http://clublexus.com/index.php/artic...iew/7494/1/10/
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/sho...y.php?cat=3479

This isn't even the hybrid version yet which is said to be packing about 450hp.

 

It looks kinda like the new Elantra from the pics. Interior seems conservatively styled, but as they say, "if isn't broke, don't fix it." 8spd auto sounds interesting.

 

Its bland looking, but to me just about every Lexus on the road is bland looking. The interior is really good, but that is to be expected from Lexus. If there is one thing I really hate about it, and it is many more cars lines than the ones at Lexus that are guilty of this, is the stupid engine cover in the engine bay. It covers the entire freakin engine. It is like the automobile's engine is a vulgarity that needs to be hidden from the eyes of the owner.

 

Rear end screams Acura to me.

 

'nother ugly Lex. Bleah. But judging from the underhood picture - good news for RubberMaid Inc!

 

Wow, that's some pretty neat power.
We think it's silly, but Lexus is simply giving their customers what they want. That car isn't the type of car that a hot rodding type of person is in the market for, so they don't cater to such people.

 

Engine covers cut down on noise and make the engine bay look much better to the average Lexus customer who wouldn't know what the hell they were looking at in the first place if they did open the cover.

They do usually have quick-release snaps for all your basic maintenance, so it's not like you have to spend 10 minutes just to get the cover off just to check your oil or air filter or whatever.

 

I'd wager that the average Lexus driver never opens their hood themselves.

 

Accidents happen - and just in case, Lexus wants to make sure their owners don't see anything confusing, like engine components.

 

At first I was a fan of engine covers but now they are getting so enveloping that there is nothing shown in the engine compartment. I like the fuel rail covers on the Vette. They cover a good deal of the crap but still show the engine off.

On the Lexus design, it does seem a bit dull to me and I am not a fan of those new Lexus tail lights. The power is pretty good though. I would like to see Cadillac step up power on the STS. I think the LS is a step up though, competing with the BMW 7 series, is that correct?

 

bland and I hate engine covers. Specs are good but thats about it

 

It is intended as a lower-priced competitor to the 7-series, though most people say it is much more posh, quieter/smoother than the 7-series. Also quite a bit more reliable, just not as sporting or fun/engaging to drive. So in some ways while they are competing with each other, they are somewhat dis-similar cars.

 

Gotta agree with BigDarkNFast... boooorinng... looks like every other bland luxo-4 door executive commuter appliance that comes out of the Far East. That said, plebs like myself aren't the target audience .

 

8-speed Auto sounds like way to much for me in a passenger car... What's next? 60 Speed... Change gears every 100rpm in your new lexus... Might as well go with a Variable Speed and keep your engine speed constant...

 

I'll take one for a winter beater.

I didn't see a sticker price or price estimate. Any rumors?