View Poll Results: Does the sharkfin'ed GS look better?
Yes!
68
46.58%
NO.
78
53.42%
Voters: 146. You may not vote on this poll
To sharkfin or not sharkfin?
09-25-06, 01:20 AM
#3
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Some of the things that impressed me about the GS were how the windshield washer nozzles were hidden under the hood, how the washers for the headlights were flush with the bumper, the fact that even though the car is equipped with Sat-NAV, AM/FM radio, integrated telephone, light sensors for dash, auto-headlamps, AC blower speed, rain sensor...etc. there are no obvious protrusions to interrupt the lines of the car.
Why spoil it with a tacky BMW 5 series shark fin?
I vote NO!
Why spoil it with a tacky BMW 5 series shark fin?
I vote NO!
09-25-06, 09:15 AM
#6
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The question posed only pertains to appearance and my guess is that most will vote "no" (me too) as the appearance is cleaner without the fin. However, the fin antenna may bring better satellite radio reception and also is intended to provide the Lexus Link information. Whether that on balance is preferable is another question I suppose but the fin antenna has some functionality that may be preferable for some to a more stealth antenna.
09-25-06, 10:33 AM
#7
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No Shark Fin
I vote no shark fin on the GS. L-Finese is not intended for a shark fin. If it was we would have seen it on the 2006 model GS, IS and 2007 ES. Looking at the Porches, Lambos, Bentley Coup GT, and 2006 CLS's around town here in Denver, CO. I don't see any shark fins on those cars. It truely ruins the lines of a Contemporary Sport-Lux Sedan. I feel my 2006 GS 300 sans shark fin can park right next to those I named above and be just as stylish.
For functionality - Honda has a small box on the roof, Lexus could have done the same. BUT they wanted to be next to the Audi and BMW as far as roof ornaments. Lexus wins w/ reliability/craftsmanship they don't need a svelt antenna to match Audi or BMW. They do need a name for their AWD system for marketing and to reach a legendary household car name value - i.e Audi -Quattro, BMW - X Drive. Just my 2 cents......
For functionality - Honda has a small box on the roof, Lexus could have done the same. BUT they wanted to be next to the Audi and BMW as far as roof ornaments. Lexus wins w/ reliability/craftsmanship they don't need a svelt antenna to match Audi or BMW. They do need a name for their AWD system for marketing and to reach a legendary household car name value - i.e Audi -Quattro, BMW - X Drive. Just my 2 cents......
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09-25-06, 01:00 PM
#8
I have the shark fin on my RL, and I kinda like it, although I understand the votes against.
In the GS, is the antenna for satellite or Lexus Link? My understanding for the Acura models, is the the roof antenna (shark fin - RL, or box -TL/TSX) is for OnStar.
In the GS, is the antenna for satellite or Lexus Link? My understanding for the Acura models, is the the roof antenna (shark fin - RL, or box -TL/TSX) is for OnStar.
09-25-06, 08:41 PM
#11
The shark fin is not a bad idea but I feel the one they are putting on the new GS's is a little weak. I would like to see a stronger look and a more original idea, to me what they are puttting on looks too small. Now I am not saying put on a brick but rather make it meet the lines of the car better. This just looks like a cheesy hack. 
09-26-06, 07:55 AM
#13
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Shark fin is just another 'object' to collect extra wax when I wax the car. Also, it will be a pain when I clean snow off the car in winter time. Just like someone mentioned before, it's nice that lexus hides the washer under the hood that it gives a cleaner look.
One thing I really don't understand is that... manufactures try hard to hide the am/fm antenna. (remember those ugly black stick on the front right side of the car?). Almost all cars now have am/fm antenna in the rear glass. Why are we putting another antenna up?
One thing I really don't understand is that... manufactures try hard to hide the am/fm antenna. (remember those ugly black stick on the front right side of the car?). Almost all cars now have am/fm antenna in the rear glass. Why are we putting another antenna up?
09-26-06, 09:00 AM
#14
Shark fin is just another 'object' to collect extra wax when I wax the car. Also, it will be a pain when I clean snow off the car in winter time. Just like someone mentioned before, it's nice that lexus hides the washer under the hood that it gives a cleaner look.
One thing I really don't understand is that... manufactures try hard to hide the am/fm antenna. (remember those ugly black stick on the front right side of the car?). Almost all cars now have am/fm antenna in the rear glass. Why are we putting another antenna up?
One thing I really don't understand is that... manufactures try hard to hide the am/fm antenna. (remember those ugly black stick on the front right side of the car?). Almost all cars now have am/fm antenna in the rear glass. Why are we putting another antenna up?
Glass imprinted antennas work for over the air brodcasts because they don't require line of sight. The antenna just catches the radio waves bouncing all over the place. Satellite requires "line of sight" to the receiving antenna. That's why you lose the signal when passing under trees or a bridge. Mounting the antenna on the roof or trunk provides the best possible reception. As for Lexus Link, remember that's pretty much a cellular call and you need some sort of antenna. I'm sure that over time as the technology improves these will shrink and may eventually disappear.
