[Italian Stallion]

Posted on the Edmunds web site ....

"Just back from test-driving an LS 430 at my Lexus dealer.

He said the 2002 ES will be in showrooms by September. Sales Manager has seen some pix and everything he hears is that the ES will go through a pretty extensive change (like LS). Bigger interior, Standard HID lights, Lexus link system, etc. Might be sales hype, but I tend to believe him."

 

[Slick Willie]

Let's hope it does not look as ugly as the new LS 430s. What was Lexus thinking of when they redesigned the LS?

 

[brad]

I have heard that the new ES is going to shock everybody and blow our minds. This will be a radical departure from the current ES. Cool, you heard it too, Italian.

 

[Italian Stallion]

I'm hoping that Lexus will demo it at the New York auto show in April ....

 

[geoff]

Originally posted by Slick Willie:
Let's hope it does not look as ugly as the new LS 430s. What was Lexus thinking of when they redesigned the LS?

i gotta agree...the new ls430 is loaded with every conceivable option, but the looks are again ho-hum. lexus needs to is300-ize the ls430.

 

[JW]

Then that means the Camry will be redesigned at the same time (or soon)...

Not like any of us would *want* a Camry, but I like to keep up with new developments.

 

[yamaot]

LS430 is released to be test driven? I thought they are officially out on 19th this month....

 

[Daniel]

well, there were people test driving and buying the IS before its official release date, so I won't be surprise to see some LS430 running on the street.

 

[HIBBoyScott]

Originally posted by geoff:
i gotta agree...the new ls430 is loaded with every conceivable option, but the looks are again ho-hum. lexus needs to is300-ize the ls430.

How radical do you think they are going to style a car marketed to rich old pplz?

 

[Altezza]

I couldn't find it on the Magazine X homepage so I can't post any homepage addresses, but I remember seeing a Computer Graphics Image of the next Full model change Widom (ES300) on the Magazine X a couple of months ago.

Its design incorporated the Celica-listic features with slanted headlights. From the image the car looked very sharp. Not a common, ordinary sedan. I do not intend to buy this FWD car, but I am very interested in the next trend of Toyota designs. To me, it looks like the next Windom's main target is the US market, so the design may be more amiable to US people.

 

[lyndon_h]

Its not going to be radical. the IS is meant for us, the es300 is made for people who want to move a couple of steps above the Camry.

Camry>Avalon>ES300

 

[brad]

Reasonable logic lyndon but this is information from the inside that several people have come up with independently so your theory is more than likely wrong.

Originally posted by lyndon_h:
Its not going to be radical. the IS is meant for us, the es300 is made for people who want to move a couple of steps above the Camry.

Camry>Avalon>ES300

 

[hasanazhar]

My salesman told me that it would definitely be geared to take on the more luxurious rivals, with many more options than the IS300. Power will jump, although not a whole lot, but enough to improve performance.
Comon guys, it ES is a pretty attractive car - although it is aging.
You're all right about the LS's styling: it's a bit dull and uninspiring - not really ugly. But yes, if I'm paying $70K for a car, I want a lot more than just luxury. Perhaps they should open up a design studio in Germany or Italy...hint hint: steal some designers from the competition.
I wonder when they're planning a redo of the GS - it is relatively new, although it's gonna be its 4th year running.
No chance they're fixin the LS's exterior...this one will have to do for the next 6-8 years. I think the design deficiency might tarnish Lexus' image a bit. But then again, the LS430 is a great car otherwise.

black/ivory
17"

 

[DonCorleone]

cars arrive a week or so before their official release date so the dealer can get acquainted with the car. they can allow test drives and such but i dont think they are allowed to sell any before the official release date...the official release date is the date they can sell the cars..

 

[Stephen]

Well, I drove an LS430 about a week ago. It is a fantastic car, let me tell you. I do agree about the styling for the most part, everything is good looking but the front, and even that looks better in a dark color. I ordered one dark blue with black interior, Ultra Luxury package, chrome wheels to replace my LS400 when the lease is up in May. It should be here in April if all goes well. Main point is, the S Class may be better looking, but it isnt worth the $23,000 jump in price.

As for IS300izing the LS400, not a good idea. I like the IS300 just fine, its a very attractive car but it isn't what 55-60 year old men who look at BMW 740iLs and Benz S500s want in a car.

 

[onefortheroad]

The LS430 is not a "radical" design but it is definitely ULTRA luxury. I think the LS is meant to showcase the luxury and convenient of the interior, not the exterior. Sitting in a GS430 and a LS430 is like night and day. The GS430 is luxurious but mild compared to the LS. You will definitely appreciate the LS430 more when sitting in it than looking at it.

 

[Lexus_girl]

I have driven the LS 430....lots of cool toys. You don't want to get out of the back seat though....what other car has a drink cooler built-in, and heating and massaging seats? The nav system's not bad, and it has some voice recognition commands (cool). Personally, I like to drive the IS (more fun).

 

[HIBBoyScott]

Originally posted by Lexus_girl:
I have driven the LS 430....lots of cool toys. You don't want to get out of the back seat though....what other car has a drink cooler built-in, and heating and massaging seats? The nav system's not bad, and it has some voice recognition commands (cool). Personally, I like to drive the IS (more fun).

Doesn't the Aztek have a drink cooler built into it?

 

[Stephen]

The Aztek has a portable cooler in the console. The LS430 has a refrigerator between the back seats.

------------------
Stephen Withrow
[email protected]

98 Lexus LS400
97 Ford Explorer Limited

 

[JW]

Stephen, are you going to lease a 430 after the 400 is done? I subscribe to the Lexus Lover's ML, btw...