Luxury Cars - By Mike Cotsworth
A Tale of two Lexi – Part One…
by Mike Cotsworth
Las Vegas is a genuinely weird place. Two totally different worlds coexisting in strange juxtaposition. One is the natural dessert, with its stark, barren, rocky terrain; and the other is the glitzy, surreal, world of Eiffel Towers, Egyptian Pyramids, and Dancing Waters.
For yet another variation on this bi-polar manmade environment, travel 20 minutes outside Glitter Gulch to Lake Las Vegas. Here a large lake has been carved out of the arid desert and surrounded with Italian style Villas, its own Ponte Vechio , and luxury resorts.
This setting, with its dramatic contrast of natural beauty and upscale exclusivity, was an apt venue for the introduction of two new vehicles that epitomize the two philosophical branches of the Lexus automotive family tree.
Lexus, the upscale division of Toyota Motor Company, has established itself as a premier builder of Luxury automobiles. The Japanese word “kaizen” , which the Lexus people define as “constant pursuit of perfection”, is often referred to as the guiding spirit of the company. In this pursuit, the marketing gurus at Lexus have determined that there are two segments to the luxury car market.
One of these is characterized by the owner who prioritizes ride-comfort, refinement, and the tranquil quiet that has become the Lexus trademark. This is the “comfort/luxury” segment. Many other current and prospective luxury car buyers place more emphasis upon responsive handling, acceleration, and technological prowess. These buyers define the “luxury/performance” category.
Lexus is positioning itself to offer buyers from both camps a number of attractive choices. Their “luxury/comfort” line is anchored by the new ES 350, introduced at Lake Las Vegas, while more affluent buyers can step up to the ultra luxurious LS 430 (soon to be the LS 460), and the SC 430 convertible-coupe. For those more interested in sporty go-fast, the IS 250/350 and the GS 300/430 offer the Lexus definition of “performance/luxury”. At Lake Las Vegas we were treated to the crown jewel in the performance line, the new GS 450h.
The GS 450h, the “h” signifying gas/electric hybrid, is indeed a technological marvel. It is the world’s first “High-Performance “ hybrid, as well as being the first rear-wheel- drive hybrid. Can you say 339 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.2 seconds ? That is faster than the V8 powered GS 430 at 5.9 seconds, and faster even than a Porsche 911 tiptronic ! Factor in an EPA rated 25 mpg in town, and 28 mpg highway, and you have quite the interesting car. Lexus claims the GS 450h, with its combination of 3.5 liter V6 and electric motors, has the performance of a 4.5 liter V8, and the fuel economy of a 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine. This equates to the GS 450h saving the equivalent of 500 gallons of premium fuel, or upwards on $500 per year , when compared to other cars in its class.
But wait, there’s more. The 450h delivers all its amazing power through an electronically-controlled variable transmission. Bypassing all the technological details, this means when you press heavy on the accelerator, the GS 450h surges forward and climbs quickly into license-suspension speeds without any perceptible shifting of gears. It just goes !
There’s much more to tell, including driving impressions from both the GS 450h and the ES 350. Stay tuned for Part Two, where we learn there really are radar traps in the Lake Mead recreational area…
A Tale of two Lexi – Part two…
by Mike Cotsworth
So, here we were, test driving two new models from Lexus in the desert outside Las Vegas. You will remember, no doubt, the GS 450h, with its Hybrid technology and prodigious performance. That car, as you recall, is the top of the line for the “Performance-Luxury” side of the Lexus marketing strategy. The other end of that car-buyer spectrum, at least as Lexus defines it, is the “Comfort-Luxury” segment. Here resides the owner who values ride comfort, quiet, refinement, and tranquility in their driving experience.
The ES model has traditionally been designed to be the “entry-luxury” vehicle for Lexus. According to the marketing gurus at Las Vegas, in it’s newest iteration as the ES 350, the car has now moved up-scale to be a true “authentic luxury” vehicle.
Here’s an interesting styling fact we learned, the Comfort- Luxury cars from Lexus, the ES and LS, have horizontal slates in their front grill, while the Performance-Luxury line-up, the IS and GS, have vertical slates. Now you know, the next time you see a Lexus coming toward you, you’ll know whether the owner is in the go-fast or cushy-seat camp.
Yes, the ES 350 is pretty luxurious, with plenty of leather and wood, of course. Beyond the expected amenities, the ES 350 includes such niceties as grain-matched wood, an acoustic controlled windshield with an extra plastic film that absorbs incoming sound, an automatic air recirculation system when harmful levels of pollutants are detected, an elaborate array of specially shaped “smart” airbags, driver-adjustable radar cruise control to maintain separation from vehicles ahead, keyless pushbutton engine start and stop, and a six-speed adaptive transmission. With the optional panoramic sunroof over both front and rear seats, and the 10 channel , 300 watt, 14 speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio and DVD video system, the ES 350 is very much upscale. Expect to pay well into the $30,000’s for all this Lexus luxury.
True to its avowed intent, the ES 350 does provide plenty of comfort on the road. Power is adequate, handling is competent and smooth, the cabin quiet, and the environment tranquil. Some, this driver included, might find the overall driving experience to be one of isolation. Sure, the car is very solid and well engineered, but the emphasis on comfort/luxury results in unimpressive driving dynamics. Lexus looks to the ES 350 to attract move-over buyers from Acura and Mercedes, and projects annual sales of 70,000.
Speaking of driving dynamics, it is my solemn responsibility on a test drive to evaluate the particular characteristics of the vehicle in question. When driving the 339 horsepower “Performance-Luxury” Hybrid GS 450h, I was dutifully evaluating its performance attributes by assessing the cars handling along a empty stretch of roadway in the Lake Mead Recreational Area, at speeds approaching 100 mph. With good sight distance, I saw a old well-used SUV pulling onto the road ahead. I slowed to legal speed and cursed my bad luck for being stuck behind this slow poke. Just then, around the bend came a Park Ranger with a radar gun mounted to his window. Saved from an encounter with the Nevada legal system while driving a media vehicle, I was reminded that what at first appears to be bad luck sometimes turns out to be the opposite…
Jaguar S-Type “R” – The Perfect Car…?
by Mike Cotsworth
There are a lot of fine automobiles out there. Whether you see your vehicle as simply utilitarian transportation, or as a source of fun and excitement, or an outward manifestation of your unique personality, we are all fortunate to have a wide selection of automotive alternatives.
Given differences in personal preference, and the wide range of functions that we demand of our vehicles, is it possible to find the perfect automobile? Perhaps there is not one perfect automobile for all people and all situations, but how about a car that does what it does so well that it can only be described as “perfect”. Such a car is the 2006 Jaguar S-Type R model.
In Jaguar nomenclature, the “R” designation is reserved for those special cars that get the high-performance, racing heritage treatment. Like “M” model BMW’s, “S” Audi’s, and “AMG” Mercedes, the “R” Jaguars are the cream of the crop. The S-Type R model gets a 400 Horse Power Supercharged engine, Jaguar’s highly responsive “CATS” active suspension, huge brakes with bright red calipers, and a distinctive wire mesh grill. Aerodynamic body side moldings, a discrete rear spoiler, big chrome dual exhausts, and that bold “R” badging proclaim the car’s performance capabilities.
The R model Jaguar that came to visit me for a week was a gorgeous candy apple red. You gotta love a bright red car, especially one with a big chrome “leaping cat” on the hood. The S-Type is a svelte, curvaceous sedan with styling cues reminiscent of the great Jaguar sedan of the 50’s and 60’s. The interior is what you would expect from a Jaguar, replete with supple leather and rich Birdseye Maple grain-matched woods. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. The back seat is roomy and well appointed for three passengers. The main instruments are large, easy to read round gauges with elegant vintage lettering. An intuitive and user-friendly navigation system and 320 watt sound system help to remind you this is a thoroughly modern machine.
As beautiful and elegant as the S-Type certainly is, the driving experience is what really impresses. This car is very comfortable and effortless as your luxurious everyday driver. The ride is ultra smooth, the speed sensitive steering light and responsive, the 6 speed transmission quick yet imperceptible. When the mood moves you, however, the wonderful dual personality of the R Model comes to light.
Hit the throttle pedal hard and the whine of the supercharger matches the exhilarating rush of acceleration. This cat screams ! The onrush of power is smooth and steady, the car always retains it’s composure and stability. You feel supremely secure and in control. The ride firms up as speed increases, there is no body roll as you slice through the curves. The Dynamic Stability Control and Active Suspension do their job quietly in the background. Apply the brakes, and they bring the speed down right now, smoothly with no fuss or bother. The S-Type R is a delight to drive, whether cruising around town, or hitting triple digits on the freeway on-ramp.
With a sticker price of $63,000, the Jaguar S-Type R may not be the perfect car for every one. As a superb motorcar that does everything a driver could ask for, it is pretty darn close to perfect.
Lexus IS F – factory Hot Rod…
by Mike Cotsworth
Imagine for a moment that you are Lexus, the upscale brand from Toyota, with a well-earned reputation for building high quality luxury vehicles. Now you want to go in a new direction, challenge the most elite cars from your European competitors, and launch a car that is outside the usual Lexus brand image. The car is more than a bit outlandish, so you need a venue that is equally surprising and over the top.
Lake Las Vegas is perfect. Who would expect a man-made lake, surrounded by Italian-style villas, palm trees, and a reproduction of the Ponte Vecchio, in the middle of the Nevada desert !? Likewise, who would expect Lexus to build an all out high-performance Hot Rod?
Does 481 Horse Power driven through an 8-speed manually-shifted transmission sound like a Hot Rod ? Are drilled and ventilated discs fitted with Brembo brakes, forged-alloy BBS wheels, and 4 well-bolstered bucket seats usual Lexus fare? The soon to be released IS F is the first “F car” from Lexus, the first in a line, we are being told, of low production, high-performance cars aiming to compete with M cars from BMW, S and RS from Audi, and AMG from Mercedes.
The IS F is a good start. The 5.0 liter V8 with numerous internal hi-po components and sport tuned electronics is more powerful, Lexus claims, than the new V8 BMW M3. Put the transmission in M for manual mode, and you can run through 7 up-shifts as fast as you can pull the paddle shifters. Lexus boosts the gear changes come in a tenth of a second, faster than a Ferrari F430.
Moreover, in the manual mode, shifts from gears 2 through 8 are directly controlled by the driver, just like in a car with a clutch pedal. It all happens so fast that Lexus thoughtfully added an audible beep telling you when to shift, just before the rev limiter kicks in. Naturally, the super quick downshifts are accompanied by a cool sounding throttle blip to match engine speed and keep the shifts as smooth as possible.
If the jolt of a full throttle .1second shift is too much for you, leave the tranny in Auto and the shifts are imperceptible, revs stay low, and the fire-breathing IS F becomes a civilized sports sedan getting upwards on 23 MPG. This dual nature is as evident to the ear as it is to the seat of the pants. At idle the engine is Lexus quiet, almost like a well oiled sewing machine; bury your right foot, however, and the roar begins, amplified at 3600 RPM when an acoustically designed baffle opens and the car screams like a 60’s muscle car.
The IS F looks as good as it goes. Special front fascia, flared fenders, aero panels, and rear spoiler differentiate it from the “normal” IS models. The engineer told me that the four stacked exhaust diffusers, which look really sharp, are in fact functional, designed to eliminate loss of downforce from exhaust gases at the car’s 170 MPH top speed. The interior is sporty yet classy, with blue lighted gauges, beautiful burnished aluminum, and those wonderful sports seats.
The ride is uncharacteristically harsh, a compromise to deliver totally flat cornering and high-speed handling. All is forgiven, at least for this driver, when powering through brutally quick shifts on the beep tone, then grabbing the powerful brakes as warnings about radar toting Nevada rangers are recalled. The IS F will be in showrooms by this Spring, base priced, but very well equipped, at $56,000.
Lexus LS 460 - farewell to valet parking…
by Mike Cotsworth
Now that we have all become accustomed to technological marvels in our automobiles such as heated seats, GPS based navigation systems, and electronic stability control, what’s an automaker to do to catch our attention ? How about a car that parks itself !?
Sure enough, that’s just what the new 2007 Lexus LS 460 Luxury sedan can do. The Advanced Parking Guidance system, offered as an option on the LS 460 modes, will actually parallel park the car without the driver touching the steering wheel. The system will also back the car into a parking spot. It’s pretty spooky to watch, the steering wheel spinning around and the car positioning itself without any input from the driver. Some may well argue that this is yet another step eliminating the human element from vehicle operation, which may or may not be a good thing; but that’s a philosophical discussion for another time.
Self parking is only one of a host of amazing technological features on the new LS 460. How about the world’s first 8-speed automatic transmission ? Check out the parking brake system that automatically engages when the car is shifted into “Park”. Speaking of brakes, in addition to numerous electronic functions that aid and enhance braking safety and performance, there is an optional “Brake Hold” feature that prevents the car from creeping forward while in stop and go traffic. While heated and cooled front seats, as well as heated rear seats are standard, of course, the LS 460 has infrared sensors that measure the temperature of the rear seat passengers and adjusts the environment accordingly.
While the Lexus LS 460 is certainly a technological tour-de-force, and has enough electronic gizmos to satisfy most anyone, all that wizardry is well coordinated to make the LS 460 a really exceptional car to drive. That new 8-speed transmission is engineered to deliver quiet and silky smooth shifts, while contributing to excellent fuel economy, up to 27 highway MPG. That’s pretty darn good for a 380 horsepower V8. This 4.6 liter engine is the first all new Lexus V8 in 17 years, and is totally state of the art. The engine and transmission do work well together, with plenty of power, great acceleration, and very smooth operation. The drivetrain was delightful as we drove the new LS through twisty back roads in Marin County, north of San Francisco.
Those wonderful twisty roads showcased another attribute of the new LS 460. Lexus has built its reputation on building exceptionally quiet and smooth automobiles. Some driving enthusiasts have felt that this emphasis has resulted in cars that isolate the driver too much from the sensory inputs of driving. The long-wheelbase version of new LS 460 offers a Sport-tuned air suspension that remedies that complaint. Switch on the “sport” setting, and the suspension tightens up and allows just enough road feedback. Still Lexus quiet and smooth, but responsive enough for the driver who likes to be fully engaged in the driving experience.
The LS 460 will be available in three versions, the standard wheelbase sedan, a long wheelbase “L” version, and eventually a Hybrid model, the LS 600h. All three abound with Lexus meticulous attention to detail, including matching wood grain trim, arm rest and center console set at the same height, hand-sanded paint finish, and engines that are sound-tuned by ear. Expect the LS 460 to be priced above $60,000, with the “L” model and Hybrid well north of $70,000. Expensive, yes, but they can park themselves…
Lexus LS 600H L – The Ultimate Lexus…
by Mike Cotsworth
Imagine the dilemma for Lexus, the upscale division of Toyota. In the past year they have introduced the GS 400h, the world’s first rear-wheel-drive high-performance Hybrid sedan, and the LS 460, the world’s first Luxury sedan that parks itself. What new “world’s first” can they come up with next..?
Well, cry not for Lexus. Citing the goals of Innovation, Performance, Safety, and Luxury, Lexus will soon roll out the LS 600h L, the world’s first full hybrid V8, with all-wheel-drive and a Continuously Variable Transmission.
The 5.0 liter V8 in the LS 600h is the largest engine ever produced by Lexus, and when combined with the high-output electric motors produces 438 Horsepower. Yet EPA rated fuel economy stays at 21 MPG. That’s V-12 power with V6 fuel economy. The hybrid Lexus also has 70 % cleaner emissions than any of its V8 or V12 competitors in this high-end Prestige-luxury segment. Lexus is betting that buyers in this market want to make an environmental statement, while still enjoying luxury and performance.
The seamless AWD system puts all this hybrid power to the road at a 40/60 front to rear ratio, so as to retain the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Power can be allocated up to 50/50, depending on what the electronic sensors determine is optimal for traction and stability. The engineers went to great lengths to make this complex and powerful machine incredibly quiet, as befits a Lexus. Acoustical imaging analysis was used to identify potential sources of intrusive mechanical noise, and sound deadening shields were installed in those areas.
Not only can the LS 600h park itself while protecting the environment, it also looks out for the safety of its driver and occupants. In addition to the radar controlled adaptive Cruise Control, there is a radar system specially designed to detect “soft bodies”, such as people and animals. But wait, there’s more. A near-infrared stereo camera with Object Recognition mounted in the headliner constantly monitors the driver. Creating a Digital map of the driver’s face, the system emits warning buzzers and flashing lights if the driver looks away from straight ahead for too long a period of time. If the system senses a collision is imminent, it pre-tightens all seat belts, readies the multiple airbags, and anticipates both emergency steering and braking.
How does all this amazing technology drive ? Very nicely indeed, thank you. Impressive initial acceleration and tremendous passing acceleration smoothly delivered, thanks to the CVT. You can “shift” the transmission through 7 settings, which uses software mapping to determine engine speed and create more or less engine drag. The big brakes effectively haul the 2 ½ ton vehicle back down into legal speeds quickly while all the electronic stabilizer systems keep body roll to a minimum and the ride smooth and comfortable.
Oh yea, let’s not forget Exclusivity, an important characteristic of any truly prestigious offering. The LS 600h L will be a very limited edition model, with projections of only 2000 available per year. That equates to less than one per month per Lexus dealer. Base price will be $104,000, with a properly optioned car selling for around $112,000. If that’s not exclusive enough for you, watch your mailbox for the newest copy of the Neiman Marcus InCircle catalog and to order one of the 100 special Launch Edition versions. Your check for $121,000 buys you a unique Truffle Mica paint color, Alabaster leather, an all black instrument panel, chrome wheels, special badging, and a custom designed three-piece Italian luggage set.
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