titanskj10

I saw in Motor Trend magizine that they said that the LS 430 would be redisigned to look like the Mercedes S Class and BMW 745 series all together.

theres the Article

Lexus LS430 gets a major design overhaul for 2004

The criticism has finally gotten to them.

We all know the Lexus LS430 is one of the best cars made today…so what’s wrong?

It has an unimaginative, boring, and unimpressive body design.

BUT!!!!

No BUTS!

You know, they know and we know the Lexus designers screwed up this car.

Well, to their credit, they’re embarrassed and they intend to fix one of the few flaws on this car.

Look for a MAJOR redesign of the body for 2004.

The mechanicals are basically the same (there was nothing wrong with them) and there will be no long wheelbase version, but the body has been totally re-skinned.

Our Spies were at their last dealer meeting where they showed pictures of the car.

We were unable to get a copy, but we are able to describe it to you.

The 2004 model resembles the look of the design concepts of the current S-class (see below).

The front headlights are very swoopy like the sketches below.

The sides and rear have also been changed…overall the car is much more modern and classy looking.

In the words of our dealer spy “Now, I would actually buy this car with my own money”.

They also said if you put the S-class, 745 and 2004 LS together, most people would say, the 2004 LS looks the best of the three.

We’re told there will also be material modifications to the interior as well.

Finally, our source told us an all wheel drive option will be .




They said that the LS 430 is ugly, well LOL they bets to get their facts striaght cause the LS 430 is the best full size luxury sedan in the world many say.

EGainer

ummm, this was posted back in december on autospies, like the same exact article. i dont know why it was in motor trend....

http://www.imakenews.com/autospies/e...e000112822.cfm

kobiashi

NOT.

I have a friend who works for Lexus...

Next redesign is 2005 for 2006...and even then it will most likely be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Here's how you know when the current Lexus is the last year before a new model is introduced.

Anytime Lexus offers a "Coach" edition of any of their vehicles, then that is the last year of that design.

Always...no exceptions.

k

jimmit

Wow thats good info. Does your friend have any info on the new SC330 or SC300 (whichever will come out)?

EGainer

we know that the next redesign is for 2006, but throughout the model years, they make minor changes, IE the white in the 2000-2001 ES300 tail lights, whichc was previously not there. or the way they changed the GS tail lights and made the headlights more aggressive in 99

kobiashi

Jimmit -

Have not heard anyhting about the SC, but then again I have not asked.

EGainer - Yes, usually there is a minor tweak(s) each model year....
However the rumour that a "MAJOR" body redesign for 2004....

Gotta raise the BS Flag here.

k

EGainer

yeah i know, there wont be any new design, maybe ill photoshop what i think they will do to it....

Marx

Wow, I never realized that everyone was so split on the LS430. I already think its a little too Mercedes for me. At any rate be glad they did a better job than Infiniti did with the new Q45.

I sold Infiniti and let me tell you, they droped the ball on that car. They could've had a great car, 340 hp, hyper quiet ride, voice recognition, so much technology packed in that it oozes out onto the showroom floor, BUT it looks like an over-sized Ford Taurus, Its got no rear leg room, super small trunk (with cheap hinges that crush your groceries when you shut it) and no decent ergonomics to speak of. Talk about a tough sale. During product training I got to drive every Infiniti and when I got to the Q, my fellow trainee's and I were like, "Whats wrong with this car?". We actually got told by an Infiniti rep on how tough it was going to be to sell this car, how Infiniti fumbled.

whew... That may have been a little off topic, but it feels good to get that out. Lexus may play it safe, but they are doing a darn good job in my book.

INHOCJP

Hmm, I know the tail lights design was changed in 2001, but the design of the GS headlights has remained the same since '98. However, starting in '01, the headlamp housings came with a silight blue/green tint.

As for the LS430, I'm hoping for an improved design come 2005. My girlfriend has a '02 LS430, and while it's a fantastic car (especially the interior), the exterior is just ok.

EGainer

here's a little PS. i guess its just the headlights stretched up and tinted, the grille widened, and the wheels 18"
original:

photoshopped:

titanskj10

just wondering if the grill will be widened, wont the car too also have to be bigger in width? but i know what u say, its photoshoped, u just guessin

EGainer

i wouldnt think the car would have to be wider for it to have a wider grille. i just liked the way it looked as opposed to the picture that i messed with. this is no real representation of the new lexus, just how i think they should change it.