RE: Lexus LC500: Driven
Discussion
Seems obvious why Lexus are now the go to N/A choice; it's their natural (given sales) bias towards the American market which means a V8 isn't hamstrung by CO2 based tax. The Germans have a more even sales spread and therefore have to respond to legislative pressure in a wider number of markets. Not sure why the press don't point that out more when they do a riff on how marevellous Lexus are for hanging on to N/A more closely.
sleepera6 said:
Fittster said:
Audemars said:
With Lexus you also get the best reliability and exclusivity. What is not to like?
Lack of estate versions of their saloons. Fittster said:
The sportscross had such a tiny load capacity it was barely an estate. If people will buy 5 series and E-Class estates I don't see a logical reason why a GS estate would be a flop.
I agree. I would definitely be interested in an estate version of the IS300h.I know that the global market is moving towards SUVs and maybe that's a factor.
If I was Lexus I would look at taking the 4WD hybrid drivetrain from the RX and putting into an estate style body to compete with the Volvo XC70, Audi A6 Allroad and Subaru Outback/Levorg. I don't think there is any hybrid available in that sector right now. I reckon they could do really well with that.
Fittster said:
The sportscross had such a tiny load capacity it was barely an estate. If people will buy 5 series and E-Class estates I don't see a logical reason why a GS estate would be a flop.
+1As I don't want a crossover the size of a bus but need a decent amount of luggage space, Lexus just don't make it on to my radar when it's time to replace my main car, which is a shame as I like the over-engineered style and the brand in general as an alternative to the ubiquitous Germans.
Audemars said:
The IS300 Fsport is the best looking saloon (far better than the M3 and the Alfa) (forget about the dull monstrosities from Merc and Audi)
IS300 Vs. M3? 
Back to the LC500, it looks stunning inside and out to these eyes, lovely thing, but trying to say it's a rival for a 488 does appear a little silly, much more an 650i competitor.
Edited by Wills2 on Sunday 11th December 11:11
Wills2 said:
trying to say it's a rival for a 488 does appear a little silly, much more an 650i competitor.
If you read what was written:Article said:
Lexus folk will tell you that they have aimed the LC's dynamic make-up somewhere between the Porsche 911 and Ferrari 488, which is nothing if not a glowing testament to their optimism. More broadly, they admit the target cars for the LC's full repertoire include BMW M6, Mercedes SL and Maserati GT models, which seems altogether more realistic, and no less ambitious.
To me it's clear Lexus aren't saying this a 488 competitor (they actually name the 6 series). My interpretation would be they benchmarked cars like the 488 and 911 for key handling traits, which is good news, as aiming so high means if they fall a little short, it will still be very good. The estimated price tag backs that up. It's quite possible to aim different aspects of a car at different areas/competitors; whether you achieve it and whether the end result is coherent is another thing.RenesisEvo said:
Wills2 said:
trying to say it's a rival for a 488 does appear a little silly, much more an 650i competitor.
If you read what was written:Article said:
Lexus folk will tell you that they have aimed the LC's dynamic make-up somewhere between the Porsche 911 and Ferrari 488, which is nothing if not a glowing testament to their optimism. More broadly, they admit the target cars for the LC's full repertoire include BMW M6, Mercedes SL and Maserati GT models, which seems altogether more realistic, and no less ambitious.
To me it's clear Lexus aren't saying this a 488 competitor (they actually name the 6 series). My interpretation would be they benchmarked cars like the 488 and 911 for key handling traits, which is good news, as aiming so high means if they fall a little short, it will still be very good. The estimated price tag backs that up. It's quite possible to aim different aspects of a car at different areas/competitors; whether you achieve it and whether the end result is coherent is another thing.It's silly to me to start off talking about 911/488 rivalling dynamics to end up admitting it's a 6 series rival. Just start there in the first place.
Wills2 said:
But's not going to rival the "dynamic make-up of the 488" is it?
Isn't it? Have you driven it? How do we know it doesn't 'feel' a bit like a 488, or 911? How can we be sure it doesn't have similar response rates, steering characteristics, on-limit balance, damping, etc etc. How do we know what specific characteristics they were interested in, and were not? We may never know, unless you can pin down the engineers responsible and a bunch of cars to demonstrate. No, it won't be the same as a 488 or 911, but remove sound, performance numbers and get into the finer detail and there may be something there. It is equally as optimistic as Lexus to claim comparison, as it is naive to believe they've not got anywhere near it, IMO.Wills2 said:
Just start there in the first place.
As I said before, aim higher, and you might do better. A 6 series isn't exactly setting the bar very high.Edited by RenesisEvo on Monday 12th December 14:47
louiebaby said:
I like the look, but as with a number of cool looking cars:
Where the f
k is the front numberplate supposed to go?
It'll look ste when one is fitted.
I had my reservations but in this fresh video from Motor Authority the car looks really quite smart.Where the fk is the front numberplate supposed to go?It'll look s
te when one is fitted.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2eWI6kda2Y
Sat in the yellow V8 one yesterday. The LC is a stunning car in the flesh, both inside and out,it makes all the German stuff look really boring. There's a new IS coming early in 2017, an LS later in the year, and in 2018 a 7 seat RX. With the world turning against diesels, Lexus, who have stuck with petrol/hybrid for years , often against severe criticism, look to be very much on the up. Good for them for sticking with their philosophies. If I could afford it, I'd trade my 996 for a LC all day long, never thought I'd ever say that.
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Had a Lexus for a couple of months now, nothing as nice as that just an IS but they do kind of grow on you in a subtle "no fuss" way.
That thing looks very nice
That thing looks very nice
I bought an IS this month, it's the first non enthusiast's car I've owned (after the likes of the Elise, MR2, Cooper S etc) and I love it to bits. It just does the job in wonderful silent comfort. Is slow for a 2.5 but ragging it doesn't feel right anyway. Great turn in, tail happy if you push it, electric everything and heated seats, I really like it.
Everybody else seems to hate Lexus but IS is a decent and quirky alternative to ubiquitous 3 Series.
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