Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Just to throw more numbers in here. The QX80 starts at $62k and goes up to ~$80k. The LX starts at $82K and options up to $92k. The QX80 had better be outselling it here.

speedflex

Usually it is one person, if it's the right person, who can turn things around because they have a singular vision and a dedication to realizing that vision. They also need the power to execute. Infiniti's biggest problem has historically been a lack of clear vision and direction... a lack of focus. It has been a body without a head. Now it has a head. Yes, one person CAN turn things around.

LexFather

I would hope Lexus fans, owners and enthusiasts appreciate the efforts of Mr. Akio Toyoda. I would hope we sing his praises especially since the results are there, real, immediate results;
-sales up
-stock up
-profits up
-quality up
-better materials
-better technology
-better pricing
-sportier vehicles, some sportiest in class
-bounce back from the recall fiasco
etc etc etc

Lexus is his personal pet project, he loves the brand and has a truly vested interest to see it succeed.

You are comparing a man who's NAME is LITERALLY on the CARS. He was vetted as a young man to eventually head the company.

He is the heart and soul of the company today, again his name is on the door, on the business cards, on every car. His impact is immediate and a truly rare example of one person making a change. To take it further, Toyota is the heart and soul of Japanese business. Whatever they do effects the entire country. I'm not sure if any one company is as dominant and important to a super-power as Toyota is to Japan. This became crystal clear visiting Japan. Every employee I spoke to


If those leaders are given the tools and freedom to succeed. Two examples you posted are rare because
1. Elon Musk owns Tesla, it is his company
2. Again Akio Toyoda's name is the company name and he was vetted to be the leader.

Alan Mullaly did a great job and was allowed freedom to do his job.

In regards to Carlos Ghosn he literally runs both Nissan/Renault 50/50 as CEO. He has been hailed as one of the most effective automotive leaders of our time. He turned Nissan around with his infamous cost cutting and sharing or parts. Every year he is on the list of the most powerful and influential men in the automotive business.

And FYI Ghosn personally chose and hired Johan de Nysschen Will Nysschen be given the tools to win, the main one being a significant amount of money to invest in the brand??

We will see. They had a goal of 500k sales (worldwide) for 2016, revised to now 2017. That is a huge jump from today's figures in 2014.

And seems while Ghosn did save Infiniiti in 1999, seems as recent as 2013 he was fine with killing the brand. Forgot about that...
http://wardsauto.com/management-amp-...lling-infiniti

Vh_Supra26

iTrader: (1)

Click here to view more photos

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/12/fac...-32650-in.html

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Front looks improved IMO

gymratter

the taillights kinda remind me of the GS

cino

iTrader: (1)

Front does look better, but where is GTR powertrain?

Blackraven

This facelift makes the car so much better.

In fact, I would love one with that 5.6 liter V8 engine (VK56VD)

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Amen

Trexus

Basically Infiniti added a diesel version:

M56
M37
M35h
M22d

Lexus had the IS 220d and IS 200d and didn't really sell really well and replaced it with the IS 300h which must be doing better. Just wish Lexus would bring the IS 300h to the United States so we get a much better selection from the IS line.

Lexus please bring the IS 300h to the U.S.!

TangoRed

Do you think it would drive well? I can't really see that fitting in with the current IS's mission...I feel like that buyer would purchase an ES...

Blackraven

So the M30d (with its V9X six-cylinder Diesel Engine) is now phased-out in Europe..........and replaced with a four banger diesel?

That is one step back.....

Seriously, premium car buyers in Europe really need to try harder imho. If you can't afford a bigger engine, then you should either find more ways to earn more money so you can afford it OR go into a lower class/category of vehicle.

IMHO, I think one main reason why the IS Diesel didn't do so well is because of the manual stick shift that was paired with it.



It was subpar at best. The synchros were terrible, it led to 5th injector and EGR problems with the Diesel units, gearing is not optimal, etc. etc.

In fact, in Lexus owners forum in the United Kingdom, all of the members advised to not bother with the IS Diesel or any IS with a manual stick shift.

They recommended that you get an IS250 with automatic instead.

Truth be told, Lexus is not really a specialist when it comes to stick shifts. Hence, in the 3IS and so on, there is no manual anymore...........and I doubt that they have intentions to release one in the future.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

iirc the engine was not very reliable. Think it was sourced from some Polish factory

Trexus

That's like saying Lexus doesn't need an ES hybrid, GS hybrid's (GS 300h/450h), RX hybrid, LS hybrid, RC hybrid, IS hybrid or an NX hybrid.

An IS hybrid is not going to drive anything as close to an IS F or an IS 350, however it would be great to expand the IS line. Very soon we'll get an IS 200t, does Lexus really need an IS turbo?

I'm sure some people in the U.S. market would rather have a rwd hybrid (ISh) than an fwd hybrid (ESh) with a sportier look (IS) than an old man's look (ES). Again more selection is better for us...oh bring back the HS 250h as well...and bring the RC 300h to the U.S.

TangoRed

I think you missed my point. Outside of the RC and GS450h, the hybrid fits the driving characteristics of the other models you listed. The relatively tepid power output and CVT of the typical midrange Toyota hybrid powertrain makes it better suited to a more relaxed car than the IS. And yes I think we need an IS turbo- the car can still be engaging to driver with the slower motor, as we've seen with the BMW 328i.

But you're right, choice isn't a bad thing.

Back to wrapping Christmas presents!