ml

+1

Overall....I like the concept. It could do with a couple of tweeks here and there, but (to me) its design DNA clearly says "Ford sedan" which is long overdue! IMHO that is critically important right now...something that is recognizable and sustainable in the longer term. Now, lets make sure the driving dynamics work. Ford has several more engine choices than it had a couple of years ago and lets not ignore fuel efficiency. If Ford is going to stem the market share slide, it has to build a version that is competitive with Toyota and Honda in the long run, not DCL. In upcoming years the market will likely continue to shift away from light trucks due to fuel efficiency concerns and consumers need fuel efficient North American options. It is going to take a lot more than just styling cues to regain the publics confidence in Fomoco. Its going to take quality engineering and tons of consumer input. The market is getting tougher and more competitive each year. Ford needs to get ahead of the curve, not just catch up.

100pct agree!

For the record my last LS430 had the transmission and fuel pump replaced before the vehicle was one month old. (factory recalls) My first one had zero problems. Needless to say, the car was an awesome car but after less than a year with the second one I sold it. It did everything well but it never inspired passionate driving. My SC430 was the same. It was a nice car (and even kind of cool to look at when it first came out) but neither car compared with the "barn burners" that Mercedes and BMW and Porsche put out. It always felt kind if heavy and was not very fast with only 300hp. Every time i drove it i wished it had more ponies. And while Mercedes, BMW etc market low volume, high performance versions, they still sell a bunch of cars. They use these versions to build brand image/prestige/passion/excitement/loyalty. Many of the technologies they use on these cars eventually trickle down to the cheaper versions. The person who drives a 3 series dreams of driving an M3 some day. Its excitement, its passion, its a little in your face...but thats what "prestige" car companies are looking to create. If Lexus wants to compete head to head with the German car companies, they are going to have to create a preformance division. Having said that, I dont think they need to. They build an awesome car that does very well at a very good price in comparison. Let the BMWs, Mercs and Audis compete with themselves. There is more than enough business to go around and Lexus has a large number of very satisfied owners who have no interest in owning a race inspired automobile.

Lexus build a great car (I have owned 2 Lexus LS430s, an SC430 and my wife currently drives an 06 GS350) BUT it doesnt compete with Mercedes, BMW and Porsche for passion because it doesn't build high performance versions. Simple as that. I belong to a big name private golf course where at any point in time you can spot upwards of a dozen high end luxo-boats, AMG SLs, Continental GTs, M5s and M6s, Cayennes, A8s, Maybachs, etc and you hardly ever see a Lexus...period! Simply put, its the reason I got out of the LS...awesome car but a little too boring. People who can afford these kind of cars want excitement when they step on the gas, not just a smooth ride and a nice interior.

I think it looks Great! They are going to have to have decent technology if they want me to buy one however.