Agent001
Agent001
Dis is your ninety eight vatchamacalit?
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: Lexus, LS600h

Tag Links: Lexus, LS600h

Which Lexus is so popular that there is a one year backorder?
Wards Auto is reporting that the new Lexus LS600h first year allocation is already sold out.
Which Lexus is so popular that there is a one year backorder?



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]

EL34EL34 - 3/9/2007 1:08:16 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I hear it's more popular than the Audi R8.

reply to this comment
AUDIMAN4AUDIMAN4 - 3/9/2007 1:42:17 PM
Show Comment -21 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Will_Will_ - 3/9/2007 1:54:16 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It's sad that Audiboy is so upset that Lexus outsells Audi literally 10 to 1 in North America that he has to resort to calling Americans stupid to feel better about the situation...

This makes what, the 12th time you've done this?

As if people buy BMWs and Audis just because they're "great cars." lol.

I'd say Americans are pretty smart if they're not falling for the BMW/Audi "magic" marketing tricks.



MazmanMazman - 3/9/2007 1:57:19 PM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
AUDIMAN4 - You are a Hater! The same could be said about an Audi. Let's be honest, a Lexus is an upscale Toyota; and an Audi is an upscale VW. Now that we have that in the open, which would be the better choice from a reliablity and resale perspective? Hmmmmmm....Compare a Passat to a Camry for example, which is the wiser purchase?
AUDIMAN4 open your eyes and realize for a moment that Lexus is a true contender, and in many respects a better consumer choice than an Audi.
The fact that a 15 year old Lexus LS still carries any value, and drives the same as the day it was first bought makes me feel that it is not only a contender but more importantly a top pick! What is a 15 year old Audi V8 worth? Hmmmmm, I don't think I would take one if it was given to me! Over the years Lexus has been consistant in offering a rich, luxurious, dependable, and supreme product. The same could not be said about the other German marks, especially Audi which at one point was killing people! Give your head a shake AUDIMAN4 and stop being such a hater...accept that Toyota is going to be the number one manufacturer in the world very shortly.
By the way I think Audi builds beautiful looking cars, and is the benchmark when it comes to interiors. The fact that their entire line (R8 excluded) uses FWD based platforms derived from VW products tells me that there is still room for refinement.



quizzquizz - 3/9/2007 2:10:45 PM
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Audiman, with the right marketing spin, you can sell ANYBODY anything. Why do Americans buy Rolex? Marketing. How about Swatch? Same, marketing.

And yet, with all its marketing, why is Audi unable to dominate the American consumer? Ooooh yeah, because American consumers still remember that Audi SCREWED UP MARKETING in 1987 and has yet to learn how to fix its fiasco of the late 80's.



courtstonecourtstone - 3/9/2007 2:32:30 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Hey Audikid - I just cannot believe your comment. Where do you live? In Europe or the US? It never fails me with the number of petty Europeans that talk so much trash about Americans and are trying their hardest to gain citizenship here. And you have the right to box us a complete ideaology because you are upset about a competent Japanese automaker that is working on dethroning your Audi.

I love the new Lexus LS, however I still like the Audi R8, but I had to make the purchase I would get the Lexus...sorry Audiboy...you and your European prestige are losing ground fast.



kart1kart1 - 3/9/2007 2:38:41 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wait is AudiMan the same one who calls Americans stupid all the time. Don't you have anything else to make your brand seem better than the others? Is that all you have left now? You've using the same one for ages and calling Americans stupid. Can't come up with another one. No fresh materials.


kart1kart1 - 3/9/2007 2:39:49 PM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wannabe European.


r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 4:45:04 PM
+8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
With the right marketing and 500K mile warranty, you could sell maybe an Audi for every five Lexus. I like Audi but lets not stoop to that level of ignorance. The LS is an awesome car, so is the A8, if you can afford to fix it. Right?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:35:20 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
what in the world does an R8 have to do with an LS600h? one's a huge sedan and the other is a 911 challenger .


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/11/2007 4:03:23 PMView My AgentSpace
-9 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Mazman, the A8 hasn't been on sale for 15 years.

Otherwise, I'm hearing the same old dribble that they all say. There seems to be a broken record everywhere I turn.



mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/11/2007 5:44:00 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
We have about 20 deposits which for us would be about a year and a half of allocation.


mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/11/2007 5:46:02 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Very well stated and accurate Mazman.

reply to this comment
mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/11/2007 5:48:33 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Lexus has only been on sale as Lexus for a couple of years in Europe, so your argument is flawed logically.

reply to this comment
1uberaudi1uberaudi - 3/12/2007 12:24:54 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Your putting one of the best ultra sports cars in the world in the same category with the Lexus LS600L. I'm not going on no waiting list for a car that is being built by a car company thats been in business 17 years. Yes. Lexus does outsell Audi in North America ONLY! Audi produces 1.3 million cars worlwide compare to Lexus 400k. The reason is simple. Toyota decided to market its high end car in the US. The Americans enjoyed Toyotas reputation for quality and dependability. Now, they are trying to market the car in the rest of the world and they are failing. Because everyone in the rest of the world see it as an expensive Toyota. Thats per Lexus, not there competition. Lexus builds a great car. But they have to earn a reputation for refinement and prestige before they can really make an impact in true drivers garages around the world.

reply to this comment
1uberaudi1uberaudi - 3/12/2007 12:30:30 PM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Such rediculous statements. Audi never killed anyone. Only the person driving the Audi. Here's another statement. Recalls on Lexus every other week. How the hell do they make the top 10 most reliable? Toyota is going to be number one. But it will not be because of Lexus.

reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/13/2007 12:31:23 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
actual deposits is impressive.
but i'd say that marin is probably not the average market. hybrid-happy market. no?


reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/13/2007 12:56:17 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
hey mitch.
you're usually right on, but in this case you're mistaken.
lexus launched in the UK at the same time as in the US. on july 5, 1990 according to lexus.co.uk.


reply to this comment
mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/17/2007 3:59:45 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
But under the name Toyota- no?

reply to this comment
SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/9/2007 1:23:45 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
450hp, AWD, 25+mpg combined, >6.0L v12 performance, v6 fuel economy and low emission, super quiet, ultra luxury, most technique advanced, who wouldn't like it?



reply to this comment
henbmwhenbmw - 3/9/2007 2:18:58 PM
-13 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
well...a lot of people wouldn't like it. why, you ask?
1. it is not awd (audi and mb are only cars in class with awd)
2. the v8+eletric engine produces 430 hp, less than any of its competitors
3. the battery inside the car is more harmful to the environment than any gas engine because it doesnt disolve
4. its takes, on average, 5-6 years to gain back money from fuel by paying for a hybrid engine
i dont think i need to go on



Will_Will_ - 3/9/2007 2:24:51 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Of course you and other hybrid-haters will hate any hybrid, let alone a full-size sedan Lexus hybrid. However for the rest of the eco-conscious consumers and potential luxury car buyers, the pros outweigh the cons.

Also, I'd suggest you do research on car batteries in general before you make generalizations like that.



BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 3/9/2007 2:31:48 PMView My AgentSpace
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
will ... he is right about the fuel economy and such in regards to hybrid's . How is the trunk space on the LS in the hybrid version? It is not that hard to have something sold out for a year when they are only planning on building 500 to 1000 versions of it. BMW & Mercedes have been doing that for years.


SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/9/2007 2:33:00 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
1. It is AWD, mechanical full time AWD with 40front/60rear power distribution.

2. ICE+ motor will have immense torque!

3. The NiMH battery can be recycled.

4. It will be cheaper than competition v12 and offer all around better performance (minus v12TT S600) and luxury.

More safety and comfortable features.... better build quality.



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:36:07 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
where are these stats from?


2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 3/10/2007 12:41:04 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You are a fool,LS600hL comes standard with AWD so get your facts straight!!

reply to this comment
SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/10/2007 3:30:36 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
From Lexus Press release.


reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/10/2007 4:20:43 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
just checked the lexus website:
it's 430hp not 450.
they don't make any MPG claim.
they say power of V12 (a baseless claim)
and the fuel efficiency of V8 not a V6.

do your research.



SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/10/2007 4:48:55 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Do you know what the word "over" means? Which v8 has combined 25+mpg for such a big car?


From Lexus PR:

This state-of-the-art powertrain technology will equip the LS 600h with an
unequalled balance of performance and environmental efficiency. A peak
combined output rating of OVER 327 kW/445DiN hp (*) offers the power
and performance of a normally aspirated V 2 engine. Conversely, the hybrid
Lexus flagship offers a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of
less than 9.5l/ 100km(*) and CO2 emissions below 220g/km(*).
(*) Pre-homologation data, based on in-house testing


reply to this comment
SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/10/2007 5:07:13 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ha... equally fast, in your dream. Which of these can run 0-60 under 5.0s? Which one can be sold in CA right now?





reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/10/2007 8:11:18 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
torque = off the line acceleration.
interesting that lexus only released a hp rating and not torque.
i'll believe it matches an S600 or A8 W12 when i see it.
until then, baseless claims.


reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/10/2007 8:12:15 PM
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
i'm sorry but did i miss the 25 MPG claim you speak of?

reply to this comment
SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/11/2007 4:57:24 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Can't you read?

"a class-leading combined fuel consumption figure of
less than 9.5 Litre/100km"



mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/11/2007 5:50:11 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The 600HL is not about fuel economy. It is about extreme power with decent fuel economy and low emissions, which sells from a moral perspective.

reply to this comment
JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/12/2007 9:06:29 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
because of the batteries most people are predicting 4-5 more cubic feet than the GS450h, putting it around 12 cubic feet of trunk space. That's about what a Honda Civic or BMW 3-series offer and about 33% less than the other cars in the class. And considering this will be probably be a "trip car" or something people routinely get picked up from the airport in, the trunk space will likely be more important an issue than the gas savings.

reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/13/2007 12:41:26 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
again, what's the MPG rating?
can't recall the proper mulitplier to put km/l into MPG.


reply to this comment
mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/17/2007 4:01:38 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It is most definitely AWD.

reply to this comment
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I would still take an S8 or S600.

reply to this comment
SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/9/2007 1:54:50 PM
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Gas guzzlers, offer less for much more!




+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
When you have money like that, what does the gas bill matter??? Don't give me the enviornmentalist crap, yeah it gets great gas mileage, but it uses more raw materials than a small home. Its a great piece of technology and works for some people, but ill have bad ass S8.


quizzquizz - 3/9/2007 2:13:33 PM
+11 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
There's a reason Hollywood celebrities bought the Prius and it has nothing to do with value or performance. Some buyers just want to feel "environmentally responsible" and if they think that getting luxury with power can also allow them to claim some environmental awareness, then they'll go with it. It's not about the money in this case and all about the perception of "green". Neither the S8 or S600 are very green compared to the LS.


Will_Will_ - 3/9/2007 2:20:15 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Out of this group of cars, which one will get the best fuel economy and emissions?

Issue resolved.



SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 3/9/2007 2:24:04 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
LS600h will be a lot faster than Audi S8 too.



RupertRupert - 3/9/2007 3:38:42 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"LS600h will be a lot faster than Audi S8 too. "

yeah, sure.
an aluminium bodied, 5.2 litre V-10 with 450 hp will be beaten by a steel, heavier 430 hp v8?
Don't be fooled into thinking the LS will be "green". It will be more economical, but they appear to be carving a niche that nobody asked for.
I know I'm speaking from a European perspective, but cars like the S8, S600 and 760 are all about image. Lexus doesn't have much image here (not neccessarily a bad one, just little brand awareness). And in cars like this, fuel efficiency is the last thing on people's minds. People who want fuel efficiency can buy a 730d, S 320cdi or A8 3.0 tdi, and those who want performance and fuel efficiency can buy an A8 4.2 tdi (faster than 4.2 fsi), and in continental Europe, an S 420cdi and I believe a 740d.
Personally, I'd take the S8 if i wanted a sporting ride, and for luxury an S600. An LS 600h wouldn't be the car I wanted.



r_driver04r_driver04 - 3/9/2007 4:48:28 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The S8 is money all day long....when it finally starts.


TheSailorTheSailor - 3/9/2007 6:33:35 PMView My AgentSpace
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Nahh... The Skoda Octavia 2.0 TDI will beat them both! BTW: What are the stats for the LS600h?! Because I was under the impression that that car has not even been introduced as a pre production concept yet... So to tell us how fast a pseudo-imaginary car will be will require some kind of clairvoyance... Are any of you clairvoyant? Because then I would really love to know the lottery numbers for the jackpot tomorrow?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 8:46:07 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I saw an S8 today. The new one, of course. I believe it's the fifth I've seen- they've all been black and grey, except for one dark blue.

No matter what color, the car is stunningly elegant. Its proportions are perfect, the bodykit is just aggressive enough to cure any criticism against the A8's style, the exhaust note is the sound-equivalent of "luscious," and with the S8-exclusive dark wood trim, the interior is unbelievable.

It is quicker than an LS600hL, for any nay-sayers.

0-60mph in 4.7 seconds- best I've seen.

I'd be surprised if the LS hybrid made 5.5.



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:37:50 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
all of these cars are environmentally reckless. try do say otherwise is dishonets. but hey...we all have are bad habits. for most of us it's cars that are fun to drive but, unfortunately, don't get prius mileage.

reply to this comment
Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 3/10/2007 3:37:20 PM
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The dust to dust energy of a Prius is the same as a Hummer H3 effectively killing the "Prius is better for the environment" argument and the notion that a hybrid in any fashion negates it from making excessive emissions during its life. http://www.cnwmr.com

The Mercedes S-Class is the first car ever (beating the Insight and Prius) to receive an environmental certificate from the German Commission on Technical Compliance (TÜV), which confirmed its environmentally friendly development in accordance with requirements of the International Standard Organization (ISO). The S-Class uses lots of recycled steel and processes which are better for the environment. I agree that it's still a pig but no more so than a hybrid of any form.



mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/11/2007 5:51:45 PM
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Maybe not for you, but the envirnment crap is what people care about.

reply to this comment
JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/12/2007 8:53:59 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
yeah, because that's why people buy $100k luxury barges -- to pollute a smidgen less and save pennies on gas. Undoubtedly those are the major determining factors, it has nothing to do with image or prestige or the "I can afford whatever I want so I'm going to pick the one I want" mentality that rich people usually have. You're right, it's emmissions and pennies on gas. Issue resolved indeed.

reply to this comment
BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 3/9/2007 2:36:14 PMView My AgentSpace
+6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
quizz ... I cant believe you bring the hollywood celebrities into the conversation. Like anyone wants to associate with the psycho path Tom Cruise or mental masturbation of Hilton and her cronies. Who cares what hollywood says? For all we know they probably are influencing this ridiculous article. While we are on it, how long is the wait time for the Ferrari 599? 2= years or something like that. Now that is a car to wait for

reply to this comment
RupertRupert - 3/9/2007 3:42:25 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
An ordinary person can't just go an buy a new Ferrari - they make you buy used ones until they let you have a new one.


ElSparquitoElSparquito - 3/9/2007 4:52:48 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
An "ordinary person" with money can buy people who can buy any car they want. It's not about what you want, it's about who you know. "ordinary person"...c'mon - I guess Ferraris are only for extraordinary people. I know what you meant by the way - just having a little fun.


AUDBMLEXMRCAUDBMLEXMRC - 3/9/2007 4:45:30 PM
-8 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Just to tell that we were at Geneva autoshow last wednesday for press and actualy the New LS600H for europe has 444hp and not 430. We know actualy that the base price will start around 170'000 swiss francs and already 29 orders are registered even before knowing thae exact prices. This from Automobil revue source from Switzerland.

reply to this comment
henbmwhenbmw - 3/9/2007 5:15:52 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Yeah, it really comes down to this:
If you want to be environmentally/socially responsible, you wouldn't be spending 90k on a car. You would be spending that money on stopping rainforests from being cut down, stopping aids from spreading further or curing poverty throughout the world. It’s ridiculous to say that you care a whole bunch about the environment and then go spend 90k on a car. Oh and here is an article depicting how much Toyota/Lexus really cares about the environment.
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=417227&in_page_id=1770


reply to this comment
2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 3/10/2007 12:48:05 AM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You wish the LS600hL cost 90k,thats what a regular LS460L cost for the LS600hL your looking at spending well over 100k to start!!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 5:20:14 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Will...

"It's sad that Audiboy is so upset that Lexus outsells Audi literally 10 to 1 in North America that he has to resort to calling Americans stupid to feel better about the situation..."

Really? That's a BIT of an exaggeration. Audi outsells Lexus 2 or even 3 to 1 worldwide, and they barely make a 10:1 ratio in world:NA market. I had no idea Leuxs now sells 1,000,000 cars worldwide while they only sell 50K in Europe, but I guess whatever you say is right, right?


reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 5:20:45 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Scratch that-- it's 1,000,000 just in the AMERICAN market!

So they sell 1,050,000 worldwide!

The more you know...



SenSpeedSenSpeed - 3/9/2007 7:58:42 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ya and we buy lots of Audis also which doesn't make us any smarter


AUTO_UNIONAUTO_UNION - 3/9/2007 5:58:25 PM
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Again some comments about audi being a vw. That is really primitive. Porsche also uses vw parts and lets not forget that audi uses lambo engines. And BTW this lexus looks good.

reply to this comment
trd1trd1 - 3/9/2007 6:22:33 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
man this car is like the whole pakage and its a lexus.

reply to this comment
TheSailorTheSailor - 3/9/2007 6:28:31 PMView My AgentSpace
+14 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
HAHAHAHAHAHA... Hater this hater that... Why?! So one guy doesn't like Lexus and the other doesn't like Audi, so what?! Get over yourselves people! They are all great cars! We don't get a lot of Lexuses in Europe, but I have to say that they've really grown on me! I think that the LS looks pretty good. It doesn't look as good as in the adds, but they look good and when you see one you know that it is an expensive car your looking at without neccesarily knowing the brand!

I really think some of you people should lighten up a little! Why the need for all this debating?! Many of you guys doesn't sound like enthusiasts (an expression many people here seems to be using to justify their attacks on other brands) at all but like a bunch of insecure guys who is just trying to justify your purchase (or your dads?)! Why?! I'd have a real hard time choosing between any of the cars in that class if i was in the market for one. But I'm not... Even if I had the money to pay the ridiculous price for one of those in my little corner of the world, I'd still choose something smaller! Probably a 3-series or A4... The IS isn't really a contender simply because the nearest Lexus-dealer is over 200 miles away from my home. I think that is their real problem here in Europe, lack of dealerships.

Lexus-guys: Take it easy now! Everybody knows that Lexus makes great cars and they have soe very cool features, but there is no need to slam everybody of a different opinion than you just to ensure everybody that Lexus is the greatest carmaker in the world (your opinion, not mine... I think they make great cars, but not the best)!

German guys: Why won't you guys acknowledge that Lexus makes great cars as well as the germans?!

Choosing between Lexus or german is like choosing between Coca cola and Pepsi or Windows and Mac or Burger King and McDonalds... Anybody want to discuss some of them?! I would love to yell Burger King hater at some of you if you'd like that ;)


reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 3/9/2007 6:52:56 PM
-5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Hey Henbmw,
Stay out of my backyard. Sudbury has been in N.America way longer than Toyota has. This is just an article to smear hybrids. I'm sure Inco exists to serve more than just Toyota.

Inco polluted before hybrids, and they'll continue to pollute after hybrids. This smelting facility (along with the entire mining industry) in Sudbury employs so many ppl and pours disgusting amounts of money into the regional economy the the gov't has loosened restrictions on its emissions (meaning they let some things slide).

Do you recall Europe backtracked and loosened it's updated emissions standards so the Germans could still sell diesels there?

What's more harmful than the 200,000K hybrid batteries? The battery acid from roughly 20 million batteries produced for each car each year.

Keep on tryin'

BMW is going to have to start offering $50,000 incentives to sell the 7 now.


reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 3/9/2007 7:34:30 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Wow, Lexus is doing pretty good globally. Audi is slanted towards Europe, Lexus is towards N.America. However, most high-volume Lexus cars cost significantly more than Audis. (i.e. $35K A4 vs $42K ES, both have no options yet).

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 8:48:16 PMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"However, most high-volume Lexus cars cost significantly more than Audis. (i.e. $35K A4 vs $42K ES, both have no options yet)."

Considering the only low-cost Audis are in Europe and the ES isn't on sale there, that's an invalid comparison.

You can lease an ES for just as cheap as an A4, if not cheaper... and, I'm sure you know this, that's how must entry-level luxury cars are sold. Cheap leases.



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:24:54 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
lexus isn't actually "doing well" globally. they're doing miserably in japan (less than 50% of sales objective) and have barely made a mark in europe after 15 plus years. lexus isn't "slanted" toward north america....it wouldn't EXIST without north america

and what's with A4/ES comparison? they don't compete. the IS goes up against the A4...retirees drive the ES.



AUDIMAN4AUDIMAN4 - 3/10/2007 2:40:12 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Nice spin. In all of Europe, Lexus barely sold 50,000 units, compared to Audi's 90,000 units for the US.

70% of those sales were in the US, and of that, more than 60% were made up of CAMRY BASED models--ES and RX.

I do believe Toyota makes good cars, but I believe they are overrated in the US. Plus, they sell more volume in the US than brands like Mercury, Subaru, and Hyundai. How is that exclusive?






mitchatlexusofmarinmitchatlexusofmarin - 3/12/2007 1:43:41 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Lexus has been sold in Europe for less than 2 years...

reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/13/2007 12:48:31 AM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
hey mitch.
you're usually right on, but in this case you're mistaken.
lexus launched in the UK at the same time as in the US. on july 5, 1990 according to lexus.co.uk.



1970toyotamarc1970toyotamarc - 3/9/2007 7:41:20 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It's not about what you save at the pump!!!!!!!

Is it so unheard of for someone to want a luxury car that leaves a smaller footprint? This is the future people. Benz, Bimmer, Porsche and now perhaps even Bentley know this. You can be environmentally responsible while still plunking down 100 grand. And in the LS600h, you'll look damn good doing it, and be having a lot of fun as well. And if you cant fit one extra suitcase because of the battery, you can likely afford to have it overnighted. That's a small price to pay. (Those savings at the pump should cover it)


reply to this comment
TheSailorTheSailor - 3/9/2007 7:58:39 PMView My AgentSpace
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I think what some people are trying to say is that this car (the LS600h) is somewhat of an oxymoron... If you really want a big car that emmits less, what is wrong with buying a car with a smaller engine? I Know it's not as fast, but clearly the best solution.
I don't know if the same thing applies to the US, but if it is simply the equipment, you can have an S320 with exactly the same equipment as the S500 overhere... It might not be as fast, but really... Claiming to be environmentally aware while driving a car with 400+ hp is just a little hipocritical... I love the hybrid technology, and I can't wait for them to pair it with a diesel (not that i'm gonna get one, but it is going to be another step in the right direction). But to say that the LS600h has anything to do with saving the environment is just naive at best. The LS600h is just an engineering showcase, just as the Audi Q7 V12 TDI or the MB S65 AMG (Or that silly Hydrogen7 from BMW that won't be massproduced for another 2000 years)... Each brand has it's own way of doing it but all want to have the most exotic "rangetopper". And that is all the LS600h is... A gimmick... A cool gimmick, but just a gimmick!



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:33:52 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
oh please....nobody who gives a damn about the environment would buy this car. talking about a 5,000 pound car that "leaves a smalller footprint" is like buying an 8,000 square foot house instead of a 10,000 square foot because you want to do the right thing and save energy on heating and cooling.

this car presents a ridiculous proposition. it's trying to be all things to all people.

my prediction; it will see well for perhaps a year because of the "new factor" and then lexus will have a hard time maintaining sales.



S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2007 8:49:34 PMView My AgentSpace
+5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The LS600hL is nice. I wouldn't have one, myself, because the three German twelve-cylinder competitors would tempt me away from it. Formidable car, nonetheless. Whoever owns one will be happy.

reply to this comment
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/9/2007 9:18:46 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
all this talk over a car with so little to go on....no performance stats have been released, no official MPG (irrelevant for this category of car anyway), no pricing, etc.

let's just see this thing before we decide it's the end all be all....i'm not holding my breath.


reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 3/9/2007 10:57:25 PM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Foxy,
The A4 starts at $35K in Canada. Just because euro-wannabe liberals live here doesn't mean we're still not a part of N.America.

Lexus sells more in the rest of the world (meaning Europe and Japan) than Audi sells in N.America. Not bad for a 15yo company that charges more $ vs. something w/ 60+ years of history.

BMW/Audi/MB wouldn't be in business if not for N.America. You probably hate to admit it, but it's true. I doubt Audi makes any money from China. Sales do not necessarily equal profits.

True though, Europe does get the ultra cheap models of the "luxury" cars that are hidden from North America for fear of the truth.

Toyota cars are on par with Audi price wise, but are more likely better built.


reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/11/2007 1:26:11 AMView My AgentSpace
-6 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"Lexus sells more in the rest of the world (meaning Europe and Japan) than Audi sells in N.America."

Is that an achievement? Audi sells well over 10 times what Lexus does in the "rest of the world."



enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 3/11/2007 11:52:04 AM
-4 Boost<