Except if you are in an F1 or in a high end supercar. There's nothing quite like shifting that lever and engaging the clutch, but that's really old school in the new world of rev matching DSGs, SMGs and what not.

The 3 series coupe may be a good handler, but I very much doubt how it can handle better than the M3 especially since it has an open differential. This to me sounds more like the usual Car and Driver hype on new models from Munich. It may be more compliant and offers about 90% of the handling traits, but that open diff is going to be a killer on tight corners.

 

I believe that BMW is very close to officially unveiling the next-generation M3 (don't be surprised it makes an appearance as early as the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit; 2007 Geneva Auto Show unveiling is probably more likely). The new M3 will not only have a limited-slip differential standard, but a new 4.0-liter V-8 rated at around 400 bhp. This could make the M3 capable of at least 186 mph top speed if the 155 mph speed limiter is disabled.

 

4.6 V8
380 Horsepower
367 lb-ft of Torque
8-Speed Automatic
0-60: 5.4 sec
19/27 mpg (460)
18/27 mpg (460 L)

 

the 335 is twin turbo, not the 330. h:

 

I went to the Taste of Lexus event yesterday, and had the chance to drive the new LS460L, as well as every other Lexus model except the LX470 and GX470. Man what a beauty!!! Too bad the course was so short, and they only had the ones with regular suspension available to drive. There was one with adjustable air suspension and active roll control on the floor, but it wasn't available to test drive. Never the less, the car is gourgeous. Everything is so well done and straight forward, all the controls, everything. I love the fact that you can actually use every interior feature, including radio, ac, seats, transmission mode, etc, etc without using the navi screen, and complicated i-Drive like controls. In fact, you can have the screen completely turned off, its required for navigation only. They had a 750IL and S550 there for comparison, and their systems are just plain confusing. The i-Drive is bad, but the MB system is even worse. And I love the fact, that LS460 retains an actual transmission shifter unlike the BMW and Benz.

Anyway, to the driving, like I said the course was disappointing, it was too short, and barely had any straight portion to test accelearation very well. When I floored it, and the car took off smoothly, didn't quite have a torque surge I was expecting, but as RPM rose the thing propelled like a jet!!! In comparison the S550 takes off the line with much more torque, but doesn't have the high end like the LS460. The 750 was dog slow and dated in comparison to both. I wish they would have an Audi S8 there for comparison, it is one gorgeous car, but they didnt

Handling wise, the LS leaned and rolled in your typical Lexus fashion, but gripped the road very well. The S550 and 750 felt much more in control, but it wasn't really a fair comparison because S550 and 750 were equipped with air suspension and active suspension, while the LS had base suspension.

The one thing that kind of let me disappointed with the LS, is that it very reluctant to downshifting. I took it around a curve, and floored it, and it took a while for it to decide to downshift. While the shift itself was instaneous and smooth, the delay before the downshift is annoying. I thought with the 8 speed transmission it would downshift more often and much faster. It also allows you to shift manually - an option that I didn't have enough time to explore, but it seems that manually you can only use four gears, not eight. But like I said before, the course was damn short, and If I wanted to drive the car again, I would have to wait in line again, and the lines were kind of long. So I only had the patience to wait twice.

On the other hand the course for GS and IS models was great, it had a long stretch followed by some sharp curves. The IS350 was a total friggin blast, I came out of it with my brain spinning backwards, I pulled some major G's around the curves. And the GS450h is just badass fast, its freaking hilarious to watch it take off, it's whole front lifts up from all that torque. After I left the even, I lined up my GS430 against a GS450h, just outside of the gate, parallel to the course, and we both gunned it, and I got my ass spanked, lol.

 

Did the one you test drive have the Parking Guidance System (Self Parking?)

I watched a video about it. It doesn't park itself, the ads are misleading. You have to press on the break and the car backs into the space, but in order to move forward, you would have to switch the car into Drive and press the gas yourself.

*Lexus produced a system that is a piece of crap and overpriced. I see nothing special. Also Insideline.Edmunds didn't like the new LS 460 either. The car didn't perform well and is not a benchmark, but just getting to where Mercedes-Benz is.

 

No clue


Yep, they demonstrated that feature at the show several times. It's not completely automatic, but it actually works much better than I thought.

While I too find the self parking feature absolutely useless, it is pretty damn nifty, and you watch, your beloved Acura will most likely add that feature to the next RL, and so will most other car makers. Like it or not, but Lexus has set the benchmark, and right now this system is the one, the first, and the best on the market.

As far as Edmunds not liking the LS, that is their subjective opinion. Didn't perform well??? It performed as well or better as the S550. And thats while costing tens of thousands less, achieving better fuel economy, and having better interior features. I am not saying Lexus has surpassed Mercedes-Benz, no, they are far from it and have a TON of catching up to do. But Lexus does a lot of things better than Mercedes, and offers better value. And whether you like it or not, it will outsell every car in it's class.

 

Glad you had a good test drive. Well the Parking Feature is a first, and Lexus is a little nicer and only 25K cheaper than the Mercedes, I wish Lexus would understand what they are doing wrong with their cars.

Lexus will be successful if they understand what they are doing wrong. I think Lexus should add more options as standard features without increasing the price. Also they need a powerful engine that also performs well. Not just a big engine with horsepower but not fun to drive.

 

What, in your opinion, is Lexus doing wrong? They are already very succesful, they already offer great values, and they are expanding their line up to accomodate different tastes, while staying profitable. For a brand that is less than two decades old, they are doing very well.

As far as your comment "a little nice and only 25K cheaper", thats just plain retarded. For 25k you can get a loaded Accord, so the price difference is tremendous.

 

What difference does it make if the make options standard? I rather have options hand a lower price than everything loaded. Not everyone want every option. Even with all the option, it's still much cheaper than German counterpart with similar features. Typical Lexus drivers don't care about handling too much, else, they would have bought an Infiniti or BMW. It sure perform well in straight line, so to some, that is fun to drive.