encore888

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1952862,00.asp

I'm surprised that I didn't see any Lexus cars on there. I think that one 'advantage' PC Mag seems to think is having an i-Drive like ****. I concede that controlling multiple functions at one time is cool, but the learning curve and the need for a complex rotational mechanism cancel each other out in my opinion. I much prefer Lexus' simple touchscreen layout. And I think, for instance, that 3d NAVI screens are more distracting than helpful.

But congratulations to those involved. These awards do make Lexus' claim of 'most technologically advanced sedan on the planet' seem less powerful.

I do note, however, that some of the Autoblog commenters were mentioning the LS 600h L, although that car wasn't eligible in these awards.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

ummm...what about the infiniti M45 is advanced? Not saying that it's a bad car, but it's no more advanced than the 2nd generation GS, IMO. And the Terraza? STS? Aside from Magnaride there is nothing advanced about that car.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Lexus hasn't really had anything that stands out too much. They have a lot of luxurious gadgets, but nothing too advance. (and no..a navi doesn't qualify it as advance )

LexFather

There is no way in heaven, hell and anything in between the M45 is the most technologically advanced anything. I've seen refrigerators, sorry, toaster ovens with more tech. I think its actually a throwback, brute power and force.

NAV and rearview cameras are now not out the ordinary and not even MADE by the auto company those items are outsourced. What about the engine, some sort of double vanos or vvti? What about the 5 speed auto when others have 6, 7 and now 8 speeds?

There is no car more advanced than the GS 450h right now.

The S550 is not a 100k car? So then that should be their choice.

What in the hell?

encore888

Note that PC mag weighed price heavily in its considerations. The S550 comes on top with technology, but its price tag weighs it down in the consideration. And I agree, that $100,000 price category seems a bit weird.

The M45 adds Lane-Departure and Backup Camera to the list of innovations, plus they liked the **** and display screen. Compared to the GS, I think the Lane-Departure system (which itself is rather gimmicky, although the New LS might have a better version) is the one major difference. The optional rear-seat DVD system can be another. But I think having your bluetooth info and other things on the screen is just unnecessary clutter.

But I like the RL's NavTraffic, IMO that should have put it on top.

LexFather

I was being funny with the comments, but it makes my point.. outside lane depature, the M45 has less items than the GS or RL from a tech standpoint. A **** is not technology, that is the way INTO the technology.

I mean, the SH-AWD of the RL puts it over the M45 to me, from a technology standpoint. The GS 300 has VVTi and direct injection, that is very advanced.

Are they worried about the actual CAR or what the car companies OUTSOURCE?

Quite frankly if anything, I would rate the 3 even from a technology standpoint. GS430/M45/RL

Now the GS 450h, is just a whole different level of tecnology from Gen 5 NAV to the hybrid synergy drive.

spwolf

and PC Mag people know .... about cars? :-).

STIG

these computer people know jack shi* about cars. if you go to CNET and read their reviews, they are ummm kinda funny and annoying.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

which is why PC magazine should stick to....PCs

AJL0365

i have a M45 sport loaded with every option, dont know if the lane departure thing was optional but i have it. Honestly its not all great. it beeps when you go over the line on the road but u can bariely hear it, when you have the music playing or the window down, it beeps but you dont hear it because its not loud. and a lil lane system flashes on the instrument panel but you wont see it unless you look down at the right moment to even notice that you're not in the lane. but hey you can turn it off

mmarshall

Totally agree, Mike. For the money ( 50K +/-) the Acura RL offers far more technology. Its engine may not have quite the M45's brute power, but the chassis is far more sophisticated and the SH AWD ( the M45 is RWD only ) is one of the best AWD systems on the market. Plus, the RL offers noticibly better fit-and-finish and bank-vault-like door solidness, although the M45's new interior and dash is quite impressive with the Rosewood finish.

mmarshall

I also question the selection of the 3-series as the best driver's car. True, the 3-series has a superb steering system ( at least the non-Active one ) and the chassis dynamics are first-rate for a sedan, but you are stuck with I-Drive in all but the base version, and if you have ever driven a Mazda Miata or a Honda S2000 on a twisting road ( provided you are small enough to FIT in one ) I think you will agree with me that the Best Driver's Car award can probably be split between these two. I would have mentioned the lighter and even more agile and responsive Lotus Elise as perhaps the Ultimate Driver's car, but the Elise simply has too harsh of a ride....even more so than Miatas or S2000s. It is like riding in a go-kart.

TheRupp

I would name the Elise as well, but as far as this list goes, the Elise has pretty much 0 technology.

I don't get why people keep naming the Infiniti's over all the others for technology. They don't offer park sensors (minus the QX), laser/radar cruise, hell they don't even offer power-folding mirrors. How does this put them on top? I agree with the GS450h should be on top there. That car is a technological wonder

GSsnarl

Although I truly believe that the Infiniti M is a great car and is an incredible performer, I wouldn’t go as far to claim that’s it’s the technologically most advanced car . I mean the GS has way more important stuff! (Read below)… Or is PC magazine only judging based on Navigation graphics and display, I-pod integration and rear DVD entertainment?

Some of the things the GS has over the M

VGRS; adjusts steering ratio according to speed, makes driving around at low speeds easier by lessening the number of times you need to turn the wheel.

Sensors that detect when wind is hitting the side of the car, and if those sensors detect that the
car is slightly drifting off towards the right, the system applies up to 2 degrees of steering assist towards the left to keep the car going straight.

VDIM; it’s not just an ESP, VSC or any of those systems, this thing way more sophisticated and GS should be getting awards based on this system alone.

Parking sensors; not only do they give audible warnings and show you a top view of the car and where you’re about to hit, but the warning sound also comes out from the side of the object you’re about to hit. But that’s not all, since this car is all electronics, the system also tell you how to steer in order to avoid hitting the near by object.

AVS

Rain sensing wipers

Electric brakes

Laser cruise control or pre collision system in the GS goes a step further than the M, by applying brakes, when the driver fails to react to the warnings of a collision.

Both exterior rear view mirrors go down when put in reverse (not just one)
Both exterior rear view mirrors are electrocromatic (not just one)

Screen is touch screen operated, while the M uses a ****-joystick

Not to mention that the GS has more seat adjustments for the front passenger.
GS has 3 separate memory seat positions for each of the front seats, the M only has 2 for the driver and none for the passenger.

Auto door locking when shifted to drive or when it reaches a certain speed (you choose)

Smart key system in the Lexus is much more sophisticated and high tech than the Infiniti’s system

Headlight washers

A smart sensor for the AC that instantly switches air intake from outside to inside the second it detects a certain level of smog/pollution from outside. Keeps the passengers in the cabin breathing clean air.

The M still uses A 5 SPEED!!!

Knee airbags

Head rest that automatically moves up or down based on how far the seat is pushed back.

Just naming a few… the GS430 is a great car, I don’t even know what to say about the GS450h, THIS CAR, IS the most technologically advanced car. Again, the M is a great car, but i think its performance is playing too much of a factor when magazines judge and rate this car.

mmarshall

You can also make a case for the Lexus RX400H and Toyota Highlander Hybrids being on this list. They have what IMO is the most sophisticated and technically complex drivetrain available today in a regular production vehicle. This multiple-electric motor system from this drivetrain will be available in the future Lexus GS hybrids but probably will not have the AWD combined with it that the RX and Highlander have.....I expect flipside909, LexArazzo, and 1SICKLEX will fill us in on that later as details become more available.