A new definition to Lexus' Relentless Pursuit of Perfection

[Speeddemon]

Sounds a little crappy to me

 

So going by that SE's logic.....a 2.5l Impreza WRX would be super quiet?

Edited June 25, 2006 by Speeddemon

[Ahbengdriver]

Thats what I thought too. And similarly why is a freaking porsche loud?

[Speeddemon]

heck yeah....somehow i seriously doubt the porsche is underpowered

[Koolaba]

To be fair to Lexus, its first-generation LS400 is one of the models which I have admired dearly. The car can be considered almost perfect in all aspects, during that time.

 

So it is really an eye-opener to see Lexus' latest interpretation of perfection, or should I say imperfection.

[Koolaba]

Sales pitch.

 

That particular SE is oblivious to the fact that the noise level of a car is not due to the engine capacity per se. The co-efficient drag, friction reduction technologies are some of the many aspects which affect the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) of the car.

 

Insulation does help in the final reduction of NVH in the car. But I would reckon this to be secondary in effect and importance to one of the main sources of NVH in the car - the engine.

 

Just to cite another example of BS quoted by a Lexus SE when I viewed the IS250. She commented that the styrofoam layer behind the front collision beam (behind the front bumper cover) helps to reduce most of the incoming wind noise from the front.

[Speeddemon]

Although I have not had the chance to drive Lexus cars...i do remember the LS400...gave the mercs and bmws quite a run for the money

[Koolaba]

The first generation LS400. That is the first Japanese premium luxury model which got the Germans thinking hard.

 

With the current Lexus, the gap is beginning to widen. The Germans can take a slight breather.

[Osiris]

GS300 last pix got misaligned meh? cannot see properly with the blue & red line covering teh actual lines. can repost w/o the blue red lines? Thanks

[Osiris]

I added 2 things to my budget japanese car, now it's quieter than any lexus, rolls, bentley.

 

It's cheap and effective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Speeddemon]

 

So effective...it even blocks out your passengers' conversation

 

[Tacheron]

but i just don't understand why everyone raves about toyota build quality when its obvious the standard has gone down over the years.

 

I totally agree on this point, but you are not the only one in doubt. I seen it myself and I really hope this is just a transition phase during some technology changes or what. It seems to me the smaller Japanese firms like Suzuki, Subaru and the likes are having tigher control in all their production lines as compared to Toyota.

[Poper]

Hmmm.. another way to look at it.. The stock market expects listed auto companies like Toyota (or GM, Ford) to continue their revenue/profit growth consistently. And the stock market punishes companies that don't meet analyst expectations. Since companies grow thru increasing revenue or reducing cost, it is not surprising that Toyota, Honda (and Nissan soon) shifted plants to Thailand (Chevrolet made in S.Korea?). Also, many auto makers will buy parts from cheapers sources too. With cheaper parts and lower-skilled labour, higher volume of cars to assemble etc etc, where got time to seek perfection??

 

I won't be surprised that the quality of Lexus (or other makers) will drop even further Like software companies rushing to release new versions of software and choose to close-one-eye on known bugs..

 

Don't fall in love with your car's perfection, it's just a metal box waiting to be scrapped

Edited June 25, 2006 by Poper

[Ferrari7]

Aiyoh why you finding fault with Toyota cars again . . .

But your posts are have been an eye-opener for me.

 

I think only the LS430 is outstanding. Engine is silent from the OUTSIDE, even when Accelerating.

[Tacheron]

I tend not to agree with you on this point. Like what some forumers have mentioned, outsourcing doesn't and shouldn't mean a drop in quality or other attributes.

 

Can we think of it in another light, do they intentionally reduce focus on this aspect? Just to throw up discussion but when we or our friends buy cars, does the issue of "quality" or "worksmanship" feature highly? I suspect those are secondary. Through my research and personal experience, fuel consumption, upfront costs seems to be the most important.

 

Personally I agree to this "Don't fall in love with your car's perfection, it's just a metal box waiting to be scrapped". So for many, ultimately, its a functional appeal that is important and I suspect many manufacturers are playing this game just meeting what consumers want.

[Odyssey02]

if you take a look, certain car manufacturers only have a small number of cars made in plants in other countries. such as the south african C-class and 3 series. the thai city and accord etc.

 

for toyota, almost ALL their main line-up is from thailand.

[Wankie]

hmmmm.... all the gaps remind me so much of my car

[Poper]

I agree that outsourcing does not mean lower quality or workmanship.. but the truth is it does in reality.. Price competition is one of the toughest challenge in all industry.. For instance, many people buy Korean cars because they are lower-priced. This is also evident in the case of Budget Airlines, One-99 Shop, Budget Hoteling etc..

 

It's a fast changing world.. Businesses that don't catch up in financial performance will be punished by shareholders.. In the process, manufacturing quality is sacrificed.. Sigh...

 

Think I better book my Latio Sports first before Nissan shift plant to Thailand

Edited June 26, 2006 by Poper

[Tashi]

hi bro

I can attest that a long time friend and colleague, in his 40s, very much a BMW stalwart, recently changed his M5 to a a IS250 (long story, can't divulge why here). He didn't stop complaining since. He claimed that the IS250 is SO SMALL that he would very often knock his head against the ceiling when he gets in and out, and that he "hate" his new Lexus. He can't wait to sell it right off now and go back to BMW, or the Skoda Superb (my wife convinced him by letting him drive it).

 

bless

tashi

 

PS - I echo many of the thoughts of bros here, that the Toyota build quality has dipped a great deal. My wife used to drive the old Corolla and it was rather solidly built. But her drives of the newer Altis and even the Camry, did not inspire her at all, and she "didn't feel safe". She is a self-proclaimed safety "freak", as I would endearingly call her. Conversely I also echo and agree that the Korean build quality has improved tremendously. For example, many Kia cars are very well-made, and I also love the Hyundai Tucson.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Tashi