Club Lexus Forums

Club Lexus Forums - Car Chat http://www.clublexus.com/forums General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:18:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Club Lexus Forums - Car Chat http://www.clublexus.com/forums going to cal poly... what 5speed cars do you guys suggest ? http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/270321-going-to-cal-poly-what-5speed-cars-do-you-guys-suggest-new-post.html Fri, 03 Jul 2020 17:05:36 GMT hey guys, im going to cal poly for school soon and i need another car to drive. my dad is gonna take the 350 while im gone. what 5speed cars do you guys suggest? hey guys, im going to cal poly for school soon and i need another car to drive. my dad is gonna take the 350 while im gone. what 5speed cars do you guys suggest? ]]> Car Chat 2slow http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/270321-going-to-cal-poly-what-5speed-cars-do-you-guys-suggest.html Lexus LFA Yamaha Acoustic clip http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465542-lexus-lfa-yamaha-acoustic-clip-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:15:53 GMT Give it a listen.. http://www.global.yamaha.com/news/2009/20091021.html Give it a listen..

http://www.global.yamaha.com/news/2009/20091021.html ]]> Car Chat RyanV http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465542-lexus-lfa-yamaha-acoustic-clip.html Beater cars you wish you still had? http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465508-beater-cars-you-wish-you-still-had-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:20:41 GMT Interesting topic came up on one of my motorcycle forums recently. The question was what cheap, beater bike we've owned that we really missed and would love to have back, so I thought it'd be good fodder for cars as well.

For many of us, a really nice car was not always an option. Heck, even my used IS-300 was far less than a brand new Civic (but that's another story). So for those that have not always been able to have the car they really wanted, or had to settle for a $2000 zoomer at some point, is there one that you just absolutely fell in love with? Would like to have back, or find another as just a toy?

For me, it was an 88 Honda CRX Si. What a great car! Only paid $3k for it, and got seven years and 150k miles from the old girl. Only reason I got rid of it was it cost more to do the bodywork to make it pass inspection then I could ever sell the thing for. But that's not why I loved the car...

First off, that CRX was bullet-proof. Sure, it had the typical body rust, but mechanically, you couldn't kill the thing. Never had to put a dime into the motor, or running gear that I didn't want to. And even if I neglected the maintenance once in a while, the thing just ran like a top.

Also, the car was practical. You'd think that at under 1900lbs (by the time I was done with it) and the size of a roller-skate, it'd be a pain in inclimate weather. But it wasn't. A cheap set of snows got me through the worst that a Pittsburgh winter could throw at it. Though it did get a tad squirrelly in heavy rain at higher speeds. It consistently got 30-35mpg, even with my heavy right foot. And lets not forget that, though only a two seater, that big hatch meant I could haul quite a bit if needed.

But the best part of that car? It was a great little hot-rod! Sure it only had 130hp, and 100lbs of torque (after mods), but it didn't need much more at 2000 pounds fully loaded. It launched hard off the line and pulled aggressively though the whole gearbox. And in the twisties, at a track day,or on an autocross course, it handled like a go-kart at any speed. Just crank the wheel, and it went where you wanted it to, instantly. And it didn't cost me a lot to modify. For a grand total of $500, I had a nice, used cat-back, strut-tower braces, header, intake, and some various other things - all bought from the internet, or friends who road-raced Honda's.

It wasn't real refined, didn't turn heads, or have monster power, but man was it great fun to drive! And for less money than many people put into rims and tires or a stereo. If I ever get the urge (and finances) to build a car to go club racing, I might just have to go find myself another CRX!! Even over the Miata I had. It was just that much fun to drive.

So, what beater did you have that you just fell in love with? Most of us didn't always have the means for a nice car, but I'm sure many of you have similar, fond memories of a $2-4k car. Tell us a story... ]]> Car Chat jaseman http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465508-beater-cars-you-wish-you-still-had.html Acura prices ZDX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465501-acura-prices-zdx-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:43:15 GMT *_Acura Announces Pricing and On-Sale Information for 2010 ZDX (http://www.facebook.com/notes/acura/acura-announces-pricing-and-on-sale-information-for-2010-zdx/182163618846)_* TORRANCE, Calif. - Nov 20 — The all-new 2010 ZDX four-door sports coupe is set to go on-sale at Acura dealerships on... Acura Announces Pricing and On-Sale Information for 2010 ZDX

TORRANCE, Calif. - Nov 20 —
The all-new 2010 ZDX four-door sports coupe is set to go on-sale at Acura dealerships on December 15 with a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) starting at $45,495, plus a destination and handling charge* of $810, Acura announced today.

Designed, developed and manufactured in North America, the ZDX has already generated a tremendous amount of excitement since its world debut at the New York Auto Show in April, thanks to its stunning coupe-like styling combined with flexible utility, a commanding presence and outstanding performance.

"Acura dealers are seeing strong interest from customers for the ZDX well before its official on-sale date," said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. "The ZDX is like nothing you have ever seen before from Acura."
The ZDX will be available in three trim packages, the well-equipped ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. Highlights of standard features on the ZDX include the world's longest panoramic glass roof, concealed rear door handles, and a hand-stitched leather dash, center console and door panels. Powering every ZDX is a 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 that generates 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque while achieving a class-leading EPA-rated city/highway fuel economy of 16/23 mpg**. Standard on every ZDX is Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®) system that provides outstanding handling as well as excellent all-season capability.

The ZDX with Technology Package adds an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic™ with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™ with radar image maps, a full VGA display screen and an innovative new multi-view rear camera. Additionally, the Technology Package includes an upgraded Acura/ELS Surround® 415-watt Premium Audio System with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) media storage system (that allows the ZDX owner to download and store up to 3,500 songs***), a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system and Keyless Access System (with Smart Entry and push button ignition).

In addition to the features found in the Technology Package, the Advance Package adds several premium technologies including a new blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigating Braking System™ (CMBS™), an Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel.

Trim MSRP* EPA** ZDX $45,495 16/23/19 ZDX with Technology Package $49,995 16/23/19 ZDX with Advance Package $56,045 16/23/19

---------------------

:egads: ]]> Car Chat (Cj) http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465501-acura-prices-zdx.html Lexus LF-Ch may be headed for U.S http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465494-lexus-lf-ch-may-be-headed-for-u-s-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:55:12 GMT Lexus LF-Ch may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner

by Sam Abuelsamid autoblog

Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper – only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car.

Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. – especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the A3 TDI and a possible 1 Series hybrid or diesel down the line. ]]> Car Chat (Cj) http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465494-lexus-lf-ch-may-be-headed-for-u-s.html A few shots from SEMA 2009 http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465475-a-few-shots-from-sema-2009-a-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:11:29 GMT http://kbcarstuff.wordpress.com/ http://kbcarstuff.wordpress.com/ ]]> Car Chat XenonDepot http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465475-a-few-shots-from-sema-2009-a.html <![CDATA[2010 LS 460 Sport is "now a better drive than the S550 Sport"]]> http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465471-2010-ls-460-sport-is-now-a-better-drive-than-the-s550-sport-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:43:13 GMT While Auto Spies is often to be taken with a grain of salt (if that), they do have some surprisingly nice things to say about the 2010 LS. Considering that they are typically one of the most anti-Lexus sites out there, this is quite an interesting quote:

"The Spies were hard at work today capturing the first real-life shots of the 2010 Lexus LS Sport and Hybrid.

We got a chance to drive them today and although the Sport version of the LS sedan still doesn't rival the drive of a BMW 7-Series, it is a better driver now than a Mercedes S550 sport.

The TFT instrument screen (replaces tradition gauges with laptop-like screen to display speeed/tach, etc.) only available on the the LS Hybrid was also really cool.

Look for our video tour coming soon...For now, enjoy the pics!"

The 600hL doesn't look too bad in that pic, IMO.

Also, not a fan of the two tone leather but I am definitely digging the unpolished wood. I am looking forward to the rest of their review. ]]> Car Chat MPLexus301 http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465471-2010-ls-460-sport-is-now-a-better-drive-than-the-s550-sport.html Pro thieves stealing BMW headlights, air bags http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465444-pro-thieves-stealing-bmw-headlights-air-bags-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:23 GMT http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_13816167?source=rss Professional burglars working in the Westside and Mid-Wilshire areas have targeted more than 50 BMWs in recent months, getting away with expensive auto parts but leaving behind cellphones and laptop computers, it was reported today. The... http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_13816167?source=rss

Professional burglars working in the Westside and Mid-Wilshire areas have targeted more than 50 BMWs in recent months, getting away with expensive auto parts but leaving behind cellphones and laptop computers, it was reported today.

The Los Angeles Police Department says air bags costing thousands of dollars to replace and high-end headlights are being carefully removed from BMW 3 Series and 5 Series models, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Detective Mike Smith, an auto burglary expert, told The Times that the LAPD's Wilshire Division has seen "close to 40 of these crimes" since April and the West Los Angeles Division has seen 14.

"We believe this thief or thieves are getting into these vehicles in record time," he told the newspaper.

The air bag has replaced the radio, wheel rims and other fittings as auto burglars' favorite item to steal, according to The Time. They are portable, relatively easy to steal and a hot item on the black market.

More than 10 percent of all automobile theft
involve air bags, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a nonprofit research group funded by insurance companies, The Times reported.

The black market for such safety devices has soared in recent years, with criminals getting hundreds of dollars for an air bag that would cost customers about $1,500 to replace. The National Insurance Crime Bureau estimates at least 50,000 air bags are stolen annually, according to The Times.

"They leave behind valuable stuff that is sitting in the car," Smith told the newspaper.

He said anyone with information about the burglaries can contact the Wilshire station at (213) 473-0476. ]]> Car Chat 1SICKLEX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465444-pro-thieves-stealing-bmw-headlights-air-bags.html 2011 Audi A8 to debut November 30th at Design Miami http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465442-2011-audi-a8-to-debut-november-30th-at-design-miami-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:41:22 GMT Many of us are current A8/S8 fans....hope it looks just as good!

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/2...-design-miami/

Audi's centennial celebration is winding down, but the German brand isn't quite ready to switch off the lights. There's at least one more big model debut planned for its 100th anniversary, and in just over a week Audi will pull the sheets off the all-new 2011 Audi A8. Although the uber-sedan will take the stage at the LA Auto Show in two weeks, the world will get its first official look on the opposite coast at Design Miami.

Audi has erected a special temporary art museum for the design show, providing a backdrop for the unveiling of the brand's new flagship. According to Audi, the sedan will be surrounded by an exhibit from the Rubell Family collection called "Beg Borrow and Steal." There will also be an installation called the "Light Light" made of LEDs and aluminum -- a fitting tribute to the new A8's aluminum structure and LED lighting. So far, all we have is images of the Audi pavilion and a few teasers of the sedan, so stay tuned for more next week.

Gallery: Audi at Design Miami

PRESS RELEASE

Art of Progress: World premiere of the new Audi A8

* New Audi A8 to be unveiled on the eve of Design Miami
* Exhibition with Tom Dixon and the Rubell Family Collection

The 100th anniversary year of the Audi brand is set to culminate with a very special occasion. November 30 sees the world premiere of the new Audi A8 – in the extraordinary setting of Miami. Here the brand's new flagship will be presented in a truly innovative way in the Audi Pavilion, a temporary museum structure. It is to be the focal point of the vernissage "The Art of Progress," which exhibits cultural and technological progress and echoes the values of the new A8: Vorsprung durch Technik and design expertise that stirs the emotions.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, commented on the exhibition concept: "Our claim "Vorsprung durch Technik" also embraces design, which is one of the outstanding elements of the Audi signature. And as top design has now emerged as an acknowledged art form, we see the bridge between art and architecture as a logical step in advancing our brand."

Miami has long since emerged as the worldwide capital of art and design. With the two high-profile fairs Design Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach, early December is traditionally the highpoint of the season for all art and design aficionados. On the eve of Design Miami the world premiere of the new Audi A8 will be held in this very beautiful setting.

Audi is celebrating the world premiere in unconventional style with a vernissage, which symbolizes the cultural and technological progress embodied in the Audi A8 with its history, its engineering and its emotion-packed design.

Inspired by the guiding principle "The Art of Progress," the Audi flagship is due to be unveiled in the Audi Pavilion amidst selected art works from the new exhibition "Beg Borrow and Steal," which belongs to the Rubell Family Collection, one of the world's most important art collections, and the installation "The Light Light" – consisting of aluminum and LED light – by the British top designer Tom Dixon.

These three areas are linked thematically in the Audi Pavilion. They have in common an innovative and progressive nature and the courage to create new things, and are thus elegantly interlinked with each other in the exhibition.

"Artists, designers and engineers have one passion in common, which becomes evident in the "The Art of Progress" vernissage," emphasizes Stefan Sielaff, Head of Design at AUDI AG: "And that is the handling of form, function, color and material. To what extent the result is art is decided by the claim behind it, but also by the observer."

Through December 5 the vernissage in the Audi Pavilion is a satellite of Design Miami and Art Basel Miami Beach, and is open daily to visitors from all over the world to Design Miami and Art Basel.

Furthermore, this year Audi is acting as a designer among designers at Design Miami, where it will also be possible to see the new Audi A8. In the Audi Lounge, the brand's flagship will be presented as a world premiere in an innovative setting to visitors to Art Basel Miami Beach and Design Miami. This year Audi is the exclusive automotive sponsor both of Design Miami and of Art Basel Miami Beach.

Audi Pavilion
45th & Collins Avenue (east of the large parking lot)
Miami Beach

Opening times:
December 2 through 5, 2009
Open daily from 12 noon through 8 p.m.

Audi Lounge at Design Miami
Design Miami Temporary Structure
NE 39th Street and 1st Court
Miami Design District

Opening times:
December 2 through 5, 2009
Open daily from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. ]]> Car Chat 1SICKLEX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465442-2011-audi-a8-to-debut-november-30th-at-design-miami.html Abu Dhabi police unsheathe latest weapon - Nissan GT-R http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465435-abu-dhabi-police-unsheathe-latest-weapon-nissan-gt-r-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:55:48 GMT Abu Dhabi's police force has unveiled its latest weapon in the fight against crime - a Nissan GT-R.

The car, painted in the colours of the United Arab Emirates' flag, is entirely standard apart from the addition of a siren system.

See the Nissan GT-R police car pictures

That means 478bhp at 6400rpm, 434lb ft of torque at 3200 rpm and a 0-60mph time of 3.8sec.

Autocar

]]> Car Chat 1SICKLEX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465435-abu-dhabi-police-unsheathe-latest-weapon-nissan-gt-r.html When Civics Fly http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465434-when-civics-fly-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:52:03 GMT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrod511

This morning at the dealership; Civic driver flying down main thoroughfare, gets "cut off" clips a curb, goes airporn, punts a newspaper box into an Audi A6, lands on a 740iL, totals a Miata while hes at it as well. Missed a "sold" CL600 by a mouses fart.

Does anyone know how to link a video from FB to here? The crash is on security cam.

Vtach kicked in ]]> Car Chat 1SICKLEX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465434-when-civics-fly.html 1SICKREVIEW 2007 Lexus GS 450h http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465420-1sickreview-2007-lexus-gs-450h-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:53:09 GMT With my 50k official post (I have more than 50k posts lol) coming, I figure its a great time to post my review on my latest Lexus after 7 months of ownership. I also hope to educate about this vehicle as the media was either clueless to it or barely covered it. I just said it in another thread,... With my 50k official post (I have more than 50k posts lol) coming, I figure its a great time to post my review on my latest Lexus after 7 months of ownership. I also hope to educate about this vehicle as the media was either clueless to it or barely covered it.

I just said it in another thread, whereas the 2GS 400 just set me afire, the 3GS never really did. The styling was cool, the interior was cool, the powertrains initially were okay. CL moderator VVTi let me drive his brand new 430 when it debuted and it was lovely b/c it was "new" but I wasn't sure if I wanted one.

Lo and behold the GS 450h debuted, the first and still only RWD sport luxury hybrid. I have to admit I was smitten with this car more so for the technology and different approach. I'm no greenie but I was curious about hybrids and in my opinion, the 450h at the time was the no brainer of the GS bunch.

"The power of a V-8 with the economy of a I-4/V-6"

Driving for the first time reminded me of driving the GS 400 for the first time "damn its fast" and the thought that it was a "hybrid" made me chuckle. The reviews showed it had the best passing power of its V-8 competition, it was the quietest, got the most MPG and acceleration was near tops. Drawbacks were steering feel/sport.

Times are quoted as 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. I've taken it to the drag strip and ran a 14.0 flat and my battery was not full (for an INTERESTING read on driving a hybrid at the track go here) I am sure next spring I will crack 13s...
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-t...with-pics.html

I've also raced it against the 430 and the 450h pulls nearly a car ahead by 60 MPH. So yes its fast.

Not bad as the car weighs 4100 lbs. I weighed it at the track and it said 4120 if I remember right, so I was pleased to see it was accurate. In contrast, my 2GS 430 is 3750 lbs and the 3GS is around the same.

The speed and acceleration is unreal. One thing that takes getting used to is the CVT transmission. It was a worlds first as it can shift under engine load, battery load or both. Its weird not feeling or hearing a shift! During a test drive, I figure you will hate it like I did. I think it probably scares some potential buyers off. Its a very smooth transmission, sometimes it gets buzzy at full speed at very illegal speeds. Thing is it just keeps pulling and pulling, its like riding a bike down the hill and going faster and faster and not touching the pedals. I've whooped quite a few cars (check racing forum) and its always funny when I tell people "yes its a hybrid".

Which takes me to styling. Outside the small hybrid badges on the lower rear doors, the blue 450h badge on the rear and the 18" tri spoke wheels with the chrome trim, you can't tell it apart from a normal GS.

I think that appeals to me tons. However research shows people WANT to show they own a hybrid. Thus today, the 2010 GS has a much different grill (horizontal to vertical slants) and more obvious blue badging and rear tinted tails. Now in comparison to the 2GS, the 3GS has gotten less compliments. I guess I'm too stock. :D We also live in a time with many more attention getting cars and the 3GS styling isn't original anymore like the 2GS. Doesn't bother me. I do think sometimes I wish I got Flint Mica or white/black again....I chose black/black to continue the black GS trend I have going....(I plan to get a black 1GS one day for the hatrick)..

I've only added a Blitz real carbon fiber grill for now. I prefer the stealth look. I also painted the chrome grill black.

You can see the differences between stock, grill paint and CF/grill paint in these pics.
Stock (not my car)

Test fit Painted Chrome trim with stock grill

Test fit Blitz Carbon Fiber grill

The handling is an odd sort but I've felt this in the SCs and the GSs and ISs...somtimes the car feels near perfect and pretty damn confidence inspiring. Other times, the steering feels very loose and I feel less confident in what will happen. The wood steering wheel looks great, but it doesn't help if your hands are cold and you want to "feel" things. The GS like most cars today has electric steering.

Compared to other GSs, I really like the fact the 450h has that big heavy engine in the rear. It really plants the rear for some fun at high speeds or pressing the accelerator with the CVT. I don't want to dare call it a 911, but if you have driven a 911 with that heavy engine in the rear that is how it feels sometimes. I have had some FUN FUN FUN sliding the car and "feeling" the weight of the rear....with the CVT always adapting, it feels GREAT.

When you get it right. Like I said, if you don't, the car can feel very artificial and well, like a hybrid. :D Like the 2GS, steering feel is lost at higher speeds. However Henry and myself agree the 3GS drives how the 2GS does with TRD sways and that is no bad thing.

The car also has the electric brakes which take some time and took me a couple months to learn how to modulate. I don't have many issues with it now. Every once in awhile, I'll brake up a little too hard and my G/F will look like "WTF". Lexus brakes have always been a strong point and I've yet to experience fade. One negative is the CONSTANT brake dust on the front wheels. I look like I have gunmetal wheels up front most days. :egads::D If you don't know, the hybrid system is amazing that the car renergizes the battery with regenerative braking. When you brake in the GS 450 (or coast) it recharges the electric motors. There is a cool screen that shows this under the odometer and on the NAV screen. One of the reasons I love it, its different and very very forward thinking.

Since I am am inside, lets continue there. The GS has been raved for having maybe the best looking interior in class and I agree here. Its also pretty well built. It is obvious Lexus moved to a harder plastic for the dash compared to the 2GS. I love how it looks in comparison but it is "hard" to the touch. Some owners have had rattle issues. For the most part I have been lucky. From my reading and understanding the GS 450h has a special set of engineers compared to other GSs on the assembly line.

I have the black interior and I love it. The GS black interior gets the redwood, a great match. The "passionate black" gets the greywood and red trim. (google it or search lol). I don't like busy, I hate busy. I look at a lot of interiors with 10 different colors inside and obvious sweeping dashes and it looks overdone and gets old fast. The GS has the redwood on the console (it can scratch) and I personally love the curved wood on the doors, very different. Some people have asked for more wood but I like it. There are also subtle chrome touches..like around the Mark Levinson tweeters. The leather feels good but newer models have semi-analine leather. The heated/ventilated seats work VERY well. I am not officially a fan of ventilated seats, they really do make a difference in keeping you less sweaty and cooler.

Another original part of the GS is the "titanium" gauges. They look expensive and hand built. The 450h also is different as it has no tach, but a battery meter. Read below and see the pics!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX (Post 4464474)

Well its not just about the CVT but you guys are correct partly. My G/F's 07 Altima has CVT (can't wait for that lease to be up next year :D) and she has a tach and the car does rev like a regular tranny depending on your speed and if you punch it/cruise etc.

From my understanding Lexus did it to make the 450h "different" and to show the "power" being used from the battery motor. Lexus intent with this car was to show power gains more so than fuel efficiency. You will notice Lexus literature rarely mentions fuel economy.

Driving the car, it acts like a battery tach. When you at a stop, the needle stays in the blue range and when you punch it, you see it rise up like a tach.
(you can see the blue color in the pics below)

non hybrid

Primitively speaking, think of it as a hybrid battery turbo gauge.:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX (Post 4480566)

Okay so to better help explain I took some pics after inner tonight. Notice we have those beautiful Titanium Gauges but sorry for the quality, it was my iPhone and my left hand wasn't too steady.

This is traveling at about 65 mph using gas only. As you can see the battery is not being used so the power meter is on low/0.

This next pic is when I hit the gas at half throttle, enough to engage the battery. As you can see the battery is now being used and it is reflected in the power meter. This is similar to how the revs in a traditional car rise when you want to speed up.

The next pic shows the level of the power meter it at full throttle (I let off the gas quickly as my G/F was following me :) ) and as you can see most all of the battery is being used. This is when you get the class leading passing power. I was at 85 MPH in a blink.

I hope this better explains how the power meter on the 450h works :)

The 450h also has a neat hybrid information display on the NAV screen which shows what parts of the car is producing power or recharging. There are different colors to make it easy to read.

There has been a lot of talk about the 3GS lacking room but I am 6"5, 230lbs and I fit in the front fine. My head rarely hits the roof, only if I put the seat all the way up. I've fit 5 people in my vehicle a few times, not small people and you won't die as some people want you to believe. It is no LS in the rear though.

Overall I much prefer the coupe like drivers oriented dash and smaller dimensions to a vehicle with a larger interior that drives sportier. I don't fully get that.

One thing the 450h lost is trunk space. 7 cubes!! The regular GS has 12 plus. For 2009 they figured out how to make it 10 cubes (damnit) though. To be honest its not too much of an issue. I really stuff that trunk when I need too. Two small luggage bags fit perfect. I will advice to keep a sheet around if you need to use the rear seats and don't want to scratch them.

Which gets to my next point. The 450h is a hybrid that gets better MPG than on the HIGHWAY, not the City. Rated originally 25/28 revised to 23/25. When I first got it and babied it I could average 25 MPG easy, 28 MPG even. Since then, the damn car is just FUN with its every abundant battery torque. So I get the estimate of 23 MPG driving pretty hard. IN comparsion to my 430, that is 5 MPG better, I was getting 16-18 in the 430. So I am VERY pleased with MPG.

The 2GS 430 has a near 19 gallon tank..the 450h 17 gallons. I could barely get 330-340 miles to the tank normally in that car. I've gotten 100 miles MORE in the smaller tank 450h. It kind of contradicts the fact that it gets great highway miles but u can't pack much in the trunk for a highway trip. I've gotten 32MPG easy cruising 55-65 on the highway. Driving it cold and in the city really hurts MPG. Again the car is tuned for speed, not MPG. I've sat and watched the MPG plummet during cold starts and driving in short trips around town (need an HS 250h):p

I didn't buy this car just for MPG benefit so I don't keep a log of money saved b/c its a hybrid. There are other benefits like this car is ultra emissions clean and only other hybrids meet this. This car is also HELLA quiet (not hellaflush, sigh). I mean I love it. When you come to a stop the car shuts off. Most times you can't tell a thing. Sometimes you feel a minor move in the rear as the motor turns off. (the manual tells you that may happen so don't be alarmed). In the Lexus manual when the engine is off, the car gets 50% less NVH. I mean it feels like being in a bank vault.

When the battery if full, I can drive around on just electric power. Not for very long, maybe 2 miles tops and up to around 20 MPH. If you have driven a golf cart, that is how it feels and sounds. Pretty cool (GREAT for drive by's). You literally cannot hear the car coming. Its funny b/c the 2GS has an L-tuned exhaust and people say they can hear me coming a mile away. With the 450h, I've literally SNEAKED UP on people. Hilarious!!!

Other amenities are the Lexus usual. I love the keyless entry and pushbutton start (though my leather case is wearing). I love the LEDs all over the interior, so classy. I love the folding side mirrors and they have a puddle light. I love the adaptive headlights, you CAN see them move. I've already raved about the Mark Levinson system and I can't buy a Lexus without it. The NAV is gen 5 and I don't use it often but it has proven its use. I still need to read the manual on it. The glove box is big, the doors have ample map pockets as the rear seats. I DO HATE that there is NO MP3 CONNECTION. WTF. My G/Fs 07 Altima has that. Funny I was one of the dolts saying it was not needed and ridiculous. Boy was I wrong. :D Luckily new GS now have it.

Values for this vehicle has held VERY strong. I could sell my vehicle today for the same price I bought it months ago. The 450h is a limited production model, only 2k for the USA initially and today its special order only. I love the fact its so rare, I've only seen 2 others since this car debuted.

Its really a thinking persons car. If a salesman knows nothing about it, people will walk out on it as its "different". Even the Lexus hybrid manual says "this car will drive different to a conventional car". :D It was early for its time but it is catching on as Benz offers a S-class hybrid and Infiniti is bringing a M37 hybrid soon.

Overall I applaud Lexus for being first to offer a different take on the luxury sport sedan. I overwhelmingly recommend this car. I don't see myself NOT buying a hybrid for a conventional vehicle. Gas only to me has to be a very fun vehicle from now on.

I leave this post with the grin I get driving it around and getting asked "wait, that is a hybrid"????

Yes, it sure it:dance: ]]> Car Chat 1SICKLEX http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465420-1sickreview-2007-lexus-gs-450h.html <![CDATA[786 Motoring's Drift Toyota Cressida]]> http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465412-786-motorings-drift-toyota-cressida-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:49:08 GMT Not a Lexus, but just a hometown Hero.
Fresh from the MayDayGarage blog:

786 motoring's Drift Cressida the day it leaves for competition at Irwindale Speedway for this weekend's Formula D Pro-Am.

Not all of the stickers are on the car as these photos were taken. Photo credits go to Khiem Pham.

As always, for more information visit www.MayDayGarage.com ! ]]> Car Chat TurboFC3C http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465412-786-motorings-drift-toyota-cressida.html GOTO racing R35 racing video http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465409-goto-racing-r35-racing-video-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:45:21 GMT High quality video of the GOTO racing R35.
http://www.vimeo.com/7677560
Amazing acceleration on the straights, but some understeer in the corners.
I'm sure that with some more development time, it will get better (and I'm sure that the tire blowout and body damage didn't help either).
I think the lead car is the FXMD NSX.. another amazing car.

Enjoy and cheers, ]]> Car Chat GeIS300 http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465409-goto-racing-r35-racing-video.html Lexus L Select options.....Good or Bad ???? http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465404-lexus-l-select-options-good-or-bad-new-post.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:26:38 GMT I was just looking at these options that are available in Japan. I think they are horribly ugly. The Lexus engineers and designers did an amazing job on the interior of the LS imho. I guess some people want their LS 460 to look like its owned by a clown:p:p:p:). I dont like the leather color... I was just looking at these options that are available in Japan. I think they are horribly ugly. The Lexus engineers and designers did an amazing job on the interior of the LS imho. I guess some people want their LS 460 to look like its owned by a clown:p:p:p:). I dont like the leather color options or the accents on the wood.

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]]> Car Chat I8ABMR http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/465404-lexus-l-select-options-good-or-bad.html