Makes much more sense.

I'd rather have the real deal top of the line M45 Sport just like I would rather have a real M5 over a 540i Sport Package.

 

Good points. I think Lexus continues to be conflicted about promoting excitement or performance or even emotion. They did those fabulous commercials a year or so ago with the SC430 and LS430 I think, talking about a lifestyle of luxury, with (shock) PEOPLE in the ads. I liked them a lot. They did that GS commercial where the guy shows up late looking like a wreck to meet his date because he was out driving his GS. Now they seem to have gone back to just car features again (dimpled undersides - zzzzzzzz). Granted I'm watching very little TV right now so I could be missing some good ones.

But I think Lexus really wants to draw from a less enthusiast mainstream crowd upward, rather than an enthusiast crowd 'downward' (like BMW does) if that makes sense. To put it another way, let's face it, Lexus sells a ton of RX330s, ES330s, and LS430s. That's their sweet spot. None of those are exactly exciting. BMW sells a ton of 3 series - a car known to be a lot of fun to drive in any model - that's their sweet spot.

 

I think you're on to something.

 

I totally agree

 

That was a good article. All the cars really are quite good, if somewhat disconnected from the road and/or ugly.

 

Lexus clearly does not have any product to offer for the performance crowd. They basically threw in the towel when they carried over the V8 engine in the new GS. They are more focused in the mainstream buyer. The problem is that the market segment that the GS is in, is becoming cowded and competitive. Heck, even the 5 series (which had a upgraded engine when it debuted in '04) is upgrading to a bigger and more powerful engine for '06.

 

And if you keep up with Lexus you'll know that bigger V8 and V6 engines are approx. 16 months away. As it stands now, Lexus sales don't seem to be suffering. Hardcore enthusiasts make up a very small portion of new car buyers. I don't see how Lexus has "thrown in the towel". Lexus isn't going to rush new engines to market to satisfy a few enthusiasts. Such a move would likely cannibalize LS430 sales and may also have a negative effect on reliability.

 

Well your right, its even more competative and the GS is meeting sales expectations with a higher asking price which says a lot about the car.

The fact is the vast majority of cars are not sporty, most BMWs sold ARE NOT sport models, the market is small. I agree Lexus for the most part has avoided the market. But the AFTERMAKET has not, as Lexus can be modded with the best of them.

Lexus is more concerned with "harmony" and the total package, that is what Lexus is about. For those that want more sport, you can choose competitors cars.