D2-AUTOSPORT

i was cruising the Lexus website last night an stumbled across some info that I did not know. The 98+ LS has 290hp/300lb ft torque!! I had no idea that this big car could run with a E430 (0-60 in low sixes). I have been thinking about a few cars to replace the old girl next year, but now the LS is a serious contender. The icing on the cake is the fact that they sell in the same price range as the GS!! Thats like getting a 740i for 540i money!!

I want to get some general impressions of the speed of this vehicle. When I was shopping for my current Lexus, I drove 2 96model LS's and neither one impressed me. The cars moved, but it just felt like they were accumulating speed, not pushing me in the seat. I want to know if the newer models accelerate with a little more "urgency", ie, do they start in 2nd gear? etc.

Any info you 98+ owners would like to share on the speed/luxury/whatever of this car would be appreciated.

gs400998

Motor Trend stats for 98 LS400 on December 97:
0-60 6.3, 0-80 10.6, 0-100 16.1, 1/4M 14.8
Pretty good numbers for a 3890 lbs car.

My first Lexus was a 93 LS and decided to get a GS as my second Lexus. I didn't have a single problem with my 93 LS.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I'm probably in a good position to reply on this having both a 98 GS and recently adding a 98 LS.

My 98 GS is definitely faster than my LS, but I've never lined up against a 'stock' GS in the LS. The LS does NOT feel underpowered at any time, and is very strong at any speed. It feels very much like my GS did in terms of power and responsiveness when it was stock.

Handling is definitely sloppier in the LS, but that's because it is a more plush ride.

D2-AUTOSPORT

Thanks Dave, I figure the "grandpa" ride is nothing a little Tein or JIC cant fix!! To be honest I love the GS, but on the east coast the 2nd gen is more popular than the 1st!!! You see them alot, and I want to do something "different".

Horta

My 98 Has more power than I need. You definitly have to drive one. When I was shoping for this one I drove a 97 and a 99 back to back and what a big difference. Especially because of the 5 speed tranny and the Electronic throttle. Add those plus the horsepower increase and you do have a speed maching for the size the car is.

Also the car is soooo friggen quite on the highway you will find yourself going over 90mph with no problem at all.

I have on many occasion now including this past Sunday were I have driven for long streches at over 130mph. I could not imagine doing this in a smaller car. You feel so at ease in this big LS. And yes I did top mine out again 150mph is no problem for this beast. I will post a seperat email on my Sunday adventures later in the week. What a drive.....

Jerry

D2-AUTOSPORT

Thanks Horta, I appreciate the feedback. Are you gonna do any mods to that beast!! Another thing that I like about the LS, is that it is marketed as a flagship vehicle, meaning its competition is M/B S430, BMW 740, Jaguar XJ, etc. I really like that kind of company!