It will be interesting which car does better next year, the all new LS or all new A8, although I really don't consider the LS in the same class anymore.

Come year end 2018, I think the LS will sell the least of all the big four, even though it might be the cheapest of the bunch.

Not sure if the A8 will surpass the BMW and I don't think anyone is touching the S class anytime soon, but I think the new A8 will give the 7 a run for its money in regards to pure volume. We'll know more about this tomorrow.

 

So you think the new LS will sell less than the ancient LS460? Hilarious.

 

If they try and price it like a V8 Audi, BMW or S class, all pushing 500 HP, yes, I think it will sell less than the current one.

I kind of think Lexus will actually try and price it like that too. God help them.

BUT, if they do price it like its V6 cousins, then it will outsell the current model for sure, just not sure it will outsell the all new A8 on a volume basis.

Pricing will be critical IMO.

 

It all goes back to HP with you, large luxury sedan buyers are not as HP obsessed as you are, in fact I'd say as long as it's responsive, smooth and refined they don't care. The LS has a lot of brand recognition and strong following, it will do just fine.

In any event "god help them", they could discontinue the LS and be fine. They don't need to sell a ton of LS's to be successful.

Remember the days the LS sold its most, it had 290 hp.

 

We'll see. 290 HP was pretty much on par for the others during that time. The new LS is not on par anymore.

 

Actually, it is. Have you looked at HP output of other 6 cyl flagship models? Lexus' TTV6 output is closer to their V8 offerings than their V6 offerings.

 

I've said this before. Judging from the drivers here in South Florida, the V6's power is just fine, and most don't have a problem choosing the "entry model" 7 Series.

 

With MB getting ready to offer a V6 S450, if that comes in with a base price in the 80s, there will be no catching the S Class in the segment.

 

It's almost here...congrats to the first cl member to take delivery!

 

I still remember driving the the then new 745 and thinking dag, 325 hp (I think). Then I drove the next gen alpina b7, that was over 510. How much is enough, really as much as your wallet can handle. But I now prefer the flat torque curves where full torque is there at 1700 rpm. My ls only has 312, but it's not bad, even for today as far as cruising goes (I think it does a 5.9 0-60, that was a mid 90's M3). Using my 745 example above, well 13 yrs have passed so I think a car in that class should be high 400's for torque....what's the over under on this new a8 at 500 ft lbs?

 

Actually your LS only has 290 HP if its a 2001-2005, and 278 hp if its a 2006.

 

Not a fan of this. RS7 or bust! A8 looks awful.

 

that's the new audi's view of "PERFECT PROPORTIONS"

front overhang is equally as long as the rear overhang.

 

It just debuted. Like the new A4, it's not much different than the car it replaces. Elegant, modern, luxurious, and extremely conservative. There is a Lincoln theme with the rear, which looks soft, weak, and about 15 years dated. They should not have connected the rear lighting and the full-width chrome strip is too garish for a German sports sedan. Dash and center console are clean and modern, but again, not much different than what Lincoln is offering in their top car. Audi could have done so much better there. At least they finally got rid of the doughboy steering wheel center hub that stands out like a toy on all Audis. Front styling is a dead ringer for the $22k Ford Fusion. As advanced as Audi is, I don't think the execs have a complete grasp of the industry. Part of designing cars is to know what the others look like and not copy lesser models. Also was no need adding mini grilles below the headlights.
Anyway, it's a clean design, but could have advanced much further than the competition. I don't think this will stay fresh and exciting enough to weather eight model years.

 

Everyone sees things differently, not sure where the Lincoln impression comes from. Predictable but nice styling, sounds like the two v8's come later. Times are changing but in 2017, imho a 8 cyl belongs in a flagship, but understandable in Europe and even Canada, fuel is not cheap and a marginal benefit analysis leads to a smaller engine. I just got a mailing (targeted these days) from Porsche yesterday, would love to be invited to drive this car (for a gift card, not free)....