LS Lexus LS 460 performance numbers disappoint

[PanterroR]

The Lexus LS 460 fell short of its claimed 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds in a road test in the latest issue of Car and Driver magazine. The C&D testers couldn't get the car to complete the sprint in any less than 6.0 seconds. Braking distances were also unusually long. The car took 209 feet to come to a stop from 70 mph, the magazine said. That's nearly the same as the GMC Seirra's 210 foot braking distance. The new Mercedes S-Class, by comparison, takes 172 feet to stop from the same speed.

Source: Leftlane

 

[Osnabrueck]

I'm not an apologist for Toyota, but my guess is that this was due to the preproduction specimen.

 

[Merc1]

Yeah I'll wait until C&D tests one on U.S. soil in U.S. production trim.

M

 

[PanterroR]

How about this:

 

[LaArtist]

wow that sucks..especially that braking issue

 

[Yperion]

Lexus/Toyota are the brand of lies and deceit , it won't take long even for people with limited IQ to realize that.

 

[siko]

Lexus/Toyota are the brand of lies and deceit , it won't take long even for people with limited IQ to realize that.

Aye, especially on fuel economy figues. I don't know how it is in other countries, but I know ppl here in Canada that are pissed about the number Toyota puts out and real life experiences.

 

[wltsm]

I will wait till a proper product model is tested!

I'm looking forward to the LS 600h

 

[Bruce]

I saw the numbers in Car & Driver magazine last time at a book store and was disspointed..

I'd still rather have the LS460 over a lot of it'sequivalents.

 

[Mr. M]

I saw the numbers in Car & Driver magazine last time at a book store and was disspointed..

I'd still rather have the LS460 over a lot of it'sequivalents.

That's interesting. Why?

 

[cawimmer430]

Something seems to be up with Lexus.

Overhere in Europe, the IS250 is being torn apart for being "underpowered", wobbly handling, poor brakes and poor fuel economy. My question is, why all the hype about the IS being a 3-series killer? The 3-series walks all over this thing, even in IS350 form. Straightline speed doesn't make the better car, which Lexus fans don't seem to get. They look at the IS350's 0-60 time and compare it to the 330i and boom, "the IS350 is obviously the better car". Now that the 335i is out, the Lexus fans change tactics and scream "But the IS is so much more reliable..."

The Lexus GS, my favorite Lexus is also being spanked for poor brakes in Europe. Also, I'd never thought I'd hear this, but the new GS has gained weight and the GS300 is according to some European magazines "underpowered". The engine struggles with moving this heavy car. And this is the entry-level engine in Europe. They don't even offer a diesel.

The new LS is a good-looking car. Classy indeed, but it still lacks that special something that the A8, S-Class and XJ seem to have. A type of presence that Lexus has never managed to recreate (or copy). And the braking issues on the LS are pretty bad given the C&D review and comparison against the competition. Lexus really seems to have a problem with their brakes. Hey, maybe they copied MB's SBC brake!? j/k

The 8-speed automatic also didn't help its 0-60 time I see...

 

[Bruce]

That's interesting. Why?

Peformance really means little to me in a car like this and if Lexus is good at anything it's making comfortable cars.

 

[siko]

Peformance really means little to me in a car like this and if Lexus is good at anything it's making comfortable cars.

Agreed that when I think of Lexus, I think comfort first, performance probably last.

But I think Lexus is trying to change that image (i.e. IS)

 

[GTA45E]

Yeah I'll wait until C&D tests one on U.S. soil in U.S. production trim.

M

I`ll agree to that but I`m still not expecting to much of a difference...

 

[Imhotep Evil]

I`ll agree to that but I`m still not expecting to much of a difference...

Don't think so either.

 

[cawimmer430]

But I think Lexus is trying to change that image (i.e. IS)

IMO, they market the IS as a "3-series rival" to generate interest in the Lexus brand amongst younger buyers with the goal of getting them hooked on the brand.

To me, no matter what the Lexus advertisements claim, the IS will always be a C-Class competitor. You need more than sheer horsepower to topple the BMW 3-series. What makes the 3-series so special is its balance of sport, luxury, handling and performance. Given Lexus philosophy, they're not really a BMW competitor but more of a Mercedes rival. Also, where's the manual transmission on the IS350? That is one of the selling points for an enthusiast who wants a sports sedan.

At least the C350 comes with a manual as standard.

 

[siko]

IMO, they market the IS as a "3-series rival" to generate interest in the Lexus brand amongst younger buyers with the goal of getting them hooked on the brand.

To me, no matter what the Lexus advertisements claim, the IS will always be a C-Class competitor. You need more than sheer horsepower to topple the BMW 3-series. What makes the 3-series so special is its balance of sport, luxury, handling and performance. Given Lexus philosophy, they're not really a BMW competitor but more of a Mercedes rival. Also, where's the manual transmission on the IS350? That is one of the selling points for an enthusiast who wants a sports sedan.

At least the C350 comes with a manual as standard.

I didn't mean to compare models to model etc... just sayin that I think Lexus will slowly try to change it's image as just a comfort/luxury car maker.

I'm expecting Lexus to start advertizing its cars more and more as performance machines.

 

[cawimmer430]

I didn't mean to compare models to model etc... just sayin that I think Lexus will slowly try to change it's image as just a comfort/luxury car maker.

I'm expecting Lexus to start advertizing its cars more and more as performance machines.

They have to change their image in order to attract younger buyers. I see Lexus as being an "old man's car", even moreso than MB.

The IS is really the on car in their lineup that radiates a degree of youthfulness.