Future of Lexus discussion 2013-2015
08-02-14, 05:55 PM
#331
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Sulu
It was obvious to me that the Camry LE was built down from a more premium model -- most obviously the XLE but it is not a stretch to think that it was, in fact, built down from the Avalon or ES. Toyota built the Camry LE by taking away bits and pieces of "luxury" (some interior trim, fog lights, etc.) from the XLE, but the underlying car was built for the XLE and Avalon, so it is good.
The Avalon, when it was introduced some 20 years ago, was actually built up from the Camry. It was a slightly stretched Camry with a little more weight, a smoother ride, a bench-seat/column-shift option, and lower noise level....essentially a Japanese Buick LeSabre. (I shopped with some friends who bought a new 1Gen model.) It remained essentially a longer Camry for quite some time.....only the latest 4Gen version is really close to the ES350, though the ES originally also came from a stretched Camry platform. The original ES250 was almost a 100% rebadged Camry, but I'm not really including it because it was only offered a very short time and did not sell well.
08-02-14, 05:56 PM
#332
Lexus Fanatic
Actually if you check the LX and Landcruiser hardly share anything inside and out today as the two brands have separated further apart. The first two generations were very closely alike, the first gen clearly a rebadge.. The GX does share most of the Prado body but the interior is different.
08-03-14, 10:30 AM
#333
Lexus Champion
The problem with the modern Maybach is that Mercedes-Benz tried to build up from its S-Class rather than the other direction. It is much easier to build down from a more premium vehicle to a less premium vehicle; MB tried to build up.
I have seen this in such mundane examples as the Camry and Corolla. I have owned both Camry LE and Corolla LE models. The trim level is the same and the price difference between the camry LE (the bottom of the lineup in Canada) and the Corolla LE (the top of the lineup in Canada) is not that much.
It was obvious to me that the Camry LE was built down from a more premium model -- most obviously the XLE but it is not a stretch to think that it was, in fact, built down from the Avalon or ES. Toyota built the Camry LE by taking away bits and pieces of "luxury" (some interior trim, fog lights, etc.) from the XLE, but the underlying car was built for the XLE and Avalon, so it is good.
The Corolla LE, however, was obviously built up from a barebones economy model. Toyota built the Corolla LE by trying to add bits and pieces of *luxury* (Optitron gauges, wood trim, fog lights, etc.), but the underlying car was built for a barebones Corolla CE (in Canada). Toyota did not even bother to put in rear disk brakes for the Corolla LE.
MB's mistake is that the Maybach was too obviously built up from an S-Class (it even looked like its cheaper cousin) by trying to add bits and pieces of "ultra-luxury". If, however, MB had done what Rolls-Royce did with the Rolls-Royce Ghost (design it and then build down from it for the 7-Series), and designed a Maybach and then introduced its platform-mate S-Class as a build-down, I believe that it would have been more successful.
I have seen this in such mundane examples as the Camry and Corolla. I have owned both Camry LE and Corolla LE models. The trim level is the same and the price difference between the camry LE (the bottom of the lineup in Canada) and the Corolla LE (the top of the lineup in Canada) is not that much.
It was obvious to me that the Camry LE was built down from a more premium model -- most obviously the XLE but it is not a stretch to think that it was, in fact, built down from the Avalon or ES. Toyota built the Camry LE by taking away bits and pieces of "luxury" (some interior trim, fog lights, etc.) from the XLE, but the underlying car was built for the XLE and Avalon, so it is good.
The Corolla LE, however, was obviously built up from a barebones economy model. Toyota built the Corolla LE by trying to add bits and pieces of *luxury* (Optitron gauges, wood trim, fog lights, etc.), but the underlying car was built for a barebones Corolla CE (in Canada). Toyota did not even bother to put in rear disk brakes for the Corolla LE.
MB's mistake is that the Maybach was too obviously built up from an S-Class (it even looked like its cheaper cousin) by trying to add bits and pieces of "ultra-luxury". If, however, MB had done what Rolls-Royce did with the Rolls-Royce Ghost (design it and then build down from it for the 7-Series), and designed a Maybach and then introduced its platform-mate S-Class as a build-down, I believe that it would have been more successful.
08-03-14, 11:47 AM
#334
Lead Lap
The Maybach had many problems- not only was it built up from an S-class, but it was built up from a very old one. Despite the styling resemblance to the W220 S-class, the Maybach was actually based off the W140 platform that first rolled off the assembly line in 1991.
08-03-14, 12:59 PM
#335
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
let's try to keep this on the future of lexus, and less about history, particularly other brands.
08-03-14, 01:15 PM
#337
Lexus Test Driver
The next LS needs massage seats for driver, better seats, softer ride, and more power. Just a few thoughts.
08-12-14, 04:58 AM
#343
Lexus Test Driver
08-12-14, 09:02 AM
#344
The LS needs to be a homerun as the new S is amazing, one of the best interiors right now, bar none.
I really do hope Lexus comes out with a 6 figure GT. The new S Coupe has done it for me. I'll be in the market in a couple of years. Basically every other maker needs to convince me their big coupe is better! LOL. I sold my 93 SC300 last year and just really want another coupe in my garage. If they revive the SC name, they better be on point!
I really do hope Lexus comes out with a 6 figure GT. The new S Coupe has done it for me. I'll be in the market in a couple of years. Basically every other maker needs to convince me their big coupe is better! LOL. I sold my 93 SC300 last year and just really want another coupe in my garage. If they revive the SC name, they better be on point!
08-12-14, 09:20 AM
#345
Exactly how i was thinking! The new car needs the RC-F powertrain as the base engine option to compare with HP numbers Mercedes is putting down, and the interior needs to be decked out to exceed quality found in the merc. next we will need the technology up front such as a virtual self driving car, and things such as "magic ride" that see the road imperfections and adjusts ride before it hits