The Problem with Lexus

SilverLexus · 03-13-05, 06:55

I got up this morning and read the latest Car&Driver (April 2005) and it made me mad because I realized a serious flaw with Lexus, a brand I love due to great products and customer service....

The GS300 is just too slow. 0-60 in 6.9 seconds. Boo! While fast historically, this is simply not keeping up with the times for a car they call "passionate". Let's look elsewhere in the issue. New BMW 3 Series - 5.6 seconds! and it's a few grand less.

Then the killer happened - I read the Toyota Avalon review: 0-60 in 6.6 seconds. What the heck is Toyota thinking!!!

An Avalon is faster than a GS! No sale.

They need to make these Lexus cars much faster or people like me will go buy a Porsche Boxster or a BMW. I'm thinking seriously about the Boxster now.

Hopefully we will see much better numbers when they review the GS430.

Porkanbeans · 03-13-05, 09:03

I agree. I just read that article last night and I was shocked at the poor performance numbers. Lexus seems to be aiming at BMW and Mercedes with this new agressive styling, why didn't they back it up with decent power? The 430 will bring more to the table, obviously, but it doesn't make sense to me that the base engine has such poor stats. Oh well, they always redeem themselves somehow, so we'll wait and see.

thinksnow · 03-13-05, 09:24

In my opinion, Lexus doesn't aim for drivers seeking blazing performance. They have built a market on drivers who want extraordinarily comfortable and reliable vehicles that will reach their destination in a hurry. When Lexus tells its consumers how "fast" the GS is, they are telling their customers and not the general populace.

The typical driver doesn't consider a four-door Lexus...or a Porsche Boxter. While they are both motorcars worthy of accolades, they are nowhere near the same genre of automobile. This isn't a personal jab, just saying that when Lexus runs design CBA, they don't figure you in as the benchmark customer.

Perhaps I'm not as jaded, but sub-seven second 60 runs are still pretty fast for me

I'm more impressed with highway passing speed and the Lexi I've driven has that category wrapped up.

TW85 HHI · 03-13-05, 09:32

Lee,

I agree and disagree with you depending on the point being made. I highly doubt the same buyers that are looking at the new GS will also be considering a Porsche Boxter. Completely different vehicles that certainly do not make for a fair comparison.

MongooseGA · 03-13-05, 09:46

I don't think Lee is trying to compare the GS to the Boxter; just trying to pooint out that if a Lexus can't deliver the kind of fun he expects, he'll go buy a Boxter.

Lee, don't feel bad. My car is a 4.0 V8 and it's supposed to run 0-60 in like 6.9 seconds I think. The quarter is 15.3.

Also consider this, the people looking for performanc ein a GS are not going to buy the GS300- atleast not in my family. If they want performance, then they'll obviously buy the faster model.

ben54 · 03-13-05, 10:28

While most consider Lexus competition for BMW, I'm not sure that is completely accurate. A friend of mine is in the market, so he and I went to both dealerships. He at first wasn't interested in Lexus, but after sitting in the new GS, he considered a Lexus. It wasn't for its engine or styling, but for its refinement. The interior was extremely comfortable and the ride was quiet. He'll probably go for the 530i becuase he wants the sport.

SilverLexus · 03-13-05, 12:14

"I highly doubt the same buyers that are looking at the new GS will also be considering a Porsche Boxter."

My understanding is that Lexus is going after BMW drivers and Boxster drivers based on what the car mags are telling me. This is a change in strategy for them but one they need to capture more young professionals - a key market for the long haul.

They simply need more horsepower. I am hopeful for some better numbers on the 430.

I expect they will up the hp by the time my lease is up in 2007 but I would buy a Boxster today.

TW85 HHI · 03-13-05, 12:46

I can understand Lexus targeting BMW buyers but how do they expect to attract Porsche buyers? Every Porsche has an entirely different focus in design.

MongooseGA · 03-13-05, 01:36

Quote:

Originally posted by TW85 HHI
I can understand Lexus targeting BMW buyers but how do they expect to attract Porsche buyers? Every Porsche has an entirely different focus in design.

I can understand it. Some people aren't always looking for a specific kind of car. Example: Me.

When I was car shopping, I looked at Ford Super Duties, Acura RSX's, Mistu VR-4's, Dodge TT Stealths, Diesel Rams, Jeeps, WRX's, 944's, 928's, ITR's, 540's, M3's, etc...

I would have driven any of them. They each are the best of whatever categories they are labeled as. To me, as long as the car was good at something, I could find a way to have fun with it.

Corey Bit Spank · 03-13-05, 03:38

The new 3 series is also a bit smaller than the GS, no?

Those aren't bad numbers. I wasn't expecting a whole too many Lexus owners to clear their Friday night plans so that they can go race their cars.

GoodnClean · 03-13-05, 05:28

No way Lexus is targeting Porsche owners, it would be a complete waste of resources. Like others have said the two companies are polar opposites, Lexus is targeting Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar owners etc. Even the SC430 isn't designed to compete with a Porsche. Young professionals yes, but not all young professionals want/could have a Porsche. I'm young and can afford these cars, I'd like a Porsche but I just can't have one because its not compatible with my lifestyle. My dad has always said his first purchase when he retires will be a 911. What does he drive now? An LS430. He's never considered a porsche when he's shopped because they're just very different.

To most buyers comparing a Porsche and a GS430 is akin to comparing an SC430 and a Sequoia. Not done.

As for Lexus and performance they've always been behind in the performance numbers. What you have to realize is that 0-60 times aren't the be all and end all of performance or driving fun. A lot of times two cars can feel very much the same even though their performance figures are different. You have to weigh how you drive when determining performance, 0-60 is done at WOT, I don't drive at WOT much, niether do most people. Some cars like the Honda S2000 that have great 0-60 figures are sluggish when driven around town because all the power is in the upper bands.

Lexus has said in press releases that they are unwilling to participate in the HP wars. Their units sold and market share keep increasing and increasing, so they must be doing something right.

I do find it interesting that you're concerned about performance figures and you drive an ES, I love my ES but its not sporty or fun to drive at all. Its probably the most boring Lexus to drive because of the FWD. Even the LS is more neutral and peppier. I love it, but I'm really weird for my age. My next car will be the new 2007 LS probably.

Lexus DOES have some big plans with hybrid technology and special high performance models coming out soon though.

MongooseGA · 03-13-05, 05:37

Lexus really doesn't realize the underground drift seen they have with the 1st gen SC's and the currect IS cars, do they? If they offered a car like that with more power out of the hole, they'd do so well at it.