Another "whats everyone think"? 2004 Lexus LS430

[Stephen]

Allrighty guys, I got my first pictures of the refresh to the LS430. They didnt do much, totally new front end, new wheels, new rear trunklid and taillights, chrome tipped dual exhaust and an AWD option (thank god).

I really like it, much better than the 01-03 LS430.

Here's some pictures.

 

[Stephen]

Here's one in silver

 

[Stephen]

Here's a 01-03 LS430 for comparison.

 

[Stephen]

Whats everybody think? I'll have to see it in person before I make final judgement. I think they did a jood job of making it look more aggressive, but its certainly not as groundbreaking as the other cars, the A8 and the 745 since this was just a mild refresh. The car gets completely redone in 06, but I wont be waiting that long...

 

[section525]

That's pretty badass, dad. But why does it have Toyota badges?

 

[GaSouthern1]

Those are prob. Japanese pics.


That looks awesome...much better and more sporty.

 

[Stephen]

Its because its a picture of the Japanese market Toyota Celsior. Lexus doesn't exist in Japan, yet. All the Lexus models are sold there as Toyotas. It'll arrive in the US exactly the same except for the badges, son

I think it is indeed much improved...

Its supposed to top out right at $70k with all the options including AWD. It will probably be a tough sell on the A8, or the 745Li for $5k more at least.

 

[SaleenEXP]

Originally posted by section525
That's pretty badass, dad. But why does it have Toyota badges?

I thought we adopted you

The LS430 is called the Toyota Celsoir in Japan (nevermind Stephan beat me to it), should be what the front plates say. Looks more agressive, but for some reason I still like the clean, smooth looks of the last of the LS400's (and I know you think the same thing Stephan lol)

I'm guessing their saving their V12 for the 06' platform.

Out of what you were looking at, I still say the new Audi A8 is the way I would go, just beautiful, gorgeous interior, plenty of power and an engine that just has one of the sweetest notes around.

 

[Stephen]

I beat ya to it lol, on the adoption AND the explanation

I wont pass final judgement on it until I see it in person, but I do still think my era LS400 is great looking. This one is a VAST improvement over the current LS430 though.

I have heard rumors of them going to an LS500 in 06 when the car gets its full redesign. What I don't know is whether or not the 5.0 is indeed the V12 from Japan or just the 4.3 liter V8 enlarged. I know that Lexus did get the green light for production on a V10 after vibration issues were taken care of, might find its way here.

Anyways, I have heard that the 06 LS will have two trims, the trim as is now, and a V12 (or maybe V10) car aimed at the S600 and 760Li in power and equipment, but priced around $80-85,000. With those cars well bove 100, thats a pretty good deal...

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

I like it!!!! Looks a lot better than the current LS430. It looks less of a brick.