35 Votes

Which Parks Faster? A $70,000 Lexus 460 or this $250 Lego Car?

Agent009 submitted on 12/14/2006 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 4:06:34 PM

74 user comments | Category: Misc News | Source: www.autospies.com

The Lexus 460 is probably one of the most technologically packed vehicles to ever grace our shores.

The rear seats massage you in ways that can't tell your spouse about and the air conditioning is totally draft free. The car actaully parks it self no less!

That whizzbang self park feature that is so cool, but it just bugs us. Just how hard it is to develop something like this, and why is it darn so slow?

Well an enterprising soul decided to take on this very challenge. Using no more that a garden variety set of legos and ingenuity, he actually out performed the Lexus 460 self park feature by a wide margin.

The Spies understand more than a few auto companies might be interested in just such a person, but the line starts here.

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User Comments

what a stupid article.. some people will do anything for their 15 minutes. The LS 460 parking system will be bested next generation with faster alternatives from other luxury brands.
— audihater (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 4:25:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

i am no lex fan but Lex didn't develop it they bought it just like almost all companies do
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 5:26:39 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

What's your proof?
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 9:44:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2006-12-04-auto-park-systems_x.htm

read the 2nd article

wow the GERMANS developed it again/ now what do you have to say Lexus fans ?
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:40:34 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

First of all, I'm sure Lexus didn't buy this. It didn't say anywhere that Lexus bought this. Second, if the Germans really did invent this, why isn't it on any of their cars?
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 11:11:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

AND...it said that the German system was simpler than the Lexus one. Which means it's a different system and so Lexus couldn't have bought it.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 11:12:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

you are right this Hela system is not the Lexus one but the Lexus one is a bought system. That is ok most electronics are bought from one sorce or another.

Car compaines are just big general contractors. Yes Lexus, BMW, MB, Audi have invented stuff but for the most part they "buy stuff" this is the perfect example.

When the new XYZ car comes out it will have something no one else will have "up till then"
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 3:23:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

This is true, but the ingenuity of a company to buy the right technology, and put it to the right use in their cars is why the company deserves more credit than just opening their checkbook. True for any company that does something right, and first.
— audiot (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 1:58:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

isnt it obvious that he preprogrammed the length of that parking spot for that car...how would that work in everyday circumstances?

yes that is pretty stupid
— LexusKindaGuy12 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 4:29:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

wait how do you know that he did that, i missed something
— SilverAero (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 3:49:31 AM | | Votes: 1

Self-parking is for those that hate driving a car and for childrens toys.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 4:29:48 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

**** lexus and all its ******* fanboys. You obviously haven't driven a European car.
— MPower (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 4:56:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6

Yeah we have, but some of us has just been cursed with the "German Autobody shop". We don't like to make too many trips. After a while, it interrupts life.
BTW -- this is a stupid article.
— SSP350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 4:59:42 PM | | Votes: 1

I owned a 1994 Jetta (my first car), bought it brand new. I actually chose it over a Corolla even though it cost a few thousand bucks more. Two words: DUMB CHOICE.

The interior materials of this car literally (emphasis on literally) started falling apart after a year. I foolishly thought well I can still live with it and that it's really not that big a deal. But then engine problems started. I ended up spending a fortune on repair bills during the 5 hellish years I owned it. Now that I think about it, I guess it was just the price one pays of having the "privilege" of owning a German car.

That's why I just laugh at you people when you throw around words like "heritage" and "prestige" when associating it to German automobiles. As if it means anything in this day and age.

Times have changed. I'm sure the quality of a German automobile has improved significantly since then (although one wouldn't know this by the sub-standard reviews they've been getting). Practicality rules now and people tend to be less swayed by non-tangible qualities such as "heritage" when deciding what automobile to purchase.
— flozel1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 8:32:10 PM | | Votes: 0

What about the rearend, what does it remind you of?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 5:44:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

for all the blather about "bland" lexi, the first time i saw the front end of the S-class, i thot "How bland and ANONYMOUS." NO excitement at all.

it falls WAY BELOW "simple and elegant" to simple and PLAIN.

the LS at least has an interesting headlamp cluster.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 7:18:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Wow, ApexAlex. After every post I read of yours, you look more and more biased.

The LS460 is elegant, but far less exciting to look at than the bold, brash S-Class. It's simply an unfair comparison.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:34:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

i know the Lego toy automatically comes with self-parking, but can I order the LS460 in America without it?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 5:43:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

How about a paking system that simply helps you park in tight spaces and tells when to turn the wheel, how close you are to the curb and when to pull forward or backward??
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 5:56:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

that sounds like MB's "park assist" option, with NO automation. makes YOU do all the work, with just some cues on the nav. screen. when you SHOULD be looking out the window.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 7:22:43 PM | | Votes: 1

I don't want to look at a screen, I want the car to tell me how to park and I'll be in charge of steering, braking, gas pedal and looking out the window for my mum, thank you very much.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:00:50 PM | | Votes: 0

To all the Lexus "Hater" you can go ahead get the Lego toy that automatically park itself, let Lexus lover get our LS460/LS600 Hl.

That what happen when you become the number #1 Lexury brand, everyone hate you and copy you. Look even Lego copy Lexus...;) Lexus came out with 8 speed, it won't long before someone copy it too. ;)

Just because a Lego park itself, it still not "NOT" a Lexus. And we Lexus lover "Don't" want to be like German. German car are not like what they use to be, they have to much realibility problem.

Sooner or later the Japanese high performance will overtake the German brand. No one can be #1 forever and the RS4 prove that to the current M3. But to be fair when the new V8 M3 come out, I think it will take that title away from the RS4. But wait the Lexus IS-F/500 is coming with it own V8 with 400+ hp of it own, which mean Lexus is going to give the RS4, M3 and C-class AMG for it money. But I think the M3 and Lexus IS-F will be fighting for the #1 spot.

Lexus

ah...ha...ha....ha....ha....
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 6:04:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

number 1 luxury brand? only in america....
and your point about being number 1 forever...well lexus might not be either.
if lexus is sensible they'll stay away from m3 territory, far too different a machine. i don't see lexus getting a carbon fibre roof to reduce CoG.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 6:30:02 PM | | Votes: 3

The fact that Lexus only sells in America is a true testament to American stupidity. Fortunately, international buyers steer clear of these bootleg Toyota's.

Who in their right mind would pay more than $30k for a Japanese car--coming from a country who's motto is "copy and run". Shing Shang Shong! hahahahahaha
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 8:32:58 PM | | Votes: 0

"Wing wang wong....I am a Japan man, I copy German, sell cheaply, and make me a profit!"
— AUDIMAN4 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:29:39 PM | | Votes: -2

F is for Failure
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:41:43 PM | | Votes: 1

F is for Failure
— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:41:44 PM | | Votes: 0

correction, going to give the RS4, M3 and C-class AMG a run for it money $$$

LOL:)

Lexus
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 6:07:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

Lexus, what are you trying to say the Lego doesn't have the luxury of the Lexus??
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 6:08:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

lol, that was funny. Was it really self parking or just remote control? Would make a neat little Christmas present though.

I counted 2 $2,000 scuffs on the Lego car though, plus damage to the other vehicle :D
— huu76 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 7:28:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Parking is very easy and very fast if you learn how to park. Gizmos only add to the lack of understanding many drivers have of their car. I think this is the reason for the FWD is safer in the snow myth I always hear. Maybe in the future people will proclaim, "No! Surely you dont park your car yourself. It cant be done!"
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 9:05:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hi Guys,

Won't even bother to comment.just watch this VW self-park video from 1989 and post comments on:
1) Whether it parks faster than the 2007 LS460
2) Requires more or less space front and rear to park than the 2007 Lexus.

VW 1989 self-park video

http://www.hr-online.de/website/specials/iaa/zukunft_gesucht12888.jsp?rubrik=12888&key=standard_kolumne_9247936&mediakey=allgemein/20050820_iaa89_zukunft&type=v

Fyi.. If you can't speak German or don't want to enjoy the other features.. just move the video timer forward to -1.22

— TheGenius (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 10:39:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Sure, it's a stunt all the way. But it has gotten a lot of attention from talk shows, news outlets, magazines. We're talking about it here. It's done its job.
— audiot (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 2:01:17 PM | | Votes: 3

Yeah Americans are stupid,yet it's the most dominant country in the world!!I sense nothing but envy just because Lexus has won the U.S market in the luxury brand category,I bet the owners of the german luxury brand would give up their first born child to be where Lexus is at in the U.S!!!!
I say if you don't like Lexus,good for you keep getting ripped off with your german cars,and please just sit down and shut up because we're all sick of your b*tching and moaning about how much Lexus sucks!!!
— 2JZSoarer (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 11:15:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

In what ways are Americans stupid?

I can't wait to hear this.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 11:17:17 PM | | Votes: 1

LOL, some of you lexus fanboys are like those kids we all grew up with who would always change the rules of whatever game we were playing in order to give them the best chance of winning...and if someone else mastered their rules better than them, voila! They would change the rules again halfway through the game...LOL
— NARunner (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 8:47:07 AM | | Votes: 2

Lets talk about cars not people.. did you watch the video?

just watch this VW self-park video from 1989 and post comments on:
1) Whether it parks faster than the 2007 LS460
2) Requires more or less space front and rear to park than the 2007 Lexus.

VW 1989 self-park video

http://www.hr-online.de/website/specials/iaa/zukunft_gesucht12888.jsp?rubrik=12888&key=standard_kolumne_9247936&mediakey=allgemein/20050820_iaa89_zukunft&type=v

Fyi.. If you can't speak German or don't want to enjoy the other features.. just move the video timer forward to -1.22
— TheGenius (View Profile)

Posted on 12/14/2006 11:43:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I'm pretty sure that lego car would have hit the curb...Pulling out however was even worse! The lego car would have rear-ended the car parked in front of it not once, but twice for double the damage.

As poor as the Lex system is, they still sparked the revolution of auto-parking systems to come.
— MunichRob (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 12:30:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

EL34
"In what ways are Americans stupid ?"

Well we have George Bush as president ENOUGHT SAID !!!
— 99gs400 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 10:28:37 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

And you buy gussied up Toyota's with leather. ;-)
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 10:58:59 AM | | Votes: 2

By the way, I am kidding. ;-)

I was looking at the Lexus LS, but went for the S550 instead. Still, the LS460 is a nice car. The value leader in this segment.
— Bill (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 10:59:41 AM | | Votes: 1

You don't want to get into politics with me and I won't do it here, but you won't win and you know it.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 1:09:05 PM | | Votes: 2

don't start that, i got into a huge argument with lexusis350, who seems to think george bush is good for america and the war in iraq "protected" america. protected from what i've no idea. sand? i'm guessing he's one of those people who believed there were wmds in iraq, even though there was no evidence there was.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 6:07:01 PM | | Votes: 0

It's called patriotism, you idiot. Something your country could use. Come to think of it, your country could also use some humility.
— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 9:58:41 PM | | Votes: -1

loving george bush isn't patriotism.
it's stupidity.
and patriotism doesn't justify the thousands of dead iraqis. and as i keep saying, protected america from what? you won't give me an answer!
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2006 11:28:29 AM | | Votes: -2

Good going Legos. Now Lexus, go play with your Legos.
— 1uberaudi (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 11:46:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Anyone remember when Mazda came out with 4 wheel steering?...self parking will be gone in a couple years just like 4 wheel steering.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 1:10:27 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

saab still have 4wheel steer. but look what a state they're in.
— Rupert (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 3:08:51 PM | | Votes: 3

Maybe 4 wheel steering is a good thing, but self-parking is dumb unless you have trouble turning your head because of a medical condition.

Besides, I never park my car in spaces that close to other cars.

Everyone should know how to park or else we will have cars parked all over the country side!
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 3:32:04 PM | | Votes: 1

It is mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4 came with 4 wheel steering ?
— 99gs400 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 1:52:16 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Honda preludes also had 4 wheel steering.
— rack (View Profile)

Posted on 12/15/2006 6:48:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Sure about that?
— SilverAero (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2006 2:32:45 AM | | Votes: 0

Did you ever notice how the chrome trim around the little rear side window on the LS460 looks like it was taken right off an Aston Martin DB9?
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2006 1:17:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

4-wheel steering is actually VERY useful in certain situations.

most notably, moving a LONG WHEELBASE vehicle around in tight quarters, as gm once showed in some tv ads. it did also MARGINALLY improve handling on curvy roads.
it seems the advantages in both situations were NOT QUITE enuff to justify the extra cost.

the self-parking thing, likewise can be QUITE useful in certain situations. in many cars today, vision to the right rear quarter is limited. seeing styling trends today, it could well get even worse.
another situation where it would help: you're out partying and have had a few, affecting your ability to park (if not drive!). not recommended, but we all KNOW people do drive under the influence.

i once actually witnessed a guy attempting to park, while living in san francisco. he attracted the attention of a cop. who was REALLY COOL in not busting the guy. he just ensured the car got properly parked, and allowed the guy to stagger home to bed!

i consider myself an exceptional driver AND parker. i have several times squeezed a vehicle into a space NO MORE THAN 12-18 inches longer than the car itself!

and I would NOT mind having this feature at all!
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2006 2:54:44 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

I haven't talked to a salesperson if I can order the car without self-parking, but at lexus.com you can't build the car without it and they are charging at least $2 grand for something I know I would never use.
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/16/2006 11:34:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

hey, lexus figures anyone who could buy a lexus LS to begin with, is NOT a piker who'd begrudge another coupla grand for the most significant CONVENIENCE option in the last decade.

heck, people used to bitch about paying an extra $125 for an automatic transmission.

you gonna complain, STICK TO YOUR BICYCLE.
— XYZZ (View Profile)

Posted on 12/18/2006 7:39:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

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Which Parks Faster? A $70,000 Lexus 460 or this $250 Lego Car?

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