The DC show is a local, dealer association-sponsored show (like the Toronto show) and different from the Detroit or Geneva or Frankfurt shows, which are internationally-sanctioned shows.

If an automaker decides not to display at at local show, it would be that their local dealers decided against spending the effort and money to ship a few cars and pay their salespeople overtime to the show.

If Cadillac or Porsche, for example, were to decide not to attend an international show, it would be because the automaker's head office decided they had nothing to show (no new model, for instance).

 

While you are right the DC show is a local association sponsored show, manufacturers ARE involved. They provide the collateral as well as factory reps, etc.

 

 

I took some shots of the LS500 at the D.C. show today, up on the turntable. Steve is correct that the new LS looks somewhat shorter and more truncated than the old version, even if it is not. These are not the best pictures, but my cell-phone is rather old, and the lighting at the D.C. show is generally not conducive to good camera-shots.

 

 

When you see it up close, I think you'll agree it doesn't look as large or chunky as the present version.

 

 

For those interested, I have posted several photos and videos of the LS500 from a dealer event I attended last week.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...500-event.html

 

 

Sorry, I didn't pay particular attention to those items. They looked and felt fine. Given Lexus' track record, I expect those materials to be on par with what they offer in the LS460. I was really more keen on exploring features that are generally not mentioned or described sufficiently in driving reviews. These are the things I photographed and commented on in the thread.

 

i don't think you'll find any disagreement there. is your phone a jitterbug?

 

Has anyone taken a good look at the Canadian spec sheet?

Some interesting options:
Soft-Touch Heater Controls (what are soft touch heater controls?
Touch-free Power Back Door
Power Assist Doors
Water Repellant Front Door Glass
Front and Rear Acoustic and Repellent Glass
Suede Headliner
Synthetic Leather Glove Box
Aniline/Semi-Aniline Console
Stainless Steel Trunk Compartment Finish Plates
Upper and Lower Glove Box

 

Actually, an older IPhone4. My brother passed it down to me when his company issued him a new one, at their expense....I just took over the account and monthly-payment. I agree it's not the best camera-phone, but the D.C. show's lighting is not the best, either...even newer and better phones sometimes have problems getting good pictures there. I like this phone, though, because of its excellent durability, extremely solid construction, and reliability.

 

Soft touch probably is touch sensitive no actually hard click, but who knows.

Everything else is kind of mundane at this price point. For instance do you really need to know about the "WATER REPELLENT FRONT GLASS"... Seems like theyre just padding it in to make it seem impressive

 

Lexus has been adding water repellant front door glass for a while on their cars.

Anyway, I would guess soft touch heater control are what the new Mercedes offers which are heated door and center arm rests? maybe wishful thinking.