Topic: Lexus LS460 World Car of The Year

[Northernridge]

I like the new LS. At the 82k starting price I think it's pretty good value. If I have a good run over the next couple years I will take a good look at this car as a candidate to replace the Berlin taxi.

[rrocket]

What I like the most about the LS is that I feel that if I shelled out the big bucks, I could at least drive the thing for decades, not just until 5K before the end of the warranty.

Agreed.

Rocket, yes, the QX....we gotta get on that pressure.

With a personalized plate that says "TED BOSS"   

[johngenx]

I like the new LS. At the 82k starting price

The MB S-Class starts at $120K.  The LS tops out at $112K.  Lexus still brings serious value...

[mmret]

I wonder what the running costs are like on the LS?

I'd imagine its one of those things were its very very unlikely to break, but if it does you're still going to be horrified at the bill. So low probability high damage. Better than high probability high damage.

[rrocket]

I wonder what the running costs are like on the LS?

I'd imagine its one of those things were its very very unlikely to break, but if it does you're still going to be horrified at the bill. So low probability high damage. Better than high probability high damage.

I have yet to see anything substantial break on these, and I have been a member of CL for a very long time.  I'm even more shocked to see nothing major has broken on IS-Fs.  Not that I thought they would be unreliable, I just thought IF there was a Lexus to break, it would be this one since they are driven hard.

I'm sure there is a lemon here and there...but it is worth noting these cars are built in the only Platinum rated car plant in the world...

[mmret]

Ah they gave it a GS-like interior too. Much better than the old one IMO.


Really digging the new Lexus designs, although not 100% sold on the IS taillights.

[EV Dan]

RWD
386 hp @ 6,400

367 lb-ft @ 4,100 

AWD
360 hp @ 6,400

347 lb-ft @ 4,100

Why the discrepancy? Is the engine detuned in AWD or does it have the same output but higher drivetrain losses were taken into account... experts?

[EV Dan]

I think I'm in love with this interior 

[EV Dan]

So no-one knows how to explain the power numbers above?

[rrocket]

So no-one knows how to explain the power numbers above?

Sorry I missed this.

This is from drivetrain loss I would guess?  However, if they are measuring at the crank I wonder if a portion of the drivetrain can't handle some of the power?

[EV Dan]

Great video review of the updated LS460F:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3DvFYNvFls
Pure awesomeness. Love the joystick    and the V8 grumble.
Interestingly enough, the reviewer doesn't seem to know how to use a steering wheel 

[rrocket]

Even the "old" 2007 LS460 is a great car.  Fast, too.  380HP.

[EV Dan]

I was trying to find a good explanation on the 460 AWD system. All I found is a TORSEN diff between the axles with (not sure) 40 to 60 standard split of torque, for the RWD car bias. If someone has more detailed info, please share.
Also , found the Canadian 2012 LS brochure:
lexussouthpointe.com/models/pdf/Lexus/2012/LS_2012.pdf
very car, much AWD, so want 

[johngenx]

Toyota is much less forthcoming now about the specifics of their AWD system.  In fact, most makes now disclose very little about the actual operations of their AWD system.  Subaru used to supply very detailed technical info, still gives more than most, but even they are supplying a surface-only fact sheet.

The LS460 is the only high-dollar lux car I'd actually buy.  The others I'd lease and give back before the headaches begin.

A long time ago, (like about 20yrs ago) I read an article about Mercedes' customers. The small sedans (190E, and then C) were mostly purchased vehicles, with a large percentage cash buyers.  The mid sized (300E, then C-Class) were mostly leased, and then the S-Class were mostly bought.

I wonder how that looks today? With the much larger volumes of both C and E that are sold compare to 1990-1995, I imagine that there is a lot more financing going on in the C, and I bet most E's are still leased.  I have to wonder about the S-Class though...

[tpl]

An AWD system with a 60:40 Torsen type 3 and a longitudinal engine is the same as my Q5. The 60:40 refers to the 'base' bias in the Torsen before it needs to do any apportioning of power when a wheel starts to lose traction.

When I bought a M-B in 2013 I asked the sales guy that question and he said that Cs and Es tended to be leased and the S class bought.

[EV Dan]

Thanks, tpl.

"There are no clutches or preload to worry about, in fact, the TORSEN T-3's patented helical planetary gearing system is designed to perform for the life of the vehicle."

http://www.torsen.com/products/T-3.htm

http://www.torsen.com/files/Torsen_WORLDWIDE_Application_Chart_2011-12-02.pdf

p.s. a good reason to buy an FJ with a manual....

[EV Dan]

“We don’t feel it’s a problem with the car,” - Brian Smith
http://wardsauto.com/auto-makers/lexus-unfazed-ls-decline-s-class-tesla-model-s-grow
It's the peeps who are stoopid.    He should've been an engineer instead.
I suppose Lexus should market the LS for its strengths, the main one being fewer visits to the dealer for unexpected repairs. For a busy professional that may be a huge selling point.

[DriverJeff]

Of all the big-daddy luxo barges, the LS is the only one I'd ever buy out of warranty.  There's tremendous appeal in a luxury car that's also dependable I think.

[johngenx]

I agree. The long standing "tradition" that flagship sedans require a lot of care and feeding is stupid.


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[rrocket]

Of all the big-daddy luxo barges, the LS is the only one I'd ever buy out of warranty.  There's tremendous appeal in a luxury car that's also dependable I think.

Yes, yes there is.  (GS400, 425,000kms on it now).