If Lexus Isn't NERVOUS, It Should BE!

Agent001 submitted on 08/26/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 2:44 PM
from: www.autospies.com

[64] user comments | category: Report Cards

Tags: Hyundai Genesis, Lexus

Tag Links:

Hyundai Genesis

Lexus

If Lexus Isn't NERVOUS, It Should BE!

That is the line Hyundai is using in their TV ads that I just saw on CNN.

They cleverly disguise it making you think THEY are claiming it and at the end it says "We didn't say that, Motor Trend did".

And "if the badges were removed it could be mistaken for a Lexus, but the interior is JUST as nice as anything Lexus has EVER dreamed up"

Crap, almost every car today could be mistaken for competitors cars if the badges were removed.

And the Genesis interior as good as ANYTHING Lexus has ever dreamed up?

How about an interior as good as anything an Acura designer or Mid-level Infiniti car designer has dreamed up?

I'd buy that.

What we want to know is can you build or topple a world class brand like Lexus with semi-deceptive, antagonistic advertising?

Every PR company will tell you people HATE negative ads.

Clever move by them or are the pissing into the wind?

Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]

204E60 - 8/26/2008 3:19:29 PM

Show Comment -20 Boost

kthor - 8/26/2008 6:55:02 PM

+7 Boost

As long as Hyundai uses plenty of sparkles in their grey plastic and lots of chrome-look plastic in the interior, Lexus should be concerned.

sector - 8/27/2008 11:48:41 AM

-2 Boost

You're just jealous cause interior in a BMW is just an after thought :)

dayday - 8/29/2008 7:47:47 AM

+1 Boost

i think Genesis's interior is pretty good, apart from the steering wheel, it looks really 90.... ....

0to60 - 8/26/2008 3:25:16 PM

+24 Boost

I need to go sit in one, then judge!

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/26/2008 3:55:28 PMView My AgentSpace

+16 Boost

You win the best comment of the day. Actually sitting in it will tell a lot.

Agent63 - 8/26/2008 5:56:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+12 Boost

I've seen one parked in a local Safeway parking lot and just by looking at the Genesis it says a lot about Hyundai's advancements towards better brand image and quality.

Hyundai's more of a threat to Lexus than any other company in the world. Simply because their Korean and Japanese car companies. I wouldn't say Lexus should be scared but nervous is the proper word.

WorldofLuxury - 8/26/2008 7:00:22 PM

+1 Boost

I agree...I like using a touchscreen because it's very simple, esp. for inputting addresses, but the iDrive-like thing makes the center console less cluttered. Then again, when you're in the LS, the dash is actually quite intuitive, IMO.

*For the average person, the TLA (three letter abbreviations) might be a bit frustrating, just as Clarkson pointed out.

I have to be honest, however...The average person shouldn't consider my opinions in this comment. I've always been into cars (luxury and gadget-wise). As a result, I've never actually had ANY problems with my 730's iDrive, nor had I found my LX's GPS to be a bit annoying when I can't use it while the vehicle is in motion.

BlakuraTLS - 8/26/2008 3:44:48 PM

+3 Boost

I agree the Hyundai is a compelling option, one question though...what's the difference between an acura designer and a mid-level infiniti designer?

reply to this comment

EvoAudi - 8/26/2008 3:54:39 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Hyundai has more Infiniti in it than Lexus.

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/26/2008 3:56:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Lexus has no more to worry about BMW did then when they entered the market in late 80's. Nothing to worry about at all...so they thought.

reply to this comment

theoptimisticpessimist - 8/26/2008 5:51:26 PM

+7 Boost

Hmmm, think back BMW has never sold better since Lexus debuted. Look who lost market share Cadillac and Lincoln.

PlanB - 8/26/2008 4:06:55 PM

+9 Boost

I don't think they will topple a credible brand like Lexus with advertising like that, but you have to admit that they know how to get people talking about them... which is their whole point from the start. 0to60 already said he needs to go sit in one to judge and thats exactly what Hyundai wants you to do.

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/26/2008 4:17:41 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Judging by the pictures only, the Hyundai interior reminds me of the 2003 Mazda6 before it had its refresh...with the silver plastic dash of big buttons.

The only other thing is price (because i have not been in the car) which at half the cost of an LS how can it be just as nice? That's like saying my Mazdaspeed3's interior, while top notch for its segment, is as nice as a BMW 3 series...its not, that's one of the reasons why its so much cheaper. Pricey materials are just that, pricey.

I imagine its much more on par with the ES interior, which makes sense because its relatively the same price.

Let's not forget Hyundais marketing geniuses that decided to compare the LR3 to the Sante Fe...

reply to this comment

answer - 8/26/2008 4:30:18 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

I'm starting to get the impression that 001 doesn't like the Genesis :)

Anyway, the print ad campaign is nicely done too. It just points out a brief comparison between the Genesis and a RR Phantom.

reply to this comment

NItePhire - 8/26/2008 10:50:44 PM

+3 Boost

Dude he has made it abundantly clear he doesn't like it for about 8 months now.

B7FAN - 8/26/2008 4:42:07 PM

+5 Boost

nice car BUTTTTT......they basically got pics of every best selling luxury car and put it on the genesis nice car but will the people consider themselves driving a luxury car in a hyundai. thats like saying th VW PHAETON was luxury in a way it was BUT it was a VW and they are considered affordable mid class cars that car was hacked after i think 3 years I could be wrong VW fans dont try to cut my throat. Plus it didnt have that LUXURY name plate. Also the PHAETON value decreased dramatcally in 2 years i mean you were paying 70-80 grand after taxes for that car in 2004-5 now I could get a phaeton for 15 grand. The same goes for the GTR.

But Back to the GENESIS this car has so many different design ques its ridiculous not original nor unique in any way, shape or form of the words. here is a little break down of the GENESIS....I THINK....

They look like an infiniti M45 and a BMW 5 series in the back

the gauge cluster and dash are all previous infiniti Q45

The Inside console is pretty much all Infiniti/lexus

It looks like it has Infiniti M35 wheels too if you compare them

the front fascia is all mercedes and lexus ls 460 put together in some strange way

Thats just my opinion and what I see when I look at that car AM I wrong

reply to this comment

B7FAN - 8/26/2008 4:43:59 PM

-1 Boost

I meant is the GTR going to hold its weight a a super sport car or fall like a nissan

MeanVulcan - 8/27/2008 11:20:51 AM

+4 Boost

The main difference between VW's Paheton and the Hyundai Genesis is that VW made the mistake of taking a long standing people's car brand and taking it upmarket. Hyundai is relatively new and has the same "Asian" origins which are perceived as good quality.
Toyota was smarter in creating a new brand name to stick on their luxury Toyotas. It worked, but unfortunately they have not affected german luxury car sales (they seem to keep growing while Lexus is going downhill as of late). The US luxury brands are the ones that have suffered.
Its also interesting to read the opinions of people talking about Lexus and Hyundai and how sitting inside and looking at the features determines what kind of car it is. This says much about the type of car they are, Point A to Point B type of cars. No mention of test drives, or handling, or engine performance. Perhaps Lexus and Hyundai discussions should be taken to Luxury Relics Online Magazine.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 8/26/2008 5:07:49 PM

-14 Boost

omg this makes me hate hyundai even more

how can they have the audacity to show these commercials.

i have lost most of my respect for them.

reply to this comment

Agent63 - 8/26/2008 6:02:54 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

MT,

And how many years has Lexus had to copy and borrow ideas from other car companies e.g Mercedes? Don't forget Lexus still uses Toyota parts which is fine but when they first started off they were all just re-badged Toyota's (Soarer, Aristo, Altezza, Celsior).

You have made yourself look pathetic over the months you've been posting nonsense on this site. However, it gives many a reason to come back for the humor.

Hyundai has made long strides and leaps. Don't expect them to stop trying. In other industries such as electronics they dominate many show rooms (LG & SAMSUNG). Their behind the Japanese in many things but their in the right path.

reply to this comment

daytonaviolet - 8/26/2008 10:39:06 PM

-1 Boost

Wow MT, you act like Lexus invented luxury cars. Really it was only about 18 years ago that the Germans were making fun of Lexus and Infiniti, laughing at the idea that Japan could build a luxury car. And look how far Lexus and Infiniti have come.

reply to this comment

Agent009 - 8/27/2008 10:26:07 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

You have to remember MT wasn't around 18 years ago, so he knows nothing different.

reply to this comment

gooch - 8/27/2008 3:33:35 PM

+3 Boost

Wow, MT, I tried to boost you because your comment was so hilarious, but it deboosted three places! It may be that your boost button actually deboosts, since that always what you get with your comments. Weird.

reply to this comment

1evlaudi - 8/28/2008 10:59:52 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Hey Michaelgaylor

where were you in the forum about Lexus scrapping the LF-A?
Sure did not see you there....LOL

reply to this comment

candywhite - 8/26/2008 5:39:19 PM

0 Boost

I wouldnt buy either LAWL, lets the newbs fight amongst eachother.

reply to this comment

truthpursuit - 8/26/2008 5:55:09 PM

+4 Boost

Even if somebody bought it after owning a Lexus they would trade it in as soon as they dealt wit a Hyundai service department.

reply to this comment

222max - 8/26/2008 5:59:27 PM

+3 Boost

Most people aren't as brand passionate as many of us are so they won't get protective over or insulted because Hyundai has the audacity to compare itself to an established luxury brand. What Hyundai is doing is getting people's attention. They certainly have ours because here's a whole article and thread about the ads.

They're getting good press and they're using it to their advantage in the marketing of this car. If it were your product wouldn't you do the same?

reply to this comment

LexusKindaGuy12 - 8/26/2008 6:05:17 PM

-4 Boost

yes...but they should know their place in the automotive world. maybe the newer generation will be able to accept them more, but when you grow up ignoring hyundais for most of your life, you jus cant give them he respect they may or may not deserve

222max - 8/26/2008 6:19:09 PM

+5 Boost

The way Lexus did in 1990 when they dared woo the MB and BMW customer?

bmwdrvr - 8/26/2008 8:17:38 PM

+2 Boost

after this whole lexus and Genesis thing I finally went and checked out the Genesis...other than the exterior which looks upscale although very generic...but good looking....the interior in the version I sat in felt and looked cheap...on par with Lexus or any other luxury other than the first generation Infinit G35 cars is a bit overhyped....the obvious fake leather on the doors, the obvious fake wood, the hard shiny plastics....it was clear to see why it was priced lower than most luxury cars, I honestly felt it was pretty bad......and while Motor Trend seems to like overhyped articles, and titles, and comments, there is no way the car I sat in they said honestly was as good as interior wise as a Lexus GS...it was pretty poor by comparison

reply to this comment

bmwdrvr - 8/26/2008 8:20:53 PM

-3 Boost

and on a side note I think a comparison of this and the original Lexus LS are a bit far from reality....the LS set the luxury world on fire...it had performance, features, great value, styling, and very high qaulity....the fact that it was cheaper made all of its other accomplishments amazing.....the Genesis is just cheaper, and good looking.....its concept reminds me more of Infiniti's recent turn around with the G35, FX, and M than Lexus

MunichRob - 8/26/2008 8:47:39 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

Least the Hyundai doesn't have a digital microwave clock mounted prominently atop of the dash.

However to me the Genesis appears to be more influenced by the S-Class inside & out as opposed to the LS.

I'm sure most people with eyes & taste will agree the S-Class's interior puts the LS's to shame, as would the Hyundai's had it been built with top-rate materials...However it wasn't & therefore I don't think Lexus has to much to worry about.

reply to this comment

EL34 - 8/26/2008 8:52:41 PM

-2 Boost

I don't like either dashboard.

reply to this comment

senorgato - 8/26/2008 11:52:40 PM

+6 Boost

Hmmm, another brand-bashing by 001. Shocker.

reply to this comment

xj13 - 8/27/2008 1:06:07 AM

0 Boost

Hyundai distroys the lex interior, and cheaper, wow lex is finished.

reply to this comment

E36er - 8/27/2008 1:34:13 AM

-1 Boost

This is marketing nonsense. Any intelligent consumer knows the difference between Lexus and a Hyundai. Sorry but Korean cars are not at the level of the Japanese cars. It's like comparing Volvo to BMW because they're both European. Not that there's anything wrong with Volvos. In the end, Korean and Japanese are different animals. The Korean automakers have made great strides but it will take the Koreans at least another decade to get to where the Japanese are today.

reply to this comment

senorgato - 8/27/2008 1:43:39 AM

+5 Boost

Not true E36. I drove a RENTAL Hyundai Sonata in 2005 and it was very impressive in its interior quality, ride, handling, NVH. I was driving a 2004 Toyota 4Runner at the time and previously had a Lexus GS300. Prior to that I had 2 Acura Integras. The Hyundai was very well done so I can imagine, 4 years later how much better their cars have become. I predicted at that time that Hyundai would begin to eclipse some of the best cars in the world and here they come.

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 8/27/2008 5:47:52 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

LS's interior is the best in class. The Benchmark. So i think before comparing Genesis to LS, it should be compared with 7 Series, A8...etc. Anyways nice try Hyundai.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

M53R - 8/27/2008 6:54:39 AMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

http://image.automotive.com/f/miscellaneous/2007-toyota-camry-hybrid-50th-anniversary-limited-edition/6239810+w630+cr1+re0+ar1/2007-toyota-camry-hybrid-50th-anniversary-limited-edition-interiorjpg.jpg

MunichRob - 8/27/2008 6:30:51 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

"JUGNU" take of the blindfold & take another look...What kind of $70k+ luxury sedan has a digital clock mounted atop the dashboard? No Lexus model should have this; you realize that you need a pen to change the time on the IS's digital clock?

Answer me those questions please, counter my argument & don't just deboost me.

reply to this comment

mitchatlexusofmarin - 8/27/2008 4:47:11 PM

-5 Boost

I drive an IS (and a 600H and 400H) and you CERTAINLY do not use a pen to set the clock.

2001W210 - 8/27/2008 9:36:27 AM

+4 Boost

Unlike many fanbois and 001 here, people are not blind deaf and stupid. You don't walk into Hyundai dealers, and look for Bently. I'll walk into Hyundai for value for my hard earned money. If Hyundai had built a car comparable to $60K premium brand quality goods for the bargain price of $40k, they are worth a look.

reply to this comment

andraz - 8/27/2008 10:01:32 AM

+2 Boost

how can you fake a faker?

reply to this comment

AmazonPrinceIS350 - 8/27/2008 10:47:31 AM

+1 Boost

I don't think Lexus has reached its peak in being the best that it can be. Why don't we give Lex, Infinity, Acura another 20 years to see where they will be when it comes to design and inovation, after all the German auto companies have been in the game for more than 80 years (i think) to get where they are at. Hyuandai has to come up with something more original or else it will fail. Most auto companies now have their own look and feel.

reply to this comment

iamdabest1 - 8/27/2008 11:46:30 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

i dont care what anyone says, Hyundai will never be on the same level as lexus,bmw, mercedes, infiniti or even acura.
hyundai's image will forever be linked to the 1980's of cheap cars.
im positive the resale value will be crap.

ill be shocked if an acura or infiniti ever makes it into a rap video, a hyundai would go well in a weird al yankovic video.

maybe if hyundai builds a car that beats a GTR for 30,000 people will notice them, otherwise if you park your hyundai- sega genesis next to a bmw 5 series or e class, you will still hope next time around, you could actually afford the german brands.....

comromise is crap. i understand someone buying a g37 over a 335i, both cars are similar and g37 is a few thousand less.

you will not get a Sega genesis and say its the same as the ls460 !!!!

reply to this comment

M35MT - 8/27/2008 12:42:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Actually, when Acura and Infiniti were first launched they had more 'street cred' - in the early-mid and even late 90's "Ac Vigors" are constantly mentioned in rap music/videos, as well as Infiniti's:

"I push a Q-four-five Infnite, sky's the limit" ~Nas 'If I ruled the world'

I'm sure all the middle aged angry white men will deboost me for even knowing these facts.

david999 - 8/27/2008 12:38:25 PM

+1 Boost

Nobody will pay a high price for a brand that have sub $10,000 cars in its lineup.
The badge whores can't be serious when they claim that they would select a Hyundai over a Lexus or BMW.

reply to this comment

Star - 8/27/2008 3:16:12 PM

+1 Boost

LOL...Lexus or..... BMW???
I always find it funny when the Japanese fanatics try to put Hyundai down by placing a POS brand like Lexus next to the mighty BMW like they belong in the same sentence. Get over it!!! Lexus is nothing but the choice of the badge whore who wants the "L" on their Toyota econobox. Hyundai is their direct competitor and I'm sure that some of their clients will realise that there is no reason to pay more money for a car like Lexus vs a Hyundai since their level of engineering is so incredibly similar.

So what we have is the wannabe Hyundai joining(competing with) the wannabe Lexus in their pursuit for becoming real car makers like BMW and Mercedes. Let's wish them success. They really, really need it.

david999 - 8/27/2008 4:34:40 PM

+2 Boost

"Lexus or BMW" because that's who the Hyundai pundits want you to believe they are competing against you dope.

Star - 8/29/2008 10:06:51 PM

+2 Boost

Hyundai does compete with Lexus, you LOSER. It just takes a higher IQ than yours to see that.

JUGNU - 8/27/2008 7:09:11 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

MunichRob

First of all i have never deboosted anyone. And it's u who needs to take off the blindfold & take another look at LS's interior. Look past the digital clock(i too think it's a bit of a negative) and u won't find any single flaw. Even the digital clock is not a flaw. When u'll sit in LS u won't notice it.

But still LS's interior both design wise and meterials
is best in class. Infact it could compete with cars costing twice as much.
Maybe u like the all hidden(buttons/controls) and BMW 7 series inspired S class interior or the lifeless and ridiculously simple interior of 7 series.

And not to mention LS offers lot more standard kit.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

MunichRob - 8/27/2008 7:43:42 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

Fair enough the LS is loaded with more standard features than you can think of true, but so is the S-Class which manages to look both very modern yet classy at the same time.

I just can't help but notice some design elements of the LS's interior that just make me think Toyota, namely the dashboards vinyl material & color (I ask people to check it out for themselves before criticizing) similarly used in the Camry, Corolla, Prius etc.

How can you honestly say the LS's interior is on par with the likes of a Bentley Continental, that's a delusional statement that I wouldn't have expected from you.

BTW "mitchatlexusofmarin" I don't know who you're trying to fool, but my sister drives a pearl white IS350 in which I've had to set the digital clock on before with a pen...Guess it was all a dream.

reply to this comment

M53R - 8/28/2008 7:05:59 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Its true. I dont know if the link I posted above to JUGNU's comment works, but the interior of the LS looks like an upscale version of the camry. The buttons look identical.

huu76 - 8/27/2008 10:46:47 PM

-2 Boost

If the badges were removed? Hyundai went out of their way to make it difficult to figure out who made the Genesis.

The interior looks more like the Subaru Tribeca.

reply to this comment

Designer1 - 8/28/2008 2:05:27 AM

-2 Boost

The Genesis might have quality in its interior design, but the LS has taken quality and interior design into the next level. When you sit in an LS460 you don't want to leave that car, you hold the steering wheel and not willing to let go, but with the Genesis you'll say, its nice, but then let go. Remember the Genesis interior is really old, its a copy of the old Infiniti Q45.

reply to this comment

Star - 8/29/2008 10:04:54 PM

+2 Boost

What are you smoking? Lexus cars are often criticized for their incredibly cheap looking interiors.

chano129 - 8/29/2008 10:38:25 AM

+2 Boost

Lexus Ls uses plastic just like infiniti,and I think the lexus is overrated.Even JD states lexus consistent durability and reliability could comes from loyal lexus customers.I think the germans has better cars, Infiniti and lexus is on par and I think Infiniti is now ahead according to the new JD power latest report for first 90 days.And the new infiniti is gone to be a good challenger,for the lexus,base on nissan next generation technologies of vehicle collision,drunk driving,hybrid couple to v6 engine,hcci V6 engine and diesel v6 engine,all undergonig test,and there are more.As someone said lexus could fined them selves introuble.

reply to this comment

1evlaudi - 8/30/2008 1:28:24 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

well here it is;

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=130686

reply to this comment

To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

	Agent001 Dis is your ninety eight vatchamacalit?
	View My AgentSpace