Thursday 26th August 2004

Lexus in Paris

European Debut for Drop top Roadster

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Lexus will use the opportunity of the Paris Motor Show to display both its latest future concept car, the LF-C, and to showcase two new production models which will be launched in Europe in 2005: the new generation GS and the hybrid power RX400h. In addition, the Lexus stand will also focus on revisions to the current model range, including the development of DVD-navigation systems with Bluetooth wireless technology for the RX300 and SC430.

The Lexus LF-C concept car will be making its European debut at the Paris Motor Show. The vehicle is the third in a series of concept studies that have been created to express a new Lexus design rationale, following on from models presented in Tokyo last year.

The car is constructed on a rear-wheel drive platform with a front-mounted V8 engine. The principle feature of the body is a retractable hard top that can be moved through four different positions. This unique element, the work of the Calty Design Centre in California, allows the car to be changed from a coupe to a convertible with targa and speedster configurations in between.

The roof is fully automatic, controlled by the touch of a button, and stows neatly away through a narrow opening in the boot.

The new Lexus GS is the first production car to be created using the new Lexus design philosophy. It aims to create elegant, seamless coachwork with good cabin ergonomics and luxury interior fit and finish.

In Europe the GS will go on sale during the first half of 2005, offered with a choice of the Lexus 4.3-litre V8 or new 242bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines. Both power units are matched to a new, close-ratio six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode. The Adaptive Variable Suspension lets the driver choose between two damper settings to suit driving style and road conditions.

[rob.e]

[RB Will]

thats what I was thinking the front is very nice but the back is a bit iffy.

[Murcielago]

Front = Good

Back = Bad

[John Nowak]

I'm sorry, but Lexus just makes boring, ugly cars. Reliable? Sure. Luxurious? You bet. But ugly!

[Will Ferrari]

BMW Flame surfacing Z1 concept anyone remember that?


www.bmwworld.com/models/concepts/x4.htm

Look at the back of that!!!!! Bangle's fatter older sister (Vanessa Feltz perhaps) has been working at Lexus.

Front end is attractive, like Vanessa IMO.

[Road_Terrorist]

well i guess im not the only one who thought front good back bad then, and that back end immediately reminded me of a Z4, except worse...


..and has the GS changed at all?

[the fury]

Yeah, face of an angel, arse of a rhino.

The saloon thingy looks gangsta tho.

[The Surveyor]

Better looking than the existing roadster (that was never going to be difficult was it!!), but why would anybody put there hand in their pocket at a lexus dealer when the Merc SL looks so much better?

[shadowninja]

BMW says that Flame Surfacing "gives body surfaces the freedom to turn in on themselves, lending a high degree of visual tension...a controlled tension whose energy pervades the entire visual image without in any way diminishing the vehicle's overall harmony."



BMW's naff excuse for a mess. "Visual tension"? What a loada tripe.

[gofasterrosssco]

The concept is just a bit too 'conceptual' (and ugly), yet the new GS is somehow quite boring, I blame the 5-series, its not to everyone's taste, but atleast its interesting! Get it sorted Lexus !

[robbo64]

Anyone think the GS looks like a squashed up Saab 9-3 from the back? Not sure about that. Concept's front does look good...not gonna mention the back..

[Black S2K]

shadowninja said:

BMW says that Flame Surfacing "gives body surfaces the freedom to turn in on themselves, lending a high degree of visual tension...a controlled tension whose energy pervades the entire visual image without in any way diminishing the vehicle's overall harmony." BMW's naff excuse for a mess. "Visual tension"? What a loada tripe.

:LOL:

I recommend that you get the brochure for the new SLK. The level of bullshitology is hilarious and only fit for "Pseuds Corner." It is well worth a read!