Sal Collaziano

Hopefully this isn't a report. I don't see it anywhere. Check out the video... Following the unveiling of the Lexus Hoverboard in June, the luxury automotive company is completing a full and final reveal of the project concluding a successful testing phase which took place in Cubelles, Barcelona. Mark Templin, Executive Vice President at Lexus International said: “Embarking on this project, we set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible. With this project we call ‘SLIDE’, we collaborated with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion. Even through combining our technology and expertise, we discovered making a hoverboard isn’t an easy process. We’ve experienced the highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion.” Continue reading and watch the video...

I don't believe we'll see a redesigned LS until 2014.

Part of the reason I like the Lexus LS series is the soft ride. I learned a lot from this thread. I see the tires are a major reason for this soft ride. And I understand the sidewalls on the LS460 are higher than previous models.. I too would prefer smaller wheels.. 17" would be fine - though it might not look right on the vehicle...

Looks awesome! You have the best color. :)

It sounds to me like you got a good deal! I might be mistaken but I think that 90,000 mile service is very important. You may look into having that taken care of as well... Post some pictures when you get a chance! The Ultra is REALLY nice.. I know it's kind of an older model but as an Ultra, who cares?

There are several threads/discussions with topics like "Any Florida members here?". They should all be merged into one so that we can get an idea of just how many people here are from Florida - and where.. Without several different threads from various years, it's a little sloppy. Any chance of this happening?

I've heard from several people that they felt the suspension was tighter in the 98-00 models than others. Not exactly a reply to to your question but I feel the same way about the difference between my 2000 LS400 and my 2006 LS430.To me the handling and steering are better in the 2000 LS400 than the newer LS 430.I blame it on the 18" tires.To me it is a downgrade in quality.

Great post! Thank you for all the comparisons! I am writing my detailed experience so that you can appropriately weigh in my comments and put them in contex. I have owned 5 LS cars - 90, 95, 98, 2001, 2007. The 90 was in a league of its own - far ahead of its competition - I put 250,000 miles on it and kept it for 9 years or so. I did not like the 95 better (less solid than 90). Transmission was apparently made lighter. There was nothing wrong with a 95 but it was really the same (less?) car. The 98 was quite an improvement over the 95 - quicker too. My first Nav and it worked fine. The 2001 was really not a major improvement. At the same time period, I had owned a Merc s class AMG. The 430 was quicker in city and convenient to drive. the s class was felt a bit heavy in city driving but was simply superb on the highway. the ls 430 was simply not in the same league beyond 75 mph. But the merc engine and transmission felt a lot less refined than the lexus'. Recently, I test drove the S550. It felt more like my old ls 430 (quiet and a slightly floaty ride! - it almost felt that merc was following lexus!). I did test drive the standard 460L but I really don't remember how it felt. Mine is the touring/sport version - with 19" tires, bigger brakes, air suspension. My 95 had air suspension but I really did not find it to be superior. My 98 and 2001 did not have air suspension. But this 2007's air suspension is clearly superior to my 95's. I do agree with you that the steering feel is really not too different from previous cars (actually even the 90 felt pretty much the same). If you really want the best steering feel - you should drive Audi A8! Between LS 460, S550 and A8, The A8 has the best steering feel and fun factor of driving. I was less impressed with S500 - Obviously it too is quite good of course - I preferred my ls 460. Besides the steering feel, the 460L is, in my opinion, a clearly desirable car and the 430 should be a quick trade in. Considering your preference for steering feel, you should buy the sport/touring version (available by special order) and use it in sport setting. Granted, it would not drive like an A8 or a 750il. Assuming that monetary factor is not an issue, I would encourage you to trade in your 430 for a sport 460L. You will be quite pleased. Perhaps your local dealer has a sport version demo? They are not very common. In fact, my local dealer asked me to do him a favor and let one of his customers drive it (which I obliged and that person immediately ordered the sport package). There is one issue with the touring version you have to understand - its tires and brakes will have half the life of the normal car. I do not know whether it stops shorter or better but I am pleased. I really don't mind changing the tires/brakes. After all, lexus is low maintenance anyway!

Pearl white is probably my favorite color on the LS. I like silver as well - but there's just something about the pearl. Doug, you're a Lexus family, huh? :P

How much difference is there between the V6 and V8 when it comes to engine noise coming into the inside of the vehicle - and smoothness?

http://pressroom.lexus.com/Releases/View?id=TYT2006120667881

While Ford didn't do the greatest job in getting the Five Hundred to look like the LS - it looks to me like they tried.. The headlights and front fascia especially.. The side profile as well.. And a little bit of the rear fascia.. The first time I saw the Ford Five Hundred, I saw the similarities...

Of course, but this car coming down the road really resembles an LS430 or Q45.. And it's a Kia.

http://www.hyundaikiaforums.com/optima/kia-optima.html So somebody in my condominium complex bought one of these.. I'm 4 floors up and as I was looking down into the parking lot, I saw this car.. At first glance I thought "who bought a Lexus"? Then I realized it wasn't an LS430 and thought maybe it was an Infinity... I eventually drove past the car and realized it was the new Kia Optima... Even the rims are copied from the LS430.. At first glance, from the front, this looks like the first version of the LS430.. The back and interior look nothing like it - but the interior isn't bad.. I just thought this was all very interesting..

I'm on the other side of the coin. I think the JX should be huge.. Lexus already has a mid-sized SUV - the GX470. Why do they need another one? The differences between the GX and LX, in size, are very small.. Compare the LX to the size of the QX56, Navigator, Escalade - it's very small.. If one was to want a large SUV and remain loyal to Lexus, what are they to do? Nothing but find themselves in another showroom... It makes sense, to me, that the Lexus JX be built on the Sequoia platform...