Lexus redesign aimed at BMW and Mercedes?

[Kirby]

Significant or not?

"In an effort to be more competitive with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Lexus will replace all its sedans by fall 2006. The GS 330 and GS 430 are being totally redesigned and will debut in the spring. The sporty IS 300 arrives at dealerships next fall. The ES 300 is being re-engineered for introduction in spring 2006. The flagship car, the LS 430 gets a complete new design and premiers next fall. All the models will have bolder styling and a sportier driving experience, according to Denny Clements, general manager of the Lexus division."

 

[Tom]

I think at the moment, their designs are too conservative for my liking. Looks like we'll just have to wait and see. I did see an IS spy photo and it looked pretty good.

 

[codex57]

we'll see if they actually go through with it. Lexus has carved a nice niche being a reliable and technically sophisticated Cadillac. Then again, they may be encouraged with the critical press of the new GS and may see weakness in the outcry over the Bangle cars as well as German electronics (I-Drive, Comand, etc.)

 

[aNoodle]

we'll see if they actually go through with it. Lexus has carved a nice niche being a reliable and technically sophisticated Cadillac. Then again, they may be encouraged with the critical press of the new GS and may see weakness in the outcry over the Bangle cars as well as German electronics (I-Drive, Comand, etc.)

Good point. We'll see if Lexus can capitalize on the opening. Personally, I don't think Lexus will ever have as much of a compelling challenge as Cadillac. The STS and CTS are a modern re-interpretation of American luxury. They have real class...and the fact that someone my age would say that, shows they've finally gotten their act together. The Lexus'es of the industry continually copy everyone else's style. Cadillacs these days have a totaly fresh look. Nobody is doing that look except them. I have a feeling Lexus will always ape other's designs and change everything all over again every so many years without any heritage. Boo.

 

[codex57]

Good point. We'll see if Lexus can capitalize on the opening. Personally, I don't think Lexus will ever have as much of a compelling challenge as Cadillac. The STS and CTS are a modern re-interpretation of American luxury. They have real class...and the fact that someone my age would say that, shows they've finally gotten their act together. The Lexus'es of the industry continually copy everyone else's style. Cadillacs these days have a totaly fresh look. Nobody is doing that look except them. I have a feeling Lexus will always ape other's designs and change everything all over again every so many years without any heritage. Boo.

That's true, but that's the Japanese way. From the VCR to countless other examples, the Japanese know how to take a good idea and perfect it. They may not be a bold leader, but I don't think they care as long as they sell a buttload of whatever it is. Toyota isn't really seen as a pioneer in the auto industry. But, they've still become an 800 pound gorilla. In the luxury department, most buyers are still pretty conservative (hence the outcry over Bangle's radical designs) and Toyota's copy but make better technique appeals to them. I mean, look at the Camry. Critics have been screaming that it's extremely boring looking and boring to drive, yet the average buyer could care less and has made it the #1 selling car.

 

[jrt67ss350]

Good point. We'll see if Lexus can capitalize on the opening. Personally, I don't think Lexus will ever have as much of a compelling challenge as Cadillac. The STS and CTS are a modern re-interpretation of American luxury. They have real class...and the fact that someone my age would say that, shows they've finally gotten their act together. The Lexus'es of the industry continually copy everyone else's style. Cadillacs these days have a totaly fresh look. Nobody is doing that look except them. I have a feeling Lexus will always ape other's designs and change everything all over again every so many years without any heritage. Boo.

Well said. I feel the exact same way. I like the new Caddy's because they have unique, bold styling that isn't a copy of other companies' products. I've never liked Japanese cars because they always seem so unexciting and unoriginal to me. They all look so similar.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

looks like we will just have to wait and see what they look like, but i still think BMW buyers will stay loyal to BMW

 

[drkeng]

I couldn't wait to see the CTS in person at the Chicago Auto Show. In person, I was unimpressed, especially with the interior. It seemed too plasticy around the seats and doors. The dash reminded me of something---my 1993 Lexus ES 300. The look and feel of the radio and climate control buttons seemed like they were lifted out of the Lexus. Those Lexus buttons have a pretty unique feel--a soft click when you press them. The BMW radio/climate buttons are kind of similar now. Apparently that kind of stuff, like the button feel, undergoes a lot of testing and engineering. I think Lexus had it before Caddy.

Also, let's not forget Acura. Supposedly their Nav system is top rate. They're up to date with Bluetooth and the new RL looks (well, not looks) pretty cool. For that matter, my friend's Lexus LX has Bluetooth that will be compatible with any brand phone.

 

[finally330i]

I think you underestimate the Japanese. I'm sure Lexus' new vehicles will be just a bit closer to combining the smooth engines and transmissions they are known for with a more sporting suspension. Their fit and finish is usually top notch and their reliability is second to none. I had a Camry V6 for ten years with not one problem. I love my BMW much more than my Toyota but there is something undeniably comforting about having a car that can do 85% of what a car needs to do and will never let you down.

 

[aNoodle]

If they get less love and never let ya down, I gotta agree with Lutz that they're just 'angry kitchen appliances.'

 

[Kirby]

Well said. I feel the exact same way. I like the new Caddy's because they have unique, bold styling that isn't a copy of other companies' products. I've never liked Japanese cars because they always seem so unexciting and unoriginal to me. They all look so similar.

Have you seen the new Caddy commercial? It is actually very creative and I thought it was funny as hell. It starts of with a bunch of European cars (Bimmer, Benz, etc.) doing a waltz in a classic ballroom. The doors open to the ballroom, the music stops and all the cars face the door, with the Bimmer front and center. The Caddy storms in to Zepplin's "Rock 'n Roll" and does drifts around the ballroom.

 

[Section_8]

That's because it's the only surface a 4000lb+ Caddy 'can' drift on..



[joke]
I kid, I kid!

I've noticed alot of different commercials recently by companies using BMW or MB to compare theirs to in some category.. BMW should just do one that owns them all, and be done with it, same with MB. Just do a nice 30 sec with a M3 or M5, or an SL55 AMG or something totally nasty.. And DOG the other cars to death.. Then end it with..

"So.. What car do you REALLY want to drive home in tonight?"

 

[Kirby]

I agree, a lot of commercials compare themselves to BMW. In the past couple of months alone, I recall the Caddy, Mitsubishi comparing the warranty period, Audi comparing AWD performance. And I know there are a few I'm missing.

 

[///M SPEED]

Even Jeep feels the need to compare a four-wheel drive SUV with an Audi and BMW. What to talk about stretching it....

 

[Murray BMF]

A Lexus ia an over priced Toyota, An Acura is an Over priced Honda, An Infiniti is an Over Priced Nissan, A BMW is an.....Well It's a BMW, which happens to be what I drive, so it can't be that bad......

 

[Section_8]

Even Jeep feels the need to compare a four-wheel drive SUV with an Audi and BMW. What to talk about stretching it....

It was a poor 5 series (new one) of all things too. Probably a poor 525 they were picking on.. Sure, your SUV sled with the biggest engine available in the vehicle (might) be able to keep up with a big BMW with the 'smallest' engine available within legal speed limits. God forbid you have a corner of any sort, or the BMW driver get a hair and stretch that thing out..

And then they suddenly take down a barrier, and the jeep goes off road. Like, anyone with a BMW (non X3/X5) is even thinking about doing that in their car?? Especially someone out at the track??? That commercial will probably do them more harm than good, just like those little talking rat commercials for Quiznos.. (ugh)

 

[drkeng]

The Jeep compares their car to a 325 xi--obviously it couldn't beat the 330 xi.
I also wonder if the Jeep was the base engine or the V-8. I like how they say it starts at something like$26,000; if you catch the fine print, a V-8 with options is like $40,000--some difference.

 

[Wallie05]

Guys, like it or not, the Japenese auto makers are coming into a right of their own--some would say they've been there for a while. It's true they might not be innovators (though that might be changing--i.e. Acura's SH-AWD), but like codex said, the Japs can take a good thing and make it perfect.

Today's Jap cars aren't just the lowly ole Civics and "tricked" out Toyotas (read: Lexus); the luxury divisions Infiniti and Lexus are coming out with high-horsepower, fine-handling, and good looking cars at very competetive, usually cheaper, prices. I'm not sorry to say that I'm actually seriously considering "switching over" to, perhaps, the 2006 Lexus GS or Infiniti M35/45 in about a year or two. Personally, I can't wait to see Lexus' new line. If they're as determined to rival BMW as I think they are, I'm sure they'll put out a great product. Jap cars have always had fit and finish and reliability to match, or even beat, the Germans, but now, even Japanese performance standards are catching up. Lets not even talk about electronics. I think most of you know where BMW (and M-B) have been headed in regards to that. Anyway, it's going to be a tough race as the Japs creep further and further into BMW/M-B/Audi territory....

 

[Section_8]

The Jeep compares their car to a 325 xi--obviously it couldn't beat the 330 xi.
I also wonder if the Jeep was the base engine or the V-8. I like how they say it starts at something like$26,000; if you catch the fine print, a V-8 with options is like $40,000--some difference.

Take another look at the commercial, it's the new 5 series that the jeep is next to on the track, I know a sexy car from a Bangle car *ducking from Tool*.

Unless they have more than one silly commercial running around?? Maybe the guy talking was comparing it's 4wd to BMW's AWD (scary coming from a company founded on 4wd vehicles).

Yah, starting at 26k, you nailed that on the head.. The one shown I'm sure was the V8, no way their V6 in a SUV that weighs more than the BMW, is going to keep pace, 3 or a 5.

The Jap companies still have a long way to go Wallie... Every single car that BMW builds is solid 'perfection' (run with me on this) insofar that even the lowest model they MAKE, is considered the pillar for other car companies to compare their cars to. You don't have to agree with that, look at all the commercials out that we've been talking about in this thread. Everone is comparing their 'newest' cars to BMW's which haven't changed in a few years (other than facelifts..)

Sure, Infiniti/Nissan is making ONE model (350Z/G35) that is comparable to a BMW. Sure, Accura makes ONE model (TL and it's variants) that is comparable to a BMW. ALL of BMW's models compare or beat the best ONE model any one else is putting out from the Jap companies. Who makes a car that compares to a M3 other than MB and Audi? Who makes a car that compares to the M5, other than (you guessed it) MB and Audi? (I'm only comparing American market cars btw, when skylines can be found here, then make that 2 for Accura/Honda.) And don't say Ferrari, we're talking Jap cars here right, not 'another' Euro brand (hmm.. wow aren't ALL of the top of the line cars.. Euro??) Lambos, Ferraris, Porsches, BMW's, MBs, Audis. I guess the Euro folks do SOMETHING right. QUALITY over QUANTITY.

God forbid we get past the 'basic' 325i model, and get into a 330i ZHP for comparisons, or a 545i, never mind the //M's.. See where I'm going with this?

That is what spells excellence in car manufacturing to me. Props to the Japanese for finally catching on that we're about Quality over Quantity, (Everyone say CAMRY with me).

 

[///M SPEED]

The Jeep compares their car to a 325 xi--obviously it couldn't beat the 330 xi.
I also wonder if the Jeep was the base engine or the V-8. I like how they say it starts at something like$26,000; if you catch the fine print, a V-8 with options is like $40,000--some difference.

It was the hemi powered Jeep....

Section8, it is not the 5 series it is the BMW 325xi that they compare the Jeep too. It is compared to the 325xi and Audi TT.....