1loudLX

I want a RS4.......there yeah I said it! Lexus should stay lux to the max with performance as an added bonus. If they can make a car like the LS430 in terms of luxury but with the the handling and performance to boot...go for it. I personally love the floaty feel of the 05 LS430 we have. My friends with WRX's and SRT-4s and what not always mention at how quick the LS is for how comfy it is. I dont think a "sporty" Lexus, at least not a LS should be made. Go ahead with the IS and GS as, younger more performance drivers buy these cars. But if the IS and GS were to be made in a S/AMG/M style of trim, to not reduce any luxury features and just upgrade the suspension and driveline.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

You know, that kind of makes sense, although most here would disagree. I too would prefer the LS to stay true to pure luxury as it can be. Make that your ultimate luxury sedan. The GS can be what the industry calls the Sports Luxury Sedan with a primary luxury car with a whole lot of sport like the BMW 5. In fact, the current GS is almost perfect for this segment the way it is. The IS on the other hand should have been left to be Lexus' performance car. They should have made that car full on sporty first with a lot of luxury. That way you cover all segments. Ultimate luxury with the LS all the way down to high performance virtual sports car with the IS.

1loudLX

you hit it right on the head with that explanation, spank you i mean thank you. Test driving the IS35 i was impressed but not WOHHHed. They definately should have gone somewhere no man has gone before with the IS350. And as far as teh SC430s go...not to put anyone down but i really dislike the ride in them. They arent performance but sure as hell arent luxury.

MSMLexIS

They should do a factory installed l-tuned version of a few of there products but have more than just bolt on parts.

LexusLuver

You're comparing EPA numbers to mag #'s for the GS450h.

C/D
16 mpg for the 545i (4.4L)
14.1 sec @ 103 mph
http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/8011/bmw

2006 sales
525i - 3,167 (39.83%) $43,500
530i - 3,086 (38.81%) $47,500
525i + 530i = 6253 (78.64%)
550i - 1,698 (21.35%) $58,500

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

It's usually women that drives 525 and 530s in my area. I guess they just want the name, rather than the performance aspect of it.

1loudLX

I would only look to Audi and Porsche for a car made by a german company. Never really found much interest in benz and bmw. VeeDubs are alright as they are appart of the VW/Audi/Porsche Family, but i wouldnt care to have one.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

i drove a 530 it was a total slug, i cant imagine how bad the 525 would be

akhbhaat

Have you actually driven a modern AMG tuned product of any variety? Obviously not.

Though not as hard-edged as today's M cars (most of which use aggressive steering ratios and suspension tuning in an attempt to hide the fact that they're incredibly overweight), they're certainly far more enthusiast oriented than the base models. The C55, for example, has much heavier steering than the C350...nor does it ride as well. You cannot get rosy colored interiors in AMG models - only black or grey. Try telling my mother that the SL55 is a "luxury car with a high output engine." She'll laugh at you and tell you it's loud and rides poorly, and that the steering is too much for her arthritic wrists. If you actually think AMG appeals to the mainstream luxury buyer, think again.

By the way, I've seen just two posts of yours and I can already tell that you're a fanboy of some sort who holds a tremendously biased grudge against BMW (please tell me you hate Porsche, as well, or I'll have to add "hypocrite" to the list of insults). I'm really quite surprised at myself for even bothering to give you the time of day.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you sure? i see all kind of people driving 525 and 530. most of the 5 series out there are those anyway

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Yes I'm sure. Maybe it's just my area, but those who drives the 540s are generally the men. Then again, you might be in a different part of CA. I live in the land of materialistic.

1loudLX

Why hate porsche? Lexus and porsche can co-exist quite nicely...they live next to each other in my garage.

LexFather

Let us all remember, Lexus doesn't take many risks when it comes to sport. Lexus does not have the racing heritage of the Germans.
It takes time. Or it may never come.

I for one applaud the "h" effort as a blend of the two. If you truly want hardcore, you just have to go elsewhere than Lexus.