The solution to the LS 500 without V8 power...
I'm putting this in the 4LS thread because I (and a lot of us 4LS owners maybe) consider the next vehicle I may move to. I would prefer to transition to the 5LS, but as long as it has a V6, I won't do it.
Nothing against V6 engines per se, but as I've said before, it's not appropriate for the LS in my opinion. Why? Because a "flagship" vehicle is supposed to be ostentatious, pompous, flashy, with design, features and items that are not necessary but luxurious. Like 8 cylinders. Sure, it could manage on fewer cylinders, but 8 cylinders are a luxury. Heck, I dare say 8 cylinders and forced induction are quite luxurious. Do I care about mpg when I'm driving the LS. HEYILL NAW (said in a redneck accent). It's nice that our LS can knock on or into the 30 mpg threshold cruising the interstate. But that has nothing to do with why I bought it.
So … here's the point of the thread. I have a solution … at least for me. When I'm done with the ole LS 460, if the LS 500 continues to be without a V8, I shall procure an LC 500. And bask in the gloriousness of that V8. By that time, used costs should be manageable. And the LC looks TIGHT!
This is my solution.
Nothing against V6 engines per se, but as I've said before, it's not appropriate for the LS in my opinion. Why? Because a "flagship" vehicle is supposed to be ostentatious, pompous, flashy, with design, features and items that are not necessary but luxurious. Like 8 cylinders. Sure, it could manage on fewer cylinders, but 8 cylinders are a luxury. Heck, I dare say 8 cylinders and forced induction are quite luxurious. Do I care about mpg when I'm driving the LS. HEYILL NAW (said in a redneck accent). It's nice that our LS can knock on or into the 30 mpg threshold cruising the interstate. But that has nothing to do with why I bought it.
So … here's the point of the thread. I have a solution … at least for me. When I'm done with the ole LS 460, if the LS 500 continues to be without a V8, I shall procure an LC 500. And bask in the gloriousness of that V8. By that time, used costs should be manageable. And the LC looks TIGHT!
This is my solution.
Yeah, the LC is "tight", unfortunately a bit too tight fitting for a larger dude like me...too bad, I really like the look and I'm with you on the V8! Admittedly, I have not driven the 5LS yet, but I see my dealer is sitting on 43 of them right now....
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I had GS350 with 300hp and it did not feel as refined and smooth as my old V8 GS400 and GS430. Plus no V6 can replicate that distinct V8 sound. Go on Youtube and listen to a LS500 revving and compare it to a LC500 or GS-F.
But to me, that Maserati sound, and the Exhaust Vents sound is just right for their respective cars. I hope I make it to 90. And when I do, I hope I still drive a car … and one with some volume to it. Also, I got in a "race" Sunday with a Mercedes SUV 450 something I think it said (don't know or care about Mercedes). I beat him off the line (mass issue) and then he stayed about 1 car off my bumper. I thought there was a cop behind us approaching the next traffic light because my V1 Ka was going nuts and pointing to the rear. He took off from that next light like a bat out of hell again and I let him go (not wanting a ticket). When that thing shifted, it had some kind of popping in the exhaust and it sounded pretty cool.The GS-F … and the boy racer. Hmmm. I am very immature ... gonna have to look into that. I do like the look and size of the GS as well. I heard an IS-F the other day, with a modded exhaust. It looked good and sounded GREAT.
I like this solution. The more LC's I see and hear on the road, the easier it will be to eventually talk myself into owning one. The LC is just an insanely well-designed and striking car - I absolutely love it and think it's a really solid value for the price point. And the sound it creates is just awesome. A 2-door car isn't practical as a primary driver for quite some time so it would be a 3rd car and I'd likely keep an LS460 as a daily driver. I could actually see the LC being the type of car that becomes a classic or collector's-type car 30 years from now because it is such a bold car from Lexus and a true original sports car for them.
The LS500 has really grown on me from a styling perspective - it's interesting how much better it looks in-person than in photos. I'm not crazy about the thought of the LS not having a V8 but can't comment much since I haven't actually driven the LS500.
The LS500 has really grown on me from a styling perspective - it's interesting how much better it looks in-person than in photos. I'm not crazy about the thought of the LS not having a V8 but can't comment much since I haven't actually driven the LS500.
It's subjective I guess. Most folks buying the LS want the engine as quiet as possible. I like both. I bought the single exhaust vents for the 460, but I also have a 400 that you can't even really hear. I do like turbo power though regardless of number of cylinders. It's unreal the power that comes with each additional pound of boost.
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