BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Excellent idea, I would buy one too. Just like the S6 had a detuned version of the Gallardo's V10. It will remain a dream though. I think the LS can have the 5.0L V12 from the Century also

Both the M5 and S6 failed for various reasons not relating to their V10, both of those motor are fabulous.

M5 was the Bangle styling that few people like and the SMG was an epic failed.

S6, I think 450 hp is too low from a 5.2L V10, the car is too expensive and not enough content.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I have seen quite a few magazine comparo, online website comparo pitting the S4 against the C63 and M3, it always make me so mad because it is so wrong. I understand their reason, they do it when the RS4 is not offer in the U.S., so they just take the highest S4 to represent Audi. I think it is wrong, just leave Audi out of it then. If Audi don't want to play, then leave them out!

I have a theory why, is because Audi is always much more expensive then their competitors, like how the S4 is the same price as the M3 and RS4 is way out there. The RS6 is $160k+ for god's sake! When the M5 and E63 are both around $100k. So few people buy the RS models in the U.S. and they just have the S model. Then everyone think the S model is the performance model when the RS don't exist here and the S cost the same as the M and AMG. It does diminish the value of the RS line but Audi rarely want to sell the RS line in the U.S. anyway, so they probably don't care.

Me too.

I don't like that idea personally, I think it dilute the performance models. The F should just go on the F model, and the regular model should just have a sport package. Like I hate the current Corvette line, where you can buy a Grand Sport that is almost a Z06 and they look identical. Then there is a carbon package Z06 that is almost a ZR1. I like models to be much more distinctive where you can tell what model it is from miles away, like how they originally had it, a narrow body Vette, wide body Z06 and crazy ZR1. Now they all look the same The same with a 335i M-Sport that almost looks like a M3, thank god they didn't put the M3's wider fender on it, I would go crazy.

But everyone has it (AMG package, M-Sport, S-line), so Lexus gonna have it.

Brian@Vossen

I just can't see Lexus getting 500hp unless they go F/I......As we can see all the Germans are F/I now, the Panamera Turbo is F/I etc etc. Jaguar...

Thats what makes the 911 4.0 RS amazing, 500hp from a 4.0 flat 6!

Brian@Vossen

I hope the GSh specs are good!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

forget about porsche, they are in the extreme

i actually don't mind seeing FI in lexus for the f line

mordecai

Does anyone else wish those flush door handles stay for the production version? You just push it in and there's a slot in the bottom to grab onto. It's quite pretty and ingenious.

Maybe we'll see it on the next generation LS.

rocks

By the same token, forget about BMW, this company has gone soft and as such they have lost their true essence. Therefore, lexus needs to do their own thing, no need to compete with the M5 which isn't a true M car anyway. Turbos do not belong in an M car, nor does SUV's deserves an M badge. BMW M division is a failure, the day I sell my E46 will be my final encounter with this brand.

rocks

Yet Lexus is making cars getting better MPG's without the use of turbos...It's cheaper to build the turbo motors yet they cost more than their NA counterpart. Take the F10 M5 VS the E60 M5, how can you justify why it would cost more than the E60 M5...I have been a hardcore BMW fanatic for the longest while so it saddens me to see the company go down this path...Never in a lifetime would I envision considering a Lexus; however, the time has come and I'm slowly becoming a convert....ISF is now as good as an M3 if not better overall, heck the only disadvantage is the lack of a manual but then it offers superb gas mileage...It's truly pathetic when a Jeep SRT8 is a better performer than an X5M and then you ask yourself why....so yes the M division is a failure...the days of the ultimate driving machines are over...There really is no compelling reason to buy any future M car over any of the other competitors in this segment...

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Don't forget about that rumor from a while back, I think started by someone who worked at a test track, that Toyota's F1 team was working with Yamaha on a TT V8 for Lexus. If I recall, as an employee of the facility, the guy was there watching all the testing happen and mentioned that they finally finished that phase and moved elsewhere.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

For what it's worth, the A6 3.0T is really no faster than the N/A GS350. I am not trash talking forced induction since there is more than one way to get big power from an engine, but don't count naturally aspirated engines or Lexus out just yet. The 2GR-FSE, IMO, is still the best 6 cylinder engine in this segment and the smoothness, refinement, power numbers, performance and gas mileage all speak well to that notion. With the horsepower war becoming more and more of an arms race, I'd be surprised if Lexus didn't go FI at some point here soon, but if they continue to engineer naturally aspirated engines that can meet and beat the competition in key performance areas, then I am completely for it

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i'd put the chances of that about the same as tiger woods re-marrying his ex-wife.

lostnspace

I would definitely like to see that in the production version. The less stuff protruding out...the sleeker the car looks.

MR_F1

I don't recall hearing that. Any links? Quite interesting that rumor though, seeing as some pics turned up recently with a tuned LS at Toyota's Motorsport facility in Germany, with a spec sheet touting a 5.0L engine and 650hp.

Agreed.

Brian@Vossen

The "hook" door handles serve a good purpose, led by Saab a long time ago. It allows emergency crews to pull open the door instead of cutting.

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Looks like this "test mule" is still running around with an un-finalized rear bumper..
The muffler has turn down exits..

The exhaust tips / diffusers should look pretty close to the concept LF-Gh version.

I can't see Lexus still utilizing the slip-on Chrome Tips for MY 2013..






Joe Z