The New BMW 7 series DOES NOT copy the Lexus LS!

M53R submitted on 07/09/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:09 AM
from: www.autospies.com

[150] user comments | category: New Cars

Tags: BMW 7 series 2009 Lexus LS copy design 5 series

BMW 7 series 2009 Lexus LS copy design 5 series

Lately, everyone is talking about how the new BMW 7 series shares design cues with the Lexus LS. I just wanted to provide pictures for those of you who cannot be bothered to find and compare pictures, along with showing you the REAL inspiration (evolution) of the new 7 series. Check the pictures.

As you can see from the pictures, the LS actually shares design cues from the current BMW 5 series' side view. The new 7 series is a pretictable evolution of the current BMW designs. The rear lights are very similar to the BMW X6 (L shaped), believe it or not, mixed with the current 5 series. A similar design was shown on the BMW CS concept.

So after comparing the pictures of the 7 series' rear lights, and the LS' rear lights, do they have a similar shape? Not really. The only similarity is the size of the tail lights.

What about the integrated exhaust? Well, you can give Lexus credit for starting this trend, but the BMW has it's very own design of the integrated exhausts along with a more stylish rear bumper.

And just for a joke, check out the pictures of the Honda Oddessy's rear lights. This is a 2004 model if I can remember correctly. Now take a look at the Lexus LS...

The purpose of this topic is NOT to start a childish flame war. It's just clarification.

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tattedtwice - 7/9/2008 8:37:31 AM

-9 Boost

Finally, a voice of reason and a bit of common sense. I've said the same thing since day one; toyota copied BMW in the first place, while BMW just evolved their design. Simple as that.

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0to60 - 7/9/2008 8:50:40 AM

+4 Boost

Surprisingly, I would take the Lexus...

Kinger - 7/9/2008 9:37:23 AM

+7 Boost

Why am I not surprised...

0to60 - 7/9/2008 10:59:55 AM

+8 Boost

Why would you not be? You must think I am a Lexus fanboy. Naw... I just call it all like it is!

kthor - 7/9/2008 8:35:18 PM

-4 Boost

This has got to be the tenth article on the new BMW Seven that has over 100 responses!! It generates so much passion. I love it!

dlin - 7/9/2008 9:00:18 PM

+2 Boost

Another victim of Bangle.

BMW will probably be better off copying Lexus in the rear. The side profile is good though.

bimmerfan25 - 7/9/2008 9:18:42 PM

+1 Boost

The LS looks NOTHING like the 5 series

And that is coming from a BMW fan who lives in Bavaria.

The new 7 has many elements from the Lexus LS though. Can't deny reality.

tattedtwice - 7/10/2008 4:36:25 AM

-2 Boost

The 7 looks NOTHING like the toyota ls.

And that is coming from a BMW fan who lives on planet earth.

The toyota ls has many elements from the BMW though. Can't deny reality.

zorbeeze - 7/10/2008 8:50:30 AM

+2 Boost

"The 7 looks NOTHING like the toyota ls."
Yes it does. But then again there's nothing wrong with that.
Open your eyes.

graviteeee - 7/11/2008 9:26:04 PM

+2 Boost

i only see resemblance in the inner part of the tail lights and the integrated exhaust. as far as profile,, seriously guys these car companies are competing within dimensions, and when you consider appeal and practicality, there are only so many ways you can go.

love bmw design, but i gotta say, i wish they copied more from the ls. ls may be boring, but its beautiful.
havent seen the new 7 in person, but so far im dissapointed

i can't believe no one mentioned the resemblance between the 7's headlights and new C benz

Kraut_god - 7/9/2008 8:53:44 AM

+9 Boost

wow, ya, that 7series is a rip off. bmw try to come up with your own design next time. HAHA

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SSP350 - 7/9/2008 9:07:57 AM

+9 Boost

And your point is? The fact of the matter is that the rear of the new 7 series, still, closely resembles the rear of the LS. Your comparison with the 5 series proves just that and another thing, if you take away the sharklike antenna from the LS it looks nothing like the 5 series and the lines of the panels don't even come close. For a fair comparison, you should've also posted pictures of the side profile for the 7 series, which in my opinion, does look a little like the LS. Don't want to start a flame war, but I'm just pointing out that your logic is flawed.

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pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 12:55:21 PM

-3 Boost

WHAT?!? How can you look at those pictures and just lie like that?

The LS profile is nearly identical to the 5 series, just like the LS430 was identical to the old (1992-2000)S-class. Just like the LS400 was a rip-off of the S-Class before it.

The LS has NEVER been an original design. Lexus purposely apes the most popular luxury sedan's looks every time.

The similarity to MB and BMW is Lexus entire marketing scheme: you get the look and luxury of a german car in a package that is cheaper, easier to use, and more reliable.

You guys should just go away from autospies. You clearly know nothing about cars.

answer - 7/9/2008 1:49:04 PMView My AgentSpace

+6 Boost

Whoa!

Pushrod doesn't like Lexus?

Shocker!!!!

lexusrox123 - 7/9/2008 2:48:58 PM

+3 Boost

whats wrong with being cheaper, easier to use, and more reliability?

and all this 7 series "news" is making me sick. i think i'll stay away from autospies until this 7 series nonsense fades away....

bulldogz - 7/9/2008 3:02:02 PM

+2 Boost

Suddenly anyone not agreeing with "pushrod" knows absolutely nothing about cars, hahaha!!! Yet he owns an SC430, yeah you're a real auto enthusiast there, Andretti! hahaha!!!

Go get your shinebox.

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 3:15:46 PM

-2 Boost

The SC430 isn't my only car, poptart. It's my summertime convertible. The interior is one of the best on the market, and women love it, so i enjoy myself a great deal with my SC430.

Also, it proves that i'm not biased against Lexus. I like Lexus. They make a fine product. But the truth is the truth. And the truth is that no one can copy the LS, because the LS is not original, at all.

Rupert - 7/9/2008 8:16:36 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

The SC? I thought you liked cars, pushrod, not boats.

zorbeeze - 7/10/2008 8:55:05 AM

0 Boost

"WHAT?!? How can you look at those pictures and just lie like that?"
Your the onle one that is lying.
What's deceiving here is that the 5series and LS are identical colors, whereas the 7series is a completely different color. Your eyes are playing games with you and are being pushed to think one thing mainly because the author (mister deceiver) chose to use the same color for two cars to try to prove his point a different color for the other.
Next time before you bullshit everyone m53r try using a different color for each car or the same for all of them.
Nice try but you've failed.

qckshftr - 7/9/2008 9:08:09 AM

+1 Boost

Good post, M53R... But could you or someone post some more side-by-side, or top-over-bottom photos of different angles of the cars in comparison? Also, some photos of the 750i/Li instead of the 730d, as the 750i/Li have integrated exhausts similar to the Lexus in question? Finally, I think the '09 7 has tail lights that look as much like the 1, as they do the X6 (good or bad). Cheers!

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M53R - 7/9/2008 4:16:14 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Thanks. I would have done that, but there are no pictures of the BMW 7 series that fit your description. So I had to use the 2nd best pictures available.

_43LE - 7/9/2008 9:37:21 AM

+11 Boost

This post kind of sounds like grasping at straws.

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cdoke - 7/9/2008 12:02:50 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Frankly, I think that a fair number of people have become rather defensive on this subject, but I am not so sure that the real reason for it is what others have said. It is as if, deep down, they are themselves a little dissapointed with it.

EL34 - 7/9/2008 9:38:04 AM

Show Comment -15 Boost

_43LE - 7/9/2008 11:47:12 AM

+3 Boost

Only if it's driven off of a cliff.

Kinger - 7/9/2008 9:40:42 AM

0 Boost

The current LS resembles the e65 7-series, now the F01 7-series comes out which is largely an evolution of the e65 and somehow the 7-series is ripping off the LS? Nice logic guys...

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Agent004 - 7/9/2008 12:11:59 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Was going to write the same thing.

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 12:57:24 PM

-1 Boost

Exactly.

mramezani - 7/9/2008 10:02:27 AM

-4 Boost

ouh adaptive this and electric that... where does that driver factor in all of this?
'Ultimate Driving Simulator'.

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kthor - 7/9/2008 8:24:15 PM

0 Boost

If you had any experience driving the cars at all you would never ask something so stupid, unless you hate driving and don't look for enjoyment behind the wheel. BMW's technology enhances driving pleasure while meeting completing goals of luxury and information access. Dip your toe in, you just might like feeling the exhileration.

mramezani - 7/9/2008 10:05:07 AM

+5 Boost

When was the last time BMW made something really interesting? Honestly these days you'll have more fun at a McDonald's than a BMW showroom. Limitless supply of pointless and mediocre cars X3 X5 X6 and soon even X1. Even M3 underwhelms

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Agent004 - 7/9/2008 12:12:29 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Have you driven the 135?

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:02:21 PM

-2 Boost

Interesting BMWs:
M5, M6, M3, 335i, 760Li, CS concept, X6, 850Ci, M1

Interesting Lexus cars:
LF-A...

It's not even close.

Speedoholic - 7/9/2008 10:08:25 AMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I submitted an article comparing the two, but nobody posted it on the home page.
Lexus are copying BMW actually, Look at the 5 Series and LS, they have the same profile. BMW ain't copying no one, they are extracting some queues of the 5 Series and putting them on the 7 Series, so people thought that they are imitating Lexus. As we all know the 5 Series came out in 2003, while the LS in 2006 ...

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EL34 - 7/9/2008 10:18:36 AM

-4 Boost

Everybody knows Asia is the copy capital of the world.

CDs, DVDs Books, clothes and car designs are constantly being ripped off.

Originality is everything and way to go BMW :-)

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_43LE - 7/9/2008 11:43:13 AM

+5 Boost

Right, like Europe never copied anything from Asia and benefitted?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4-Gu5Ov34

You need a history lesson! Your ignorance is shining through.

Htay7500 - 7/9/2008 1:28:41 PM

+7 Boost

"Everybody knows Asia is the copy capital of the world.

CDs, DVDs Books, clothes and car designs are constantly being ripped off."

not quite.

apple copied the LG's prada (don't get me wrong I love apple products)
http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/340/C11730/

alpine made the 1st navigation system in '81, along with other inventions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_...d_technologies

and the same guys who developed the nav system will also do this to the new 7-series:

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/technical/new-%e2%80%98dual-view%e2%80%99-displays-coming-to-production-cars/

pioneer made the 1st CD player
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Corporation#History

Htay7500 - 7/9/2008 1:30:39 PM

+5 Boost

and they also have certain electronics that aren't available in the western world due to radio frequiencies.

Homer007 - 7/9/2008 4:25:15 PM

+4 Boost

HOT DAMN! Htay got it right!

CD ROM disk aka, CD and DVD was invented first by the Japanese!

Just like HTAY stated, Apple's iphone design was already in the market in Korea by LG for several years before the intro in the U.S.

DVD's bluray disk is complete Sony also..

EL34, you really are an ignorant vermin.

kthor - 7/9/2008 8:27:04 PM

+2 Boost

Hilarious! EL34 gets a "lesson" in copying by 43LE, the person who COPIED EL34's name!!! ROTFLMAO!!!!

EL34 - 7/9/2008 10:56:07 PM

-2 Boost

43LE, who was that woman talking on the video?

Was it Tokyo Rose?

_43LE - 7/10/2008 9:34:42 AM

+4 Boost

Maybe it was some KKK member.

bulldogz - 7/9/2008 10:33:15 AM

+9 Boost

Dude, this is sad. When you couldn't get anyone to listen to you in the 2 other 7-series post, you then feel it's necessary to create a separate post just to be heard.

The 5-series profile looks NOTHING like an LS, the 5 trunk just goes flat, the LS doesn't. The window line isn't pointed on the 5, there are no metal strips along the bottom of it's doors either. And neither the 5 or old 7 had LED lines that curved up on the sides, the LS does...as does the new 7.

If it didn't share so many design cues with the LS, you wouldn't feel the need to post disclaimer after disclaimer stating otherwise. It must kill you German fans that this new 7-series isn't anything special and actual shares traits with a God-forbid...Japanese car, oh the horror!

Massive fail on your part.

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EL34 - 7/9/2008 10:39:14 AM

-3 Boost

Not only does the Lexus LS360 look like the BMW 5-Series, but the new Honda Accord looks like the BMW 5-Series as well.

0to60 - 7/9/2008 11:12:01 AM

+1 Boost

EL, are you blind!?! how dare you compare the AWFUL Accord to the 5 series! This is a new low even for you! And your ratings were already at rock bttm!

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:04:17 PM

-1 Boost

bulldogz... you are either going to hell for being such a liar, or going to heaven for being so helplessly stupid.

answer - 7/9/2008 1:51:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

pushrod,

Purgatory is filled with biased fools.

Be careful.

bulldogz - 7/9/2008 2:58:32 PM

+3 Boost

pushrod, you reek of stupidity the moment you compare a godawful-looking 5-series (that has been universally trounced for it's styling by literally every car mag in the world,( along with the 7-series), to the LS which has NEVER been mentioned as even remotely similiar. The fact that this very website notices the similiarities of the 7 with an LS has you flipping out like a 4 year-old with a diaper full of $hit.

Christ, if everyone said it looked like an s65 you'd probably have lotion and tissues ready.

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 3:18:26 PM

0 Boost

Is there even any point for a car magazine to mention that Lexus styling is unoriginal? It's an established fact, a moot point.

I own a Lexus. I have nothing against Lexus. I have a problem with lies and fools.

EL34 - 7/9/2008 10:41:56 AM

-7 Boost

Looktit!

The Lexus looks like that big squarehead Honda Van from the rear!

LOL :-D

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_43LE - 7/9/2008 11:44:25 AM

+3 Boost

And the new 7 looks even worse.

Homer007 - 7/9/2008 4:29:04 PM

+1 Boost

awwwwooo comeon..get real..EL34 you gotta be kidding dude,,,If you get off excited on this new 7-series, you must be like 90 years old..get real and get off smoking crack for once in your life.

F1_Driver - 7/9/2008 10:43:56 AM

0 Boost

The only things the new 7-series copied from Lexus were the C-pillars from the current Lexus GS and the integrated tailpipes from the current Lexus LS. Too bad they couldn't copy Lexus LS's sales.

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pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:06:11 PM

-1 Boost

Honda has been imitating BMW for years. Check the 1992 Honda/Acura Legend and the 7 series from that era.

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audirevolution - 7/9/2008 11:17:28 PM

+1 Boost

You speak Engrish almost as well as Hao.
Conglaturation!

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IS3andME - 7/9/2008 10:48:56 AM

+6 Boost

Actually the 7's new rear lights look like the 1 Series Concept back in 2002 (The outer light dipping down with a curve), which then went on to the Z4....

But the title of this article sounds like a lil kid who is sayin "It's not FAIR!!", and puffs out their lip and folds their arms...

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pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:08:11 PM

+2 Boost

It's difficult to remain composed when people are telling outright lies, and no one checks them.

It's how sensible folks feel every time G.W. Bush opens his stupid mouth.

chinojk - 7/9/2008 10:50:17 AM

-2 Boost

great, just what this site needs another bmw fanboy blog.

"The purpose of this topic is NOT to start a childish flame war. It's just clarification."

maybe there is some truth in what everyone says about bmw copying or else there would be no need for this defensive sumbission

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answer - 7/9/2008 11:00:02 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

All your supporting "evidence" only goes to support your opinion. It does nothing to change the facts.

The new 7 series has some resemblance to the LS.

Big F'n deal.

The LS is a kick ass, well built car and I'm sure the new 7 will be no different.

Who gives a crap if they look slightly similar?

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pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:10:06 PM

-2 Boost

fine, but how can you comment on the new 7's resemblance to an LS without acknowledging the fact that the LS was clearly inspired by an earlier BMW design?

answer - 7/9/2008 1:53:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Um...cause it wasn't.

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 3:19:15 PM

-1 Boost

you're lying.

answer - 7/9/2008 4:02:58 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Funny. My pants aren't on fire.

EL34 - 7/9/2008 11:01:48 AM

-5 Boost

This hot new BMW 7 is as good as a delicious bratwurst with mustard, onions and Sauerkraut with a pint of ice cold Spaten.

:-D

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chinojk - 7/9/2008 11:15:36 AM

+7 Boost

mmmm spaten

_43LE - 7/9/2008 11:46:38 AM

+7 Boost

Yes, gourmet at it's finest, yuck.

M53R - 7/9/2008 11:22:53 AMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Dont kill me people. I just wanted to start an adult's arguement over the issue. And yes I wanted to be heard, and everyone is free to have their own opinion.

At the end of the day, they are all good cars.
I tried my best not to bash any of them (maybe except the Honda Oddessy joke :P ), and to be fair, yes the profile of the 5 series doesnt look similar to the LS, but the design of the tail lights ( and how the bend to the sides ) is VERY similar. This is also something found on the new 7 series.

Oh, and I actually like the new Lexus LS' design, as it looks very subtle. Nothing new, but a nice contender in this segment.

Fact is, do not insult the one with a different opinion. This makes you looks like a fool. Try proving them wrong, and Im very open to arguements.

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pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 1:11:07 PM

+2 Boost

Don't let these Lexus idiots make you back off. You were right the first time. Screw them.

EL34 - 7/9/2008 11:27:25 AM

-1 Boost

The Lexus to me anyway looks a lot like Bart Simpson.

Look at his head and look at the Lexus and you will see similar lines.

:-/

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_43LE - 7/9/2008 11:45:22 AM

0 Boost

Well then, that makes the 7 series look like Lisa.

ICON - 7/9/2008 12:20:32 PM

+1 Boost

I'll say it again...Definitely not seeing the LS in this design. You people are stretching the bounds of credulity. The 7er has an overall appearance of a masculine aggressive presence with the back end clearly an evolution of previous designs. The aggressive cut line that extends the entire length of the car gives it and impressive stretched out presence that the slab sided LS can't even get out the way fast enough-boring and predictable.

You can nit pick and stomp your little feet all you want,(this tail light,that exhaust pipe,on and on) but no one will ever confuse the 7er for a Toyota Camry/Avalon or an ES like you do with the LS which is a nice evolution of a Toyota.

Wait until you see it in person. Day and night. But don't believe me, look at the demographics that end up buying each car.(septuagenarians buy the LS , people in their 40's-50's buy the 7er)

Nice post M35R, thanks.

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EL34 - 7/9/2008 12:27:05 PM

-2 Boost

Of course one of the best reviews on the LS was in Blimp & Driver.

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_43LE - 7/9/2008 1:45:37 PM

+4 Boost

Funny, I've never heard of that publication or website. Maybe because your full of sh!t?

CLK63BlackSeries - 7/9/2008 12:39:24 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Yes. It did.

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CLK63BlackSeries - 7/9/2008 12:42:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

...and whoever doesn't think so should be ashamed to have such a horrible eyesight that they can't see the uncanny resemblence. Go take your eyes out with a fork, they are not doing you any good!

kut17 - 7/9/2008 12:44:29 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

What the...? First off, the first car is a 5-Series, not a 7-Series. Second, why is the Odyssey and X6 a part of these pictures? Third, I see strong resemblance between the LS and 7-Series so this was a waste of time.

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M53R - 7/9/2008 4:13:02 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Maybe you should read the post 1st.

auto001 - 7/9/2008 12:50:50 PM

-3 Boost

The only thing this proved is that both 7 and LS come with 4 wheels and 4 doors... oh and 7 is a bad attempt at copying the LS, especially the the tail lights and integrated exhausts.

I see right through what BMW is trying to do... since LS is such a looker and a success, BMW is trying to steal some thunder and attention from LS by pretending it's a Lexus but with a different badge.

It's like labeling a tv set with "soni" in the corner... from a distance, it may look like a "sony" tv, but you'll get a rude awakening if you look closer :)

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MichaelTaylor - 7/9/2008 1:09:27 PM

-8 Boost

Actually, looking at the photos of the new 7er I see a lot of Maserati Quattroporte in the side profile. Shame on BMW for not being very original with their desgins.

Oh, and those morons who claim Lexus copied Mercedes designs are totally off. Lexus designers have emerged as some of the most talented, original, creative and respected designers out there. They create designs with flare and emotion that manages to look conservative but at the same time make people lust after it. Look at the current LS or the LF-A or the IS/IS-F and especially the SC430. The word "dreamcars" comes to mind when thinking about these stunning designs. And yes, even though the SC430 is very old, the design is still modern and competitive and IMO the best looking car in its class.

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ICON - 7/9/2008 1:22:55 PM

-1 Boost

"They create designs with flare and emotion "??????

You are either out of your mind, or the ultimate sarcastic satirist.....either way your act is as old and tired as your favorite SC430 is.

Htay7500 - 7/9/2008 2:35:36 PM

+4 Boost

the current sc is just as fun as burnt bread.

bulldogz - 7/9/2008 3:05:43 PM

+3 Boost

"...the current sc is just as fun as burnt bread."

And yet pushrod owns one, the same pushrod that finds only one Lexus interesting.

Pot.meet.kettle.

pushrod27 - 7/9/2008 3:23:53 PM

0 Boost

	M53R Speed kills, but thrills!!!
	View My AgentSpace