exBMWowner

A friend of mine owns a 2003 Lexus LS430, and he received a brochure from Lexus last week inviting him to a private showing in September of the new 2004 LS430. I'm afraid I don't have the scanner equipment available to post it here, but in looking at the photos (which include 3 8x10 glossies), it appears the new model is identical to the photos of the new 2004 Celsior posted in another thread. In addition, they are claiming a new 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds due to the six speed transmission. All of the features posted in various threads (Smart Access, backup camera, etc) are confirmed in the brochure. And, the photo actually has the "L" for Lexus on the front grille, rather than the Toyota logo from the Celsior!

The only thing a little unclear is the Satellite Radio - it is listed as "Satellite Digital Audio Receiver System (SDARS), but it does not mention whether it is going to support XM or Sirius. I'm guessing since the Camry Solara features XM that Lexus would go with XM for their cars as well, but that's just a guess.

The cover of the brochure states:

The Networks Aren't Invited.

The Newspapers Aren't Invited.

The Car Magazines Aren't Invited.

But You Are.

It's pretty amazing that between Edmunds, Auto Spies, and this web site that nobody has seen this brochure, yet it was apparently mailed to existing LS430 owners. Go figure. In any case, it's nice to know the rumors are being confirmed by Lexus. While I was hoping for a slightly more radical redesign on the exterior, I'm satisfied enough that it's worth waiting for the new model to come out, so that I can finally get rid of my BMW 740i and get something that doesn't need to be in the shop every two weeks!

Hope this helps...

LSpreowner

hey, can someone who has received the brochure in Houston tell me the date of the private showing here? I may gate crash!

mdw131

I dont understand these things. People always get all these invites and magazines from Lexus but we NEVER do. We only have four Lexi currently with five previous owned. I guess that isnt enough?

XeroK00L

Time to move to California, mdw131. It's closer to Lexus' homeland, you know.

exBMWowner

The official launch date for the 2004 LS430 is September 24. The dealers will have at least one or two in the showroom on this date, and most will have some sort of private showing for customers on this day. Lexus will officially launch their marketing materials on this date as well.

The car went into production at the end of July.