Ls430
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Come see me after class.
The Q45 from Infiniti should not be left out; it is a definite contender in the up-market sports luxury sedan market. With 340bhp, it's not gonna be hounding an M5 or RS6 on the freeway, but it's plenty power to have fun with.
The remarkably smooth ride is a bonus, considering its handling prowess. Even with nismo S-tune suspension, the ride is never harsh, though it keeps the car planted during high-speed maneuvers or when you're simply having fun. And it can taxi around the aunts and uncles without giving them a heart attack.
The car's real trump card is its interior. Of all the cars I've personally driven, it is by far the most refined; the controls are logically placed, very easy to learn and use. And you gotta love the heated seats front and rear - and the reclining rear seats!
For a low $60k or so, a fully optioned Q45 will give a comparably equipped S500 a run for its money. (Having driven an S500 from Texas to Cali and back, I feel I have the right to comment.) And when you consider the S500 can dip into the $90s...
Anyway, the LS430 may very well be a great bang-for-buck sports luxury sedan, the styling is simply too bland for me (others may call it understated elegance, I call it plain). It's also massively underpowered, especially for its size. I would imagine one can develop a severe case of depression after driving this beast.
I've been driven in an LS430, but never driven it, so I can't really comment on the handling. I can say, however, that the seats provide little lateral support, even in the slightest of bends you're sliding around like greased up monkeys. But I guess I'm a bit spoiled on the S2000...
What I remember rather distinctly, however, is the amazing stereo system! But then again, I'm used to the crappy system in the S2000 so... But seriosuly, even compared to the Q45, G35, S500, etc. the LS430 ranks on top.
The Q45 and Lexus are definite competitors. I wouldn't go so much as to say the deVille is aimed at buyers who would also consider the two Japanese cars, but the S430/S500, 745 BMW, and Jag S-type to be definite competitors.
The remarkably smooth ride is a bonus, considering its handling prowess. Even with nismo S-tune suspension, the ride is never harsh, though it keeps the car planted during high-speed maneuvers or when you're simply having fun. And it can taxi around the aunts and uncles without giving them a heart attack.
The car's real trump card is its interior. Of all the cars I've personally driven, it is by far the most refined; the controls are logically placed, very easy to learn and use. And you gotta love the heated seats front and rear - and the reclining rear seats!
For a low $60k or so, a fully optioned Q45 will give a comparably equipped S500 a run for its money. (Having driven an S500 from Texas to Cali and back, I feel I have the right to comment.) And when you consider the S500 can dip into the $90s...
Anyway, the LS430 may very well be a great bang-for-buck sports luxury sedan, the styling is simply too bland for me (others may call it understated elegance, I call it plain). It's also massively underpowered, especially for its size. I would imagine one can develop a severe case of depression after driving this beast.
I've been driven in an LS430, but never driven it, so I can't really comment on the handling. I can say, however, that the seats provide little lateral support, even in the slightest of bends you're sliding around like greased up monkeys. But I guess I'm a bit spoiled on the S2000...
What I remember rather distinctly, however, is the amazing stereo system! But then again, I'm used to the crappy system in the S2000 so... But seriosuly, even compared to the Q45, G35, S500, etc. the LS430 ranks on top.
The Q45 and Lexus are definite competitors. I wouldn't go so much as to say the deVille is aimed at buyers who would also consider the two Japanese cars, but the S430/S500, 745 BMW, and Jag S-type to be definite competitors.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Come see me after class.
I wish!
We went to the Houston Auto Show last weekend to look at the new E55 AMG, which my dad was very interested in. Unfortunately, there was no model on display. Needless to say, my dad was a bit pissed - though it all turned out for the better...
With no E55 to gawk over, we spent most of our time at the Ferrari booth, drooling over the 575M. So impressed was my dad that the next day he went to Momentum and Ferrari of Houston looking for a used 550 Maranello. It turns out that FoH had a '98 Argento Nurburgring silver with only 10kmi... for only $100k!
He called me at around 11am Monday morning from the pay phone at a gas station down the street to spread the good news. I almost nutted myself! He's considering it, but in all honesty I think I'm gonna have to settle with the E55...
Cross your fingers everyone!
We went to the Houston Auto Show last weekend to look at the new E55 AMG, which my dad was very interested in. Unfortunately, there was no model on display. Needless to say, my dad was a bit pissed - though it all turned out for the better...
With no E55 to gawk over, we spent most of our time at the Ferrari booth, drooling over the 575M. So impressed was my dad that the next day he went to Momentum and Ferrari of Houston looking for a used 550 Maranello. It turns out that FoH had a '98 Argento Nurburgring silver with only 10kmi... for only $100k!
He called me at around 11am Monday morning from the pay phone at a gas station down the street to spread the good news. I almost nutted myself! He's considering it, but in all honesty I think I'm gonna have to settle with the E55...
Cross your fingers everyone!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 221
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From: Redondo Beach
Originally posted by alexf20c
...
Anyway, the LS430 may very well be a great bang-for-buck sports luxury sedan, the styling is simply too bland for me (others may call it understated elegance, I call it plain). It's also massively underpowered, especially for its size. I would imagine one can develop a severe case of depression after driving this beast.
...
...
Anyway, the LS430 may very well be a great bang-for-buck sports luxury sedan, the styling is simply too bland for me (others may call it understated elegance, I call it plain). It's also massively underpowered, especially for its size. I would imagine one can develop a severe case of depression after driving this beast.
...
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 235
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From: south
Well, the new Q45 has 340 HP stock, and does 0-60 in 6.
This car is just amazing.
Better yet, here is a pic of the Keuylian supercharger system for the 2002/03 Q45. This system uses a very efficient screw compressor with an air-to-water intercooler integral in the intake manifold casting. Nice engineering. 7.5psi boost, 100hp gain. 440 HP total, making this car faster than a M5 or E55 AMG!
Just the manifold
www.keuylianmotorcars.com
This car is just amazing.
Better yet, here is a pic of the Keuylian supercharger system for the 2002/03 Q45. This system uses a very efficient screw compressor with an air-to-water intercooler integral in the intake manifold casting. Nice engineering. 7.5psi boost, 100hp gain. 440 HP total, making this car faster than a M5 or E55 AMG!
Just the manifold
www.keuylianmotorcars.com
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,244
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From: SoCal
Originally posted by alexf20c
I wish!
We went to the Houston Auto Show last weekend to look at the new E55 AMG, which my dad was very interested in. Unfortunately, there was no model on display. Needless to say, my dad was a bit pissed - though it all turned out for the better...
With no E55 to gawk over, we spent most of our time at the Ferrari booth, drooling over the 575M. So impressed was my dad that the next day he went to Momentum and Ferrari of Houston looking for a used 550 Maranello. It turns out that FoH had a '98 Argento Nurburgring silver with only 10kmi... for only $100k!
He called me at around 11am Monday morning from the pay phone at a gas station down the street to spread the good news. I almost nutted myself! He's considering it, but in all honesty I think I'm gonna have to settle with the E55...
Cross your fingers everyone!
I wish!
We went to the Houston Auto Show last weekend to look at the new E55 AMG, which my dad was very interested in. Unfortunately, there was no model on display. Needless to say, my dad was a bit pissed - though it all turned out for the better...
With no E55 to gawk over, we spent most of our time at the Ferrari booth, drooling over the 575M. So impressed was my dad that the next day he went to Momentum and Ferrari of Houston looking for a used 550 Maranello. It turns out that FoH had a '98 Argento Nurburgring silver with only 10kmi... for only $100k!
He called me at around 11am Monday morning from the pay phone at a gas station down the street to spread the good news. I almost nutted myself! He's considering it, but in all honesty I think I'm gonna have to settle with the E55...
Cross your fingers everyone!
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,101
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From: Dana Point, CA
IMO, the LS430 is a perfect car for what its designed to be... a luxury sedan.
I should start out by stating that I'm admittedly biased. My mom and step dad on on their 4th LS. They bought their first one in 1989 as a first year 1990 model. Each car has been trouble free and tight as a drum the day they sold them for new versions. Each one gave them upwards of 100K luxurious miles. Each one held its value well. Each one put a premium on luxury over sport.
I can't see myself owning an LS as the focus is far too much on luxury for my tastes but I'll tell you this... its a damn fine car to be driven in or drive long distances. Trips to Vegas, Phoenix or N. CA are made easy as pie in this car. Its quiet (almost too quiet for my tastes), smooth, powerful (no offense but whoever stated the car was horribly underpowered is on crack), has great visibility, is supremely comfortable and has a magnificent HVAC and stereo system.
Style is subjective and to my eye the LS isn't as soul stirring as the current Merecedes but its also not hard on the eyes. The interior is light years ahead. Not only are the materials first rate, but the quality and fit and finish is way, way, way better than the E class and as good if not better than all S classes but the supremo expensive V12 models. Moreover, Lexus keeps it simple. No stupid and over complicated COMMAND system (MB) or assinine I-Drive (BMW). IMO, only Audi makes nicer interiors. No, the seats aren't made for corner carving but they're damn comfy and the materials are phenominal.
The LS is no longer the screaming value it was when first introduced. Simply put, it hurt itself. The original LS400 was light years ahead of the then current BMW 735 and big Benz. It hurt these companies where it hurts most and caused the Germans to get serious about customer service and offering value (instead of just magnificent engineering and cache). Today's big 7 and S class are far better vehicles because of it.
Be that as it may, I still think you get a lot more car for your money in the LS than you do in either the 7 or the S class. Don't believe me, price out a similarily equipped S or 7 vis a vis an LS.
Others here have raised the question of the Q. I think the current Q is much better than the last but honestly, still not as good as the original. Too bad that car never sold the way it should have because it was fresh, performed well, and different. The Q has all the right spec's (good chassis, magnificent drivetrain, all the electronic doo dads) but just doesn't put them together right. Magazine after magazine (taken for what its worth) agree here. Moreover, despite all the power from the Q (340bhp) it is actually slower than the current LS in 0-60 acceleration (according to two major mags). Throw in the fact that Infinitis typically have terrible resale value compared to Lexus, MB and BMW. That is likely to change with the new round of products being offered (the new G, the FX and even the Q being discussed), The final nail in the coffin is the stlying (which is again admittedly subjective) that is not pleasing to my eyes. Elements of the car are very nice (the headlight treatment for example) but as a whole, its awkward to my eyes.
In summary, if you want a luxury vehicle that isn't the best and any one thing but is very good at all things, I don't think you can go wrong with the LS. Throw in the Lexus ownership experience (the absolute best in the industry) and you have a winning formula.
I should start out by stating that I'm admittedly biased. My mom and step dad on on their 4th LS. They bought their first one in 1989 as a first year 1990 model. Each car has been trouble free and tight as a drum the day they sold them for new versions. Each one gave them upwards of 100K luxurious miles. Each one held its value well. Each one put a premium on luxury over sport.
I can't see myself owning an LS as the focus is far too much on luxury for my tastes but I'll tell you this... its a damn fine car to be driven in or drive long distances. Trips to Vegas, Phoenix or N. CA are made easy as pie in this car. Its quiet (almost too quiet for my tastes), smooth, powerful (no offense but whoever stated the car was horribly underpowered is on crack), has great visibility, is supremely comfortable and has a magnificent HVAC and stereo system.
Style is subjective and to my eye the LS isn't as soul stirring as the current Merecedes but its also not hard on the eyes. The interior is light years ahead. Not only are the materials first rate, but the quality and fit and finish is way, way, way better than the E class and as good if not better than all S classes but the supremo expensive V12 models. Moreover, Lexus keeps it simple. No stupid and over complicated COMMAND system (MB) or assinine I-Drive (BMW). IMO, only Audi makes nicer interiors. No, the seats aren't made for corner carving but they're damn comfy and the materials are phenominal.
The LS is no longer the screaming value it was when first introduced. Simply put, it hurt itself. The original LS400 was light years ahead of the then current BMW 735 and big Benz. It hurt these companies where it hurts most and caused the Germans to get serious about customer service and offering value (instead of just magnificent engineering and cache). Today's big 7 and S class are far better vehicles because of it.
Be that as it may, I still think you get a lot more car for your money in the LS than you do in either the 7 or the S class. Don't believe me, price out a similarily equipped S or 7 vis a vis an LS.
Others here have raised the question of the Q. I think the current Q is much better than the last but honestly, still not as good as the original. Too bad that car never sold the way it should have because it was fresh, performed well, and different. The Q has all the right spec's (good chassis, magnificent drivetrain, all the electronic doo dads) but just doesn't put them together right. Magazine after magazine (taken for what its worth) agree here. Moreover, despite all the power from the Q (340bhp) it is actually slower than the current LS in 0-60 acceleration (according to two major mags). Throw in the fact that Infinitis typically have terrible resale value compared to Lexus, MB and BMW. That is likely to change with the new round of products being offered (the new G, the FX and even the Q being discussed), The final nail in the coffin is the stlying (which is again admittedly subjective) that is not pleasing to my eyes. Elements of the car are very nice (the headlight treatment for example) but as a whole, its awkward to my eyes.
In summary, if you want a luxury vehicle that isn't the best and any one thing but is very good at all things, I don't think you can go wrong with the LS. Throw in the Lexus ownership experience (the absolute best in the industry) and you have a winning formula.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 235
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From: south
The special edition of Road and Track, the full road test issue, has a Q45 vs LS430
shootout and the Q45 won. I know you can't always go by critics, but they happen to share my views.
Also, the Q is a FUN car to drive and doesn't feel so isloated like the LS. For 2003 the Q got new gearing so 0-60 is even faster.
I'd recommend to anyone to TEST DRIVE the LS and the Q, compare features, value, etc. and get the best car that fits your lifestyle and budget.
In my eyes, the Q wins. But again, I'm driving one..
shootout and the Q45 won. I know you can't always go by critics, but they happen to share my views.
Also, the Q is a FUN car to drive and doesn't feel so isloated like the LS. For 2003 the Q got new gearing so 0-60 is even faster.
I'd recommend to anyone to TEST DRIVE the LS and the Q, compare features, value, etc. and get the best car that fits your lifestyle and budget.
In my eyes, the Q wins. But again, I'm driving one..