Limiting the Power of the LS460
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
I am sure a speed limiter can be added. Once you have the $$$$ you can do anything.
Thing is, people get in accidents at low speeds too. My recommendation as was stated before is letting her go to some driving schools where she will learn invaluable driving techniques.
Thing is, people get in accidents at low speeds too. My recommendation as was stated before is letting her go to some driving schools where she will learn invaluable driving techniques.
#18
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: I wonder why I live alone here...
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
A speed limiter isn't going to stop her from running a stop or red light or plowing into someone because she's too busy playing with Mission Control (i.e. the myriad of buttons and switches in the 460's cockpit).
The fewer distractions, the better. It's difficult enough to for young people to keep both hands on the wheels and both eyes on the road WITHOUT all the gadgetry in the LS or other modern luxury cars.
By design, this class of car inspires confidence, which can be very dangerous in an of itself, especially with younger drivers.
The fewer distractions, the better. It's difficult enough to for young people to keep both hands on the wheels and both eyes on the road WITHOUT all the gadgetry in the LS or other modern luxury cars.
By design, this class of car inspires confidence, which can be very dangerous in an of itself, especially with younger drivers.
#19
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the posts guys! After reading some of this I might just go with the S80. I was a little concerned about the flash element also but I figured that it would be cheaper giving her my car when it is worth ~$30k when its time to make the decision rather than buying a new S80 (~$45k). If I am not giving her one of my cars I definitely want to buy her something new.
I also agree that it is not just power that is the concern but the safety of the body. I don't want to get anything small as if it gets hit by something the size of my Range Rover and she gets hurt then I could never live with myself for that decision.
By the way, you can give children things without them being spoiled brats. A lot of people do it the wrong way but you can. It just takes proper parenting.
Also Mpunk, your post was all over the place but the one note I will make is that the top of the line LS doesn't have to offer all power to satify customers. There is a place for that like the LS600 (which is ironically the only hybrid in the line) but I would prefer a tiered approach like Mercedes does in Europe with the S and used to do here (S430, 500, 600, etc). It is not a big deal but 99% of people don't use the power. If you haven't driven the car much you might not understand...
I also agree that it is not just power that is the concern but the safety of the body. I don't want to get anything small as if it gets hit by something the size of my Range Rover and she gets hurt then I could never live with myself for that decision.
By the way, you can give children things without them being spoiled brats. A lot of people do it the wrong way but you can. It just takes proper parenting.
Also Mpunk, your post was all over the place but the one note I will make is that the top of the line LS doesn't have to offer all power to satify customers. There is a place for that like the LS600 (which is ironically the only hybrid in the line) but I would prefer a tiered approach like Mercedes does in Europe with the S and used to do here (S430, 500, 600, etc). It is not a big deal but 99% of people don't use the power. If you haven't driven the car much you might not understand...
#20
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: I wonder why I live alone here...
Posts: 4,330
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Thanks for all the posts guys! After reading some of this I might just go with the S80. I was a little concerned about the flash element also but I figured that it would be cheaper giving her my car when it is worth ~$30k when its time to make the decision rather than buying a new S80 (~$45k). If I am not giving her one of my cars I definitely want to buy her something new.
I also agree that it is not just power that is the concern but the safety of the body. I don't want to get anything small as if it gets hit by something the size of my Range Rover and she gets hurt then I could never live with myself for that decision.
By the way, you can give children things without them being spoiled brats. A lot of people do it the wrong way but you can. It just takes proper parenting.
Also Mpunk, your post was all over the place but the one note I will make is that the top of the line LS doesn't have to offer all power to satify customers. There is a place for that like the LS600 (which is ironically the only hybrid in the line) but I would prefer a tiered approach like Mercedes does in Europe with the S and used to do here (S430, 500, 600, etc). It is not a big deal but 99% of people don't use the power. If you haven't driven the car much you might not understand...
I also agree that it is not just power that is the concern but the safety of the body. I don't want to get anything small as if it gets hit by something the size of my Range Rover and she gets hurt then I could never live with myself for that decision.
By the way, you can give children things without them being spoiled brats. A lot of people do it the wrong way but you can. It just takes proper parenting.
Also Mpunk, your post was all over the place but the one note I will make is that the top of the line LS doesn't have to offer all power to satify customers. There is a place for that like the LS600 (which is ironically the only hybrid in the line) but I would prefer a tiered approach like Mercedes does in Europe with the S and used to do here (S430, 500, 600, etc). It is not a big deal but 99% of people don't use the power. If you haven't driven the car much you might not understand...
Do yourself (and your daughter) a favor and look at some real-world numbers instead of just guessing at which cars are safer than others:
http://www.iihs.org/sr/pdfs/sr4204.pdf
#21
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
A person has a greater chance of dying in an S80 than in a G35.
Do yourself (and your daughter) a favor and look at some real-world numbers instead of just guessing at which cars are safer than others:
http://www.iihs.org/sr/pdfs/sr4204.pdf
Do yourself (and your daughter) a favor and look at some real-world numbers instead of just guessing at which cars are safer than others:
http://www.iihs.org/sr/pdfs/sr4204.pdf
#22
Could you pm me the pics as well? I am interested to see them too, fliped 3 times...ouch.
The RX is a very safe car, trust me!
My friend flipped his 3 times and walked away without sore pains...lol
I'll PM you pics!!!
My first car was the 1999 LX470 and that car helped me learn how to get out of skids, when the car is loosing traction, etc
Sometimes bigger and more powerful cars are the best way to learn.
Skip Barber would be awesome for her, if you and she has the time, might be good bonding also.
My friend flipped his 3 times and walked away without sore pains...lol
I'll PM you pics!!!
My first car was the 1999 LX470 and that car helped me learn how to get out of skids, when the car is loosing traction, etc
Sometimes bigger and more powerful cars are the best way to learn.
Skip Barber would be awesome for her, if you and she has the time, might be good bonding also.
#23
If you are this worried about your daughter breaking driving laws then I advice you get one of those GPS tracking units installed, many allow you to track where they go, how fast they are going, monitor braking, ect. all from online in real time... Although it will set you back 1.5-2 grand...
#24
Lexus Champion
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that it is a matter of time and also it could easily be a boyfriend (although thankfully she isn't into boys yet). Price is no object when it comes to her safety and life. The RX is definitely out of the question though. I definitely don't feel that it is safe enough for her. That is my high mileage work car and my wife isn't even allowed to drive it because I just worry about it holding up (and remaining upright) in a significant accident.
We were originally thinking about the Volvo S80 so we might have to go with that but ElitistK, what is a Rev Limiter? Does it work? Is it plug and play?
We were originally thinking about the Volvo S80 so we might have to go with that but ElitistK, what is a Rev Limiter? Does it work? Is it plug and play?
Also, a few years ago, there was a study done but a reputable source (name eludes me at the moment), and the statistics pointed to the RX as the safest car on the road, with the least amount of fatalities in accidents.
However, LS > RX in terms of safety.
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lexus are very safe cars. I know personally and another reason I got another GS was b/c I walked out the first one.
#26
My wife and I were kicking around the notion of transitioning our LS460 to our daughter in several years when she will need a car and we will want something new. We like the idea that it is safe and reliable and the car will be a little older at that point and so it would be better to give her the car than trade it for another. However, there is no way that we can place a car with the kind of power of the LS460 into the hands of a new driver. It would just be wreckless on our parts
Is there a way to limit the power produced by the car so it acts more like 200hp? Also, is there a way to limit top speeds? I am thinking about some kind of software perhaps...
On a similar note, I have no idea why they cram 380hp into the LS and serve it up as the only engine. It is way too much power and I couldn't care less about it. My wife doesn't ever race the car for the best 0-60 so why doesn't Lexus give me an option of V6 / V8... I would much prefer a smaller engine that is more efficient...
Is there a way to limit the power produced by the car so it acts more like 200hp? Also, is there a way to limit top speeds? I am thinking about some kind of software perhaps...
On a similar note, I have no idea why they cram 380hp into the LS and serve it up as the only engine. It is way too much power and I couldn't care less about it. My wife doesn't ever race the car for the best 0-60 so why doesn't Lexus give me an option of V6 / V8... I would much prefer a smaller engine that is more efficient...
Alternatively, you could wait til your daughter's old enough to drive and see what vehicles are available then and make a choice whether to install the tracking device w/ speed limiter or trade the LS for a new and safe vehicle.
Most European cars come with all the safety features standard (both active and passive safety). Just make sure your daughter knows how they work to maximise their effectiveness should the unthinkable happen.
#27
Lexus Test Driver
On a similar note, I have no idea why they cram 380hp into the LS and serve it up as the only engine. It is way too much power and I couldn't care less about it. My wife doesn't ever race the car for the best 0-60 so why doesn't Lexus give me an option of V6 / V8... I would much prefer a smaller engine that is more efficient...
#28
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
My wife and I were kicking around the notion of transitioning our LS460 to our daughter in several years when she will need a car and we will want something new. We like the idea that it is safe and reliable and the car will be a little older at that point and so it would be better to give her the car than trade it for another. However, there is no way that we can place a car with the kind of power of the LS460 into the hands of a new driver. It would just be wreckless on our parts
Is there a way to limit the power produced by the car so it acts more like 200hp? Also, is there a way to limit top speeds? I am thinking about some kind of software perhaps...
On a similar note, I have no idea why they cram 380hp into the LS and serve it up as the only engine. It is way too much power and I couldn't care less about it. My wife doesn't ever race the car for the best 0-60 so why doesn't Lexus give me an option of V6 / V8... I would much prefer a smaller engine that is more efficient...
Is there a way to limit the power produced by the car so it acts more like 200hp? Also, is there a way to limit top speeds? I am thinking about some kind of software perhaps...
On a similar note, I have no idea why they cram 380hp into the LS and serve it up as the only engine. It is way too much power and I couldn't care less about it. My wife doesn't ever race the car for the best 0-60 so why doesn't Lexus give me an option of V6 / V8... I would much prefer a smaller engine that is more efficient...
As for safety - in 'several years' there will be safer vehicles on the market, plus safety is a function primarily of the DRIVER and their awareness.
If you want a slower car that's still safe, there's plenty out there.
Also why do you feel the RX isn't safe enough?
#29
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't feel like sending 5 PM's so I am just posting the pics!!!
Not to take this thread off track but the RX is a very safe car. I was in Brian's RX350 when it took place. Brian was driving, I was in the front passenger seat, and my other friend garret was behind me. The guy/person who hit us ran a stop sign and was excessively speeding, he flew into the RX above the right rear wheel.
I remember the side airbags coming out the windshield cracking and the 2 1/2 roles. The car was on its side, people came rushing thinking we where dead or inured. We jumped out the rear window. No one was hurt and the next day no one was sore. The guy in the Benz was fine also but the RX man it took a heavy hit! I remember when the Benz hit the VSC went "ping ping ping" but the car already was tilting and there was nothing VSC or the driver could have done to avoid the rolls!
There is more to the story, you can PM for more info!
The funny thing is it was a Lexus loaner...hahahahahaha with only 2.500 miles ( Benz guy had to pay over $45,000 to the dealer)
Pictures where taken by local neighbor!
Anyways back on topic I just had to say the RX is a very save car and if I already didn't have an SUV I would buy the RX400h.
Lexus the safest accident!!!! (VERY TRUE)
Not to take this thread off track but the RX is a very safe car. I was in Brian's RX350 when it took place. Brian was driving, I was in the front passenger seat, and my other friend garret was behind me. The guy/person who hit us ran a stop sign and was excessively speeding, he flew into the RX above the right rear wheel.
I remember the side airbags coming out the windshield cracking and the 2 1/2 roles. The car was on its side, people came rushing thinking we where dead or inured. We jumped out the rear window. No one was hurt and the next day no one was sore. The guy in the Benz was fine also but the RX man it took a heavy hit! I remember when the Benz hit the VSC went "ping ping ping" but the car already was tilting and there was nothing VSC or the driver could have done to avoid the rolls!
There is more to the story, you can PM for more info!
The funny thing is it was a Lexus loaner...hahahahahaha with only 2.500 miles ( Benz guy had to pay over $45,000 to the dealer)
Pictures where taken by local neighbor!
Anyways back on topic I just had to say the RX is a very save car and if I already didn't have an SUV I would buy the RX400h.
Lexus the safest accident!!!! (VERY TRUE)
Last edited by valgs350; 07-12-08 at 10:16 PM.