Does CF have the same sound deadening properties as steel or aluminum?

 

Not sure, but I haven't heard otherwise. the CF doesn't need to be used on the body, but maybe bits a pieces along the frame and chassis, kind of like BMW with their carbon core

 

Rumor has it the 5LS will go after the XJ and Panamera. We've also heard the rumor of a hydrogen model as mentioned above, and we know LS500 and LS500h were patented.

 

putting cf in the LS is going to be a hard sell. it might be cool for the weight but that's not remotely what the buyers are looking for. they don't mind a 2 ton vehicle, they want what it has to offer. phil said it right, features and electronics. both the 7 and s have demonstrated that. making it work flawlessly after 6 years is important too, that's what differentiate lexus from bmw / mb. and yes, power is a problem, no matter how you slice it the current v8 setup in the LS is not as attractive

i will say though, lexus decided to prolong the current platform for another 3-4 years (2013-2016), it was a gamble but i think that's for a very good reason too. they have had plenty of time to see how high mb has set the bar

 

The current gen is the longest running LS, and it gives Lexus so much time to perfect what they can do for the next. I always love LS, and hope the next one won't disappoint.

 

germans are currently behind when it comes to automated driving tech though... the fact you dont know what shows how important it is :-).

Currently Volvo, Subaru and Toyota/Lexus have the best auto-brake systems, and all germans are currently behind one generation.

For next LS, they need to create good looking vehicle, that has extravagant interior. Thats the most basic thing that has to happen. I dont doubt that tech will be up to par, as well as hybrid model. New LS should also show us new platform for luxury RWD from Lexus.


But it has to be luxurious, extravagant looking both inside and out, thats the main requirement.

 

I don't think of steel or aluminum as being sound deadening at all? Relatively, I would guess since CF is stiffer it might be more resonant.

 

I'd say look at this video before you claim Mercedes is lagging in self driving

http://youtu.be/VDwMhSobaOg

 

thats pretty silly... it is prototype that cant be bought... In the mean time, you can buy 2nd tier auto-brake systems from MB for $3000 that cant compete with Toyota's $500-$650 system.

No amount of PR videos can change that.

 

Silly? A car that can recognize pedestrians, slow down, brake , steer away is silly?

Check this long distance self driving
http://youtu.be/CKqJccK_EkM

 

I really want to see Lexus double down on hybrid technology. Bigger battery capacity & more powerful electric motors to give the range topping LS h the power of an S63 (550+hp) with 40mpg fuel economy. Lexus can't continue to make hybrids with:

- marginally more power (386hp LS460 vs 438hp LS600h)
- slightly better fuel economy (18mpg LS460 AWD vs 20mpg LS600h L AWD)
- a huge premium over non-hybrid option (current LS600h base price is 40k+ more than the equivalent non-hybrid model)

The current LS600h and it's pricing ($120k base price) makes ZERO sense in a world where you can get a top of the line Tesla P85D with 760hp and 98empg (300+ miles range) for $105k.


Maybe I'll share my thoughts on what the rest of the LS range should look like later.

 

I have had many a long discussion with Spywolf regarding accident avoidance between MB and Lexus. It is best to just let this one go. The three of us dont have enough energy

 

Aye aye captain

 

I don't care so much for engines or any of the fancy automated drive technologies. These automated technologies are a useless gimmick, and even the current LS engine is more than adequate.

I'd love to see them implement either air or magnetic suspension with all the modern trickery, and make the unibody a lot more rigid to make it ride with more authority and confidence at high speeds.

But most of all, I wish they would get rid of their convoluted remote touch interface and just swallow their pride and copy iDrive already.

 

I literally can't believe you're still saying this after you got comprehensively schooled in a different thread.