Chav Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Oh I do find it funny the way people view a Lexus. I see Flared arches don't get them on an S4, you get quad exhausts, S4 only just got that, Nice sized alloys, rear wheel drive a more sporting option, nice little boot spoiler aka, M3 / S4. But no its not sporty. Some people are only ever Audi or BMW and nothing else exists despite how boring or badly the new ones look. I just don't get it I really don't. [/ QUOTE ] Ahem... definitely not just Audi or BMW here btw! Doesn't matter what you say though, Lexii look dull.... And I don't think Alan Partridge drove an Audi btw. The engine does seem to have a good spec tho. Wonder if it will sound as dull in the flesh or will it have a nice V8 burble? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_C Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] The Lexus might have a better ride quality than the S4 on rougher surfaces (not difficult!!). I know that John_Carter won't agree but the S4 is seriously bad imo on rough road surfaces and I'm not talking dirt roads. [/ QUOTE ] Not entirely but then I don't disagree either. I think it's fairest to say that the S4's suspension setup is not very tolerant or forgiving of our crumbling roads, having been designed with smooth, efficient German roads in mind. On those rare occasions when you are on a perfectly smooth and even surface, the ride is sublime - as you saw - but conversely as soon as you're on a typically appalling 'B' road through a town (for example) you soon know about it, again as you saw! That road we were on when we discussed it was exceptionally bad though, and not typical even for our roads. I read somewhere that Audi's suspension engineers are now paying closer attention to the setup for UK cars, sending teams over here as do M-B and BMW. I'm sure this needs to happen, but not as much as we need to sort our bloody roads out - two wrongs don't make a right IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I read somewhere that Audi's suspension engineers are now paying closer attention to the setup for UK cars, sending teams over here as do M-B and BMW. I'm sure this needs to happen, but not as much as we need to sort our bloody roads out - two wrongs don't make a right IMO. [/ QUOTE ] Slightly off topic, but why do they have to send their engineers here? ....Wouldn't be hard for them to take a sledgehammer to one of their super smooth test tracks would it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 I think most people would think that the RS4 and the new M3 look and seem like a more exciting package than that Lexus: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snail Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 The thing is, both M3 and RS4 just seem to have different wheels, and different front bumpers, and slightly flaired arches. The front of the lexus has a different front bumper, and different wheels. So, your all saying flared arches make a car exciting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chav Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 It's not just physical looks though is it - it's mostly image. e.g. sporty and jag. they only go in the same sentence when you're over 60! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 I like the looks of the new IS - looks much better in the flesh in my view. A bit sharper than the A4, none of the middle age spread of the 3 series, and I don't think I even need to mention the C Class. Having got refinement, reliability and customer service sewn up, Lexus have been making huge steps forward in styling. The original IS was a nice looking, understated car, but it has to be said the GS and LS were downright fugly. The new GS is as good looking as any of its competitors (not difficult IMO), and the forthcoming LS460 (previewed at the motorshow and hits our shores around the end of 2006) is a revelation compared to the current LS430. Lexus' next step, in their quest to produce a car I might buy ( ), is to introduce something of the sporting character of a BMW (and to some extent Audi). If this IS500 materialises in the UK, I'll definitely be trying one out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J_C Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] I read somewhere that Audi's suspension engineers are now paying closer attention to the setup for UK cars, sending teams over here as do M-B and BMW. I'm sure this needs to happen, but not as much as we need to sort our bloody roads out - two wrongs don't make a right IMO. [/ QUOTE ] Slightly off topic, but why do they have to send their engineers here? ....Wouldn't be hard for them to take a sledgehammer to one of their super smooth test tracks would it! [/ QUOTE ] Apparently to experience it for themselves - evidently they drove the equivalent Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar () models over the same roads to determine the competition's approach to the problem. This data was collated and will be used to tune the Audi suspension for the UK market in the future. Sorry for going off-topic CarMad; I actually really like the exterior looks of the new IS, but its Kia-esque interior really put me off - although it is well appointed and the fit and finish are obviously of high quality, especially when compared to its predecessor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted August 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 No Probs JC. Audi where camping out at Bentley helping tune the suspension on the Conti GT when I was there, its then that they started to realise how different our roads are and why they need to focus on fixing their suspension for our roads. Its been said many times that if you can get a car to work on UK roads it will work anywhere. In reference to the IS500, who knows what it will be like. Will have to see when the final version comes out, the version going round the ring has a new front, back and flared arches the rest is as yet unknown. How will it drive haven't got a clue I doubt they will get it right first time BUT I certainly won't rule it out because of the badge or what people might think of me driving it. I want to buy as I say many times on TSN, the best car I can afford for the money and that fits my needs at the time of choosing largely reguardless of the badge or others opinion, I just see anything else as just been a follower of fashion and I'm afraid I'm not a follow everyone else like a sheep type person. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin275 Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Looks are subjective of course, but I wouldn’t write it off until you know how well it drives. Who would have guessed that cars like the RS4 and GTI would have turned out so well? If Lexus can pull off the same sort of turnaround as VAG then it would be a great car. However, there was a lot of hype around the IS before it was launched and the reality was rather disappointing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Oooooo, well I like the sound of this and I like the look of it too. I'd love to see Lexus have a crack at this sector and I'd be very interested in having a look at one if it is ever made. I've already said the IS will be a very serious contender (in 2.2D form) for replacing my A4 when the time comes. I do find it amusing that Audi owners comment about the car not looking much...when they've been preaching about the stealthy appeal of the Audi brand being a reason they bought one in the first place! I'd be interested to know how many people have driven a Lexus IS too, or a Lexus per se. They're a very very impressive car indeed and the fit and finish is second to none. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 I wouldn't say the IS is disappointing, except for the very limited range of engines currently available in the UK. (That said, I've sat in one for about a minute and not yet driven one...) The IS250 will never compete as a sporting exec saloon with something like a 325i, but in the reviews I've seen the IS220d is seen as a better all round car than the BMW 320d - the only advantage for the BMW being a bit more poke from an excellent BMW unit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I think most people would think that the RS4 and the new M3 look and seem like a more exciting package than that Lexus: [/ QUOTE ] I disagree. The BMW looks, well, plain and ugly. The RS4 has an ugly mouth and an uncomfortable balance head on, but its far nicer looking than the M3 spyshots. The Lexus, well I think it's got good lines by the look of those photo's and I think if you take the badges off the cars above, gave everyone amensia, and then asked them...you'd get a different outcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Badges dont mean a thing to me, remember i like mercs However the Lexus just looks Japanese, like a Subaru or a Toyota and I suppose I find it hard to associate luxury or quality with a Japanese car. Whenever I have been in them I always think, over padded rolly seats and wood that is plastic and really doesn't go with the car. I would buy a Jap car for performance (evo or Scooby) yes bob, but for luxury/performance they need to do a bit of persuading... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 But the 3-series could just as well have a Hyundai badge on it and look worse than Japanese.....Korean!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Exactly. However, I'm perfectly happy for people to disregard Lexus - should make it easier to haggle a good deal when I buy one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 I dont think so, since the 5 and 6 series ive got used to the looks, so it just looks German and BMW to me. The new M3 to me just looks like a smaller more aggressive M6, which I quite like... That Lexus, looks like a Lexus with big wheels and 4 pipes. I dont mind them, they are something different to look at on the road but they inspire no passion in me for some reason... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 ....And passion is what it's all about! At least that's what I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
P_G Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] But the 3-series could just as well have a Hyundai badge on it and look worse than Japanese.....Korean!!!!!!! [/ QUOTE ] Well at least it's not Malaysian! Me personally I'd like to have a drive of the IS500 if it is launched, I do lie the look of the new IS and know thay do have good interiors, what' put me off is the engine range in the UK on the IS and with LS and GS models they just haven't done anything for me looks wise. Funny thing for me is that the AMG C Merc equivalent isn't mentioned in this thread, is it not perceived by those on here as M3 / RS4 competition? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 I don't consider the AMG a rival - because it's not the same handling league as the M3/S4. Lodders had one for a while and swapped it for a Boxster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRobin Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Funny thing for me is that the AMG C Merc equivalent isn't mentioned in this thread, is it not perceived by those on here as M3 / RS4 competition? [/ QUOTE ] Please don't mention those cars! Though to be fair, it's some of their drivers: Link to TSN thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Interesting point on the AMG. If the IS500 does materialise, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit closer in concept to the C55 AMG than the ®S4/M3. Not a bad thing in my view, but perhaps not what some (most) of you are after. If it does turn out like that, it'll destroy the C55 by the way. Better dealers, better built, more reliable, ALOT cheaper... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 [ QUOTE ] I don't consider the AMG a rival - because it's not the same handling league as the M3/S4. Lodders had one for a while and swapped it for a Boxster. [/ QUOTE ] Well actually I bet the new C63 is more than a match rival for any of the cars listed in this thread. Im sure it will be by far the most powerful too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woppum Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Ummmnnn.... 475bhp!!! http://emercedesbenz.com/Aug06/02_C_63_AMG_Spy_Video.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 11, 2006 Report Share Posted August 11, 2006 Which'll make it an impressive dragster. Slush box I expect, rwd - doubt it'd see which way an RS4 went on a road with any bends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now