While perusing the McGrath Lexus of Chicago new car lot across the street from the dealership this evening, I was startled to hear squealing tires and see a vehicle fly into the lot and stop next to my idling Lexus. I was stunned to see the vehicle in question was an LS600hL being taken for a joyride by the service technicians. The ML sound system was booming as the technicians played with the vehicle's gadgets. I am pretty sure it was a launch edition (Neiman Marcus?) as the wheels had sets of thin triplet spokes. The interior was alabaster, but the upper dash and doors were black, rather than the usual greyish color. The exterior was dark, but not black--it had an interesting hue. Could it have been truffle mica? The vehicle had a window sticker, but I didn't check it out. I did hear the technicians say the vehicle had just arrived. A terrible burning smell was coming from the vehicle, but I couldn't tell if it was from the just-abused tires, or something more serious. In any case, a well-dressed individual from the dealership ran across the street and into the lot to put a stop to the technicians' little party. Nonetheless, I felt honored to be one of the first people in Chicago to see the LS600hL.

 

Very nice sighting, although LOL at the joyriding techs. Usually the new Lexus models come with a shrinkwrapped interior...did this new LS have one?

Triplet spokes, definitely the NM launch edition. Two-tone interior I guess, with leather dash.

 

sucks to be the one who is getting that car. Unless, it will be the official test drive car. anywhoo, adults can be so immature

 

I have seen and driven the launch edition, the leather stitching of the interior is beautiful. the 3 spoke chromes do look good on it. the factory dvd player is nice as well. I hope they have this at the taste of lexus.

 

You're in luck as the LS hybrids are scheduled to be at ToL.

 

Usually a car like that isn't even available to demo.

And you didn't think to use your cell camera to take a pic for us?!

 

I was invited to go, i got the letter a few days ago.

yes the LS600hl will be featured there, expect a very very long line. I cant make it

 

all i can say is, tech like that should be fired

 

Nice sighting!!

Working in the car dealership business a few years back, I've seen much worse than simple joyriding in a brand new car.

 

Some of them also take expensive cars brought in for maintainence for joy rides , we heard stories like that before here ...

 

Best to specify, "No Road Test" or accompanied, when you bring it in...

With all the electronic wizardry in drivetrains nowadays, there should be little or no use for road tests. Most of them are just an excuse to get out of the shop anyway.

 

Hopefully the car wasn't overly abused...

Of course Lexus Tahara does do a 75 mph white-gloved test drive for diagnostics.

 

one time my mom got her lx back from the dealership after service with 50 miles more then she gave it to them with... is that normal? cause i highly doubt the techs would be joyriding with a blue vapor lx lol

 

depends on what kind of work was done and whether it involves test drive

 

50 miles is a long test drive...no matter what job

i would expect 5 at most.