It just amazes me how such a big car as the LS430 can have such an incredibly tight turning circle. I am always surprised (and delighted) when I try and do a u-turn how much less road width I need than I thought.

I actually looked it up and the LS has a smaller turning circle than an Audi A4, a Ford Mustang, a BMW 5-series, an E-Class and it is a whopping 4 feet smaller than a 7-series or an S-Class.

It actually has the same turning circle as a 2005 Beetle and a Dodge Neon!

Sounds trivial but its one of those things that makes you smile on a regular basis that isn't necessarily something you think about when first buying the car.

We tend to post our gripes here but for a change what is your list of positive "underrated LS features"?

 

I have to agree that this is a real winner for me. I park in an underground enclosed parking garage built in the 20's and its got these monster concrete columns every few feet which I have to manuver around to park and leave. Having that turning circle enables me to be secure in parking. I've taken my wife's MDX in and struggled to get in into my spot. Wouldn't dare take in a 7, Phaeton or A8 or anything with a big turning circle. Would have bought my LS anyway but it really solidify's my choice.


Now, if my Aggie's will wake up from the nightmare after the first half in the Cotton Bowl.

 

That's great news guys....it just makes me want an '04-'05 that much more.

 

yup, i did that "test" before. i asked for a tight u turn on the ls430 and wanted to see how good it is. damn, the sales just kept on telling me "go on, go on, tons of space, just go!" man..... it's just amazing!!!!!!


we were on a 1 lane each direction street!

 

I did some research on this and found out that most RWD cars are superior to most FWD cars by a considerable margin because FWD cars inherently usually can't turn the wheels as far in either direction.

By the same note I was surprised to see that the Corvette is something like 40.x in turning radius, but then the GMC Yukon Denalli is 38.3

 

I believe the top of the line Yukon has 4 wheel steering.
Am I wrong?

 

The Yukon XL has it as a 5,000 dollar option. The XL is their longer wheelbase model that is more or less the twin of the Chevy Suburban, which needs the 4-wheel steering.

The number I was quoting was accurate for all non-XL models (which are more or less the twin of the Tahoe) from the base model up to the Denali, which do not offer 4-wheel steering, even as an option.

4-wheel steering does help the turning radius, but mostly it helps with predictability and stability when trailering from what I know.