They should have just twin turbo the V8 for the LS (and the LC) ......

 

Nah, need to save something for the LS/LC-Fs

 

I think this LS500 V6TT replaced the LS600H that very few people bought. I think there is V8 coming they just don't want it to be another 471 HP v8

 

But when, when, WHEN ???

 

What a stunning interior ! I like this better than the German options.

Not blown away by the exterior. It may look better in person as is the case with most recent lexus products.

The projected 0 to 60 of 4.5 secs is very quick for a TTV6. Basically on par with the TTV8 found in the 7 series and S-class !

 

lol this is January so they got all year. but I will assume before this LS500 go on sale. they just need to make sure the pricing is right.

 

Are we saying V6s are smoother than I4s or V8s are smoother than V6s? You seem confused on the issue.

Anyway, the new turbo engines feel much better to me than older V8s. It's not altogether surprising that less powerful engines "feel smoother". Newer forced induction engines also have quite linear HP curves, while torque is generally flat; these are the same characteristics praised by pushrod purists in the Chevy small block, and embraced when they slap a roots-type supercharger on it. More torque is available at lower RPM, which contributes to a "better" driving experience - this is where the daily driver spends most of his time accelerating, between 1,000 - 3,000 RPMs.

Anytime I hear this "shoulda been a V8" mantra I simply shake my head. Objectively, these FI engines are better - they are more efficient at turning chemicals into energy than their predecessors. The only thing that's missing is a characteristic sound, which always seems to be the only thing really missing when V8-lovers are pushed to explain their position. Never mind that this sound is artificially tuned and modified by mechanical piping to create a pleasing note - attempts by engineers to do this with electronics rather than mechanically are seen as "fake", despite that it's the truth for both cases. This is the exact same argument for vinyl vs lossless audio compression. People are nostalgic for the tactile experience of their youth.

 

Both V6s are smoother than FI I4s and V8s are smoother than FI V6s. No one is saying the old V8 is going to perform as well as the new TTV6, but you're not going to match the overall smoothness

 

Now I'm really curious about the pricing. If this thing is more expensive then the current model, say $80k base with that engine: flop. $90k optioned out just seems overpriced for that engine.

$90k base: super flop.

I would pay that for 471 HP V8, but I wouldn't touch this new one at that price with a ten-foot pole.

Seriously, who else who bought or leased a BRAND NEW LS would consider the new one at $90k? I won't. Would you Steve?

Not sure there are many brand new LS owners out there to begin with. At anything over existing prices and that count will shrink even more.

 

I find C-Pillar to Trunk transition a lot better than on LF-FC, as a matter of fact its the perfect copy of LF-CC something that never made to RC properly. People have no sense of scale how big this car actually is and with that sharp line at the back of the car pushing the car down it will be a sight you will not miss. Thin grill and hood profile also adds to its appearance and attitude. Just like the previous LS this one will have he same subdued elegance even with predator grill on it.

When I heard 415HP figure few months ago I have to say I wasn't a believer but now it all makes sense, its a 3.5l engine. I don't understand whats the fuss about with V8 and especially TwinTurbo V8 that acts exactly like any turbo engine. There is no clear distinction between the two when they are similarly powered. If Nissan put GT-R powertrain in MB S-Class you would think the base S500 was a V6 instead if you drove each back to back.

And when it comes to new S-Class it's really not all that you see in pictures. Yes, its nice inside but like the previous gen where you got to stare at the center storage compartment whole time in this one you stare at the vents. Also there is that quirky try at elegance with the lighting that comes off very crude. Overall S-Class is still conservative Bauhaus chateau. Like I said it's nice but not that nice as people make it to be.

 

IMHO: The Maxima is a not a looker when seen in person. I hate making style judgements on a car without seeing it in person - but you are right that on first glance it has that similar look...

 

First impressions were underwhelming but I think in person it will be stunning

 

I would struggle. At $90k there are a lot of other options, if I'm going to have to downgrade to a V6 anyways I would likely consider a 740. The other factor is deals, you can get $10k+ off of a 740 right now, $15k off of an S550. Does the LS come right out of the gate and get discounted that far? or do they hold the line on price and put the value in the MSRP?

The other thing to consider about the lack of a V8 is the business concept of price bracketing. The V8 exists to justify the V6. I think this is one reason why you saw a reduction in sales from the 3GS to the 4GS, the 3GS V8 rarely sold, but when you went to the 4GS with no V8 there wasn't that higher priced option there to justify the GS350, and we did see owners move to BMW and Mercedes (well if I can't get a V8 I may as well get the upgrade brand). Most of those people would have chosen the GS350 anyways had there been a GS460.

Lexus has to understand that a BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S Class are still considered an upgrade from the Lexus LS, they always have been...and from a brand perspective they are also still a half step below.

Price bracketing is why the G90 V8 exists IMHO.

 

So 3.5 V6 TT = LS500
I guess they are following BMW and MB with the upsize in naming LOL

Problem is you can get several levels of V8s with MB and BMW not to mention TT V12s as well.....

i personally only see the S550 and 750i models of the current cars on the road so 6cyl are not very popular in flagships just look at the flop Caddy CT6 has been.

 

You guys are giving the car way less credit than it deserves, if the v6 provides more power and Lexus claims it's just as refined what's the big deal?, and in terms of cars themselves the 7 series is garbage compared to the new ls.