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 6:45:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9   

"Americans seem to think small cars = crap." american carmakers dont even bother try thinking themselves. lots of them sold under ford or GM is from europe (like the focus) and korea (the aveo). now the wake of gas $$$ made them go back to the drawing board which would help them meet demands for their ppl suffering from gas prices. now theyre behind (in terms of competition) in the small car segment.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 7:13:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

"who cares what toyota makes?"
"The better question is who cares what Chrysler makes, "moparman?""

wills rant ftw, who cares what DCX makes? theyre already dwn in the dumps. refer to the article "Chrysler Puts Unsold '06 Vehicles In Used Lots"

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 7:17:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

What happened to the Lexus Scratchback?

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 7:25:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

XeroK00L,

Lately your arrogance has been getting on my nerves. The German luxury carmakers can offer smaller cars in Europe as a means of survivial and sucking in younger customers. It's a great way of obtaining new potential customers.

And no matter what, Lexus will never have the prestige of the German luxury brands. Just look at the history of BMW and Mercedes. Enough said.

Oh, and I am not a fanboy.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 3:42:09 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Exactly Willis!

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 4:55:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Willis, I wish you hadn't added "prestige" in there... it makes me cringe. Otherwise, I agree. When someone buys an A2/A3, 1 Series or A/B-Class, it will most likely keep them loyal to the brand until they've worked their way up to an A8, 7er or S-Class.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:32:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

back to the real subject here. It seems as if Lexus has a good product plan. Although I am concerned about the SC...It needs to be completely redesigned. Its really Lexus' only also ran. Its not attractive and at this point not even competitive with comparable models in size or features.
T

— TauronB2G (View Profile)

Posted on 6/20/2007 11:07:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

If it had a BMW badge on the hood, you'd hate it.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:32:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Likewise, if it had an Audi badge on it, you'd worship it.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 4:56:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Another SC facelift?? Kill the car already will you, it's rubbish!

— SevorbeupstryIsBack (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 4:47:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Reading the comments, it's funny. The Lexus fanboys (u know who u are, sadly for u) claim that the German fanboys come in Lexus articles and start making stupid comments with little reference to the article itself. However, you guys do exactly the same thing when it's an article about MB or BMW etc. So, at the end of the day, we're as bad as each other.

— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 5:32:31 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

Who cares what Lexus does anymore. Their cars are boring! Not one of them have any soul!

— montyz81 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 9:13:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

this rivalry between MB, etc vs. Lexus is getting dumber from both sides due to the fact that this is the internet.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 9:50:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Here is whats coming from Lexus, yawn...

— cdhzhp (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:12:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

SC Facelift only in 2008? They should have come up with a new model, the current is one of the ugliest cars I have ever seen in. The previous generation was so much better.

— 07mcs (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 1:48:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

sweet. where do i sell my soul? next SC woooooooo!!

— gsh23 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 2:14:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

There is no mention of the GX470.
The only capable reliable off road luxury SUV in their lineup.

— topneuro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 2:15:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I am a fan of the New LS. The line up looks good and I would give it an edge over BMW. BMW still has an edge in driving feel and performance. Lexus is in a rampage and Toyota has the funds to compete. Especially since they do not have the overhead GM and Ford has. Toyota would not be were it is today without Gov't help, poor GM and Ford has to pay 95 Billion a year to pay for RETIRED employee benefits.

— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 4:26:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

This is the beginning of an onslaught of new product. Lexus has been planning this for years.They were waiting for all dealers to build or upgrade their dealerships.Now that they can handle the extra service business look out. They just built a 20 million dollar dealership in New Orleans. You should see how pathetic it makes the bmw, mercedes, another dealers look.This makes a big difference when service is so good it gives them a big edge.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 6:17:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

This is the beginning of an onslaught of new product. Lexus has been planning this for years.They were waiting for all dealers to build or upgrade their dealerships.Now that they can handle the extra service business look out. They just built a 20 million dollar dealership in New Orleans. You should see how pathetic it makes the bmw, mercedes, another dealers look.This makes a big difference when service is so good it gives them a big edge.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 6:17:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

This is the beginning of an onslaught of new product. Lexus has been planning this for years.They were waiting for all dealers to build or upgrade their dealerships.Now that they can handle the extra service business look out. They just built a 20 million dollar dealership in New Orleans. You should see how pathetic it makes the bmw, mercedes, another dealers look.This makes a big difference when service is so good it gives them a big edge.

— autopro (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 6:17:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1 (Benz show 5.4 in their specs)
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the (REPREHENSIBLE) Toyota/Lexus people.....

— bevisroy (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 10:17:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Will, the reply button has taken a sick day. It probably has cancer, because it has been out of commission for many days now.

1. I haven't bashed Lexus here- I have no right to, as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all make "cheap" cars, too. I think this is a smart strategy for Lexus of Europe. My experience with the A3 has shown me how good small cars can be, and there's also the obvious Mini Cooper.

2. I do like the LF-A, a lot. The exhaust sounds awesome. I'll hold my thoughts on the looks until it's officially unveiled.

— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 6/21/2007 11:56:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I kinda agree with formula1 :)

Lexus is not for enthusiasts, rather for comfort, fairly low-priced (compare to germans), and most importantly reliability. BMW is more like for people who respect passion for motorsports aka "M" :)

— MrGunFun (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 12:36:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

How did you get stuck in 1990?

Fire up your fluxcapacitor and come back to 2007.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 11:55:06 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Why then did the Germans entrust the Japanese with their hydrogen bomb that was onboard a Japanese sub on its way to California at the time of the Hiroshimi bombing?

Please leave WW2 matters out of automotive postings, especially if you don't know what the hell you are talking about.

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 12:33:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Let's get the facts straight here about WWII.

Japan and Germany were allies with the radicals from the Middle East during WWII.

Crack open a history book and learn something.

BTW, when does the next generation LS come out???

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/22/2007 10:21:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

OMG, this gotta be the funniest thread ever... I mean you guys look like a bunch of girls arguing! But thanks, you at least made me laugh.

I mean, how did all of this start? formula1 is that you?

— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 3:54:13 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

"And let us not forget the Fascist in Italy were good buds with Germany and Japan." aka the Axis powers.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 5:58:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

"And let us not forget the Fascist in Italy were good buds with Germany and Japan." aka the Axis powers.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 5:58:21 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

2009 for the IS Coupe?? What the hell has Lexus been doing? The IS sedan has been out for a few years already. Get with the program...

And 6-speed man. for the couple please.

— kdawg (View Profile)

Posted on 6/23/2007 11:13:45 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Lexus ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz

— xj13 (View Profile)

Posted on 6/24/2007 7:51:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0