AUTO SPIES WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Which company is prepping a 'Maybach Killer' for under 100K?

Dear 001,

Although there is no need for a Maybach killer...the Maybach is dead on its own, one company is looking to upstage it with a car that does more for less.

And who do you think that company would be?

LEXUS!

As we speak, a long wheelbase beauty with a 400HP Hybrid V12 engine is in development, that will get 30MPG.

It will have all-wheel drive and get this...a street price BELOW $100K!

As you predicted, Lexus' goal for world automotive domination in 5 years, are proceeding according to plan...

H. Chow

Homer008 - 7/22/2004 8:29:26 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus already dominates luxuary market in my book.

Homer008 - 7/22/2004 8:29:26 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus already dominates luxuary market in my book.

adambravo - 7/23/2004 4:11:47 AM

+1 Boost

Uh, I hate to let the laws of physics intrude on someone's fantasy, but let's face facts. The new Lexus RX400h is a 270hp V6 hybrid that gets about 30mpg. The idea of a 400hp V12 hybrid that also gets about 30mpg--and probably weighing 300-500lbs more--is ludicrous. That said, the idea of a super-LS (V12, awd, under $100K) isn't really that new; it's been discussed for about two years now. But let's try to keep it real, shall we?

w211Benz - 7/23/2004 5:06:26 AM

+1 Boost

This is Toyota Century, you call this luxury?

http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/Century/interior/images/int01_prv.jpg

http://www.catalog.auto.ru/images/0a8a7ca1.jpg

Need4Speed - 7/23/2004 2:43:00 PM

+1 Boost

Stuart...that was funny! Anyway..when was the last time you looked at the MSRP for a fully loaded LS430? $68,989. So now add all wheel drive, Hybrid V12 with 400 ponies, stretched wheelbase, 30 mpg, and all the ammenities needed to compete with the Maybach...FOR UNDER $100K...people...need I say more. Don't just wake up and smell the coffee...finish the whole damn pot!

Lexus1555 - 7/24/2004 8:08:29 PM

+1 Boost

First of all, I thought this hybrid was supposed to be 600hp?

Anyways, for all you nay-sayers out there, this car WILL blow MB's already lame Maybach out of the water; most of you are just scared that it will happen...
Lexus has proven over the past 14 years that they are a serious competitor to BMW, MB and Audi and will continue to do so.
Yeah, they aren't the greatest looking, but they're working on that and they quality of their cars are top notch. I've driven BMW's and Mercedes-Benz's before, and they don't compare with the buttery smoothness and power of the Lexus vehicles.

You all think that this 100k+ Lexus will be another VW Phaeton, but it definetly won't. People are out there that will pay for this car. They will buy it BECAUSE of the name and BECAUSE of the quality they will get.

Period.

Spoonie_G - 7/26/2004 2:44:27 PM

+1 Boost

I guess since their BMW Killers failed (is300 , GS300/430) they had to do something.
Remember the IS300? Lexus tried to push that car as a BMW killer. The public saw the IS300 for what it is (An overpriced, underpowered Toyota with ghettoe'd Honda Tail-Lights). Nobody bought the IS300. The GS300 and GS430 sales are in the gutter. The LS430 is a previous Generation S-Class Mercedes look-alike. And the ES330 is an overpriced underperforming glorified Camry that I see nothing but geezers driving. Lexus builds reliable cars that don’t even have the slightest hint of any emotion or personality.