From rags to riches: Hyundai Elantra and Lexus LS460 priced
Unless Hyundai execs somehow lose their marbles and make a play for a segment beyond their reach, this may be the only time that Lexus and Hyundai will share space in the same post. Being that both manufactures released pricing details on their newest offerings yesterday, we thought it best to keep you informed and kill two birds with one post, errr... stone.
Starting at the, ahem, lower end of the spectrum, Hyundai announced that their redesigned 2007 Elantra will come in at $670 below its predecessor beginning this month. The new mid-segment sedan will start at $13,995, including shipping, and will come standard with the mundane; tach, variable wipers, armrest with cup holders, and the sublime; power heated mirrors, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and side curtain airbags. Those last three features may have only been found on the high dollar vehicles of yesteryear, which brings us to the antithesis of the Elantra, the LS460.Lexus' flagship sedan is packed with more features than Blockbuster and priced accordingly. Available in both standard and long wheelbase trim, the LS460 will begin at $61,000 (MSRP), with their first ever 'L' model available for an extra ten large. A newly developed 4.6-liter V8, producing 380 HP, will send power through an eight-speed automatic, another first for the manufacturer. A host of acronyms will thwart you from going farming with your new luxo-cruiser, including VSC for stability,
VDM for more stability, electric power steering (EPS) and ABS with ECB for braking control. Along with the active safety gizmos, the LS will also be equipped with a pre-collision system that makes use of the active cruise control and, if all else fails, the 460 comes standard with eight air bags, including matching knee airbags for both driver and passenger.
While not thinking about the possibility of carnage, Lexus sought to shove as many electronic toys into the LS as they could fit, while still keeping fuel efficiency in the 'acceptable' realm. Some standouts include a sat-nav with a 2,000 song capacity hard-drive, a 19-speaker, Mark Levinson surround sound setup, a ceiling mounted, nine-inch VGA screen, four-zone climate control, foldout tables and, if you're the right-rear passenger, a reclining seat, complete with massage and ottoman.
Further exploration of the automotive opulence continues in the press release, after the jump.
[Sources: Auto News (sub. req.) and ToMoCo]
PRESS RELEASE
Lexus Announces Pricing on 2007 LS 460 and LS 460 L Full-Size Luxury Sedans
October 6, 2006 – Torrance, CA - Lexus today announced pricing for the all-new 2007 LS 460 and the company's first-ever long-wheelbase model, the LS 460 L. The fourth-generation LS blends new levels of performance, sophistication, contemporary styling, and luxury refinements while redefining the full-size luxury-sedan segment. With a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $61,000 for the LS 460 and $71,000 for the LS 460 L, Lexus' new flagship luxury sedans will represent a compelling value in their segments.
"The new LS continues the heritage set by our original flagship luxury sedan by setting new standards in its class," said Bob Carter, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. "This sedan has moved the Lexus brand beyond previous achievements in the areas of craftsmanship, styling, performance, and production innovation."
The new LS achieves a segment-leading combination of acceleration performance and excellent fuel consumption with an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to the world's first eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine, Lexus' first all-new V8 since the brand's launch, produces an impressive 380 horsepower and 367 pound-feet of torque. It features Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and the world's first Electronically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE).
The dual VVT-iE combination of electrically controlled intake and hydraulically controlled exhaust achieves superior engine-startup operation and high-output performance. The LS 460 will travel from zero to 60 miles per hour in approximately 5.4 seconds while achieving an estimated 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, 18 city/27 highway for the LS 460 L, by the EPA testing method. The LS sedans also achieve an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) rating.
In an effort to create a more intelligent vehicle, Lexus has combined advanced active and passive safety technology into a consolidated system. Among the new active features on the LS is the next-generation Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) stability system, which integrates and manages a new Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and engine torque via the electronically controlled throttle. The driver can also choose to completely disable the VSC system via a console-mounted button. In addition to the active safety features, the new LS has eight standard airbags, including a twin-chamber front passenger airbag with both driver and passenger knee airbags, and a potential of ten airbags with option packages.
Both LS models include a number of standard luxury features including SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start/stop, an electronic parking brake, a 10-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system, 18-inch nine-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and seven new exterior colors. The paint is applied by a new proprietary paint process that includes double hand sanding.
Optional comfort and convenience attributes on the LS include a pre-collision system with dynamic radar cruise control, Lexus Link®, and Intuitive Park Assist.
The long-wheelbase LS 460 L brings with it 4.8 inches of additional space and a long list of outstanding standard conveniences, including fifth-generation Lexus Navigation with factory-installed XM Satellite Radio with NavTraffic, climate-controlled front seats, heated rear seats, a new heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade, a new one-touch open/close power trunk, power door closers, headlamp washers, and laminated side glass, which is exclusive to the long wheelbase.
The new navigation system includes a hard disk drive (HDD) for faster calculations. The HDD can also store as many as 2,000 digital songs when partnered with the optional Mark Levinson® Reference Surround Sound system. The specially developed 19-speaker, 450-watt discrete 5.1 Mark Levinson® audio system creates a new benchmark for automotive sound with its theater-level entertainment experience.
The Executive Class Seating Package offered on the LS 460 L includes a rear-seat entertainment system featuring the world's first ceiling-mounted 3.0 VGA high-quality display with a nine-inch screen that operates with an electronic-motor open/close function. It also incorporates a right rear-seat recliner with multifunction massage and an ottoman leg rest, a four-zone independent front and rear air conditioning system with air purification and the world's first ceiling climate diffusers, rear-door power sunshades, and a fixed rear console with foldout table.
The all-new LS sedans offer the Advanced Parking Guidance System (APGS) as an option to assist with parallel and back-in parking. With this optional technology, once the driver has correctly positioned the car and identified the desired parking spot via the nav screen, APGS utilizes the back-up camera, parking sonar sensors and electric power steering system to automatically guide the car into the spot, while the driver controls speed via braking.
The all-new LS 460 and LS 460 L both come with a standard 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48-months/unlimited miles and a special 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty unique to both Lexus and the luxury segment.
The 2007 Lexus LS 460 and LS 460 L, which go on sale on October 20, will represent a strong value in their segments with dynamic styling, advanced technologies, increased size, and improved performance and craftsmanship.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Yaya 12:17PM (10/08/2006)
"Unless Hyundai execs somehow lose their marbles and make a play for a segment beyond their reach"?
20 years ago many (short sighted) people said the same thing about Toyota.
Reply
lavardera 12:55PM (10/08/2006)
Too bad it seems that Hyundai has dropped the 5dr hatch from the line.
Reply
auto drive 12:49PM (10/08/2006)
I'm curios how will goes sales because I thinks they are a little expensive
http://www.auto-power-girl.com
Reply
Tal D 1:00PM (10/08/2006)
It's good to know the pricing of these two vehicles but
a bit more about the lost marbles: Why not Hyundai? #1 is right about Toyota.
Then you have Honda,; a manufacturer of motorcycles that produced a "cute" tiny little , motorcycle engine powered vehicle that was ,at that period in time(early70's) almost something to be laughed at. It was sold at the Honda motorcycle dealership , or at least it was where I lived at the time. Quite an advancement in 35 yrs or so wouldn't you say? Toyota,and Datsun/Nissan have a few more years experience building autos so I would expect them to be a little further advanced yhan Honda. So, I would guess, given a little time, Hyundai will find a niche for a luxury/high-end line too.The Azera is knocking at that door.
Look at the progress they have made since introducing the Excell to North America. They are escentially following the same road of progress the Japanese took by introducing small inexpensive autos; listening to the buyer's complaints; improving their product quality; slowly adding more models and enlarging them over the years until they are now and have been (for several years) producing some of the best, most reliable, functional luxury/high-end autos on the
market. So, why not Hyundai?
Reply
ku 1:34PM (10/08/2006)
--2. I'm curios how will goes sales because I thinks they are a little expensive
are you serious?! have you looked at the prices for the s-class and 7-series? they each start at 20 and 10+ grand more. heck, even the infiniti q45 lists for 58k. add on the options and the gap may narrow, but it's still a bargain for the level of luxury and quality you get.
Reply
David 1:57PM (10/08/2006)
I agree with all those other posts, why the Hyundai bashing? They're terrific cars for the money and as many reviews say, they're surpassing Honda and Toyota is some categories.
In fact I drove a Sonata yesterday, I would have to say it's easily on par with Toyota's offerings.
Reply
Lee 2:16PM (10/08/2006)
The Hyundai bashing comes from several places.
First, Hyundai builds nothing ORIGINAL. Every vehicle they make is a blatent ripoff of something else. I've heard the tired arguement that every automaker does this, but that isn't true. Ripping off a single design is one thing, but to do it to your entire line is absurd.
Second, Hyundai has a well-earned reputation for building cars that are poorly put together and not long-lasting. I don't care about your cousins friends roommate who's Hyundai lasted 10 years and 250,000 miles, thats the exception to the rule. If newer models have actually improved at this, it won't be evident for another few years.
Simply put, if Toyota builds appliances then Hyundai builds cheap knock-off appliances.
Reply
ruggels 2:45PM (10/08/2006)
wow, that new lexus is really advanced! i was just listening to the video about the LS600H on lexus' site, where they indicate the 430 combined HP (5.0l V8 + hybrid drive) is comparable with a V12...
maybe they need to add an asterisk to make that statement a little more current here in the world of 2006 where we have smaller engines producing 420hp without hybrid drive (audi 4.2l) and other company’s 5.0L v8s also producing a good deal more power without hybrid drive (ie the new Merc unit). Hell even audi’s v10 produces more power then the lexus 5.0l with hybrid (again calling the comparable to a v12 power claim into question). i'd address fuel economy, though lexus wisely doesn't mention it, touting only the performance advantage of equipping a 5.0L v8 to a hybrid drive, which apparently, places their engine barely inline with the audi 4.2l and a good deal behind the mercedes 5.0l. Keep trying lexus.
Reply
Brian W 3:06PM (10/08/2006)
I have to agree with #7. Toyota doesn't have to have big warranties and 2-3 thousand rebates on all new models that are already cheaper to begin with.
Base prices don't mean crap any more, if the cheapest one on the lot is $4,000 more.
Reply
Rahul 3:42PM (10/08/2006)
#7
As of lately, Toyota has been the one who has been building the vehicles that fall apart, while Hyundai has been making the solid vehicles.
Look at the Avalon launch and how about the 8 years of recalls that Toyota covered up. A sludged engine doesn't help either.
True Toyota used to build solid vehicles back in the day and Hyundai built crap, but right now it is completely the opposite.
Hyundai does knockoff other cars designs, but the sad part is that the Hyundai designs look better than the Japanese designs they knockoff.
Lexus is the worst design stealer of them all. LS began its life as a S-Class knockoff and it is slowly moving to a BMW knockoff. How about the GS. And the IS. And the L-Finesse styling in general. I wonder if BMW designs have anything to do with it.
Checkout the the tail light design change between 2003 and 2004 of the LS. Conveniently changed to look like the S-Class.
After all Lexus is a luxury brand and Hyundai isn't.
Reply
Michael Karesh 4:06PM (10/08/2006)
I'm about to issue my first reliability results, which cover a few 2005 and 2006 models, and at least when the cars are this young both Toyota and Hyundai look very good. I personally don't think the slew of recalls indicates a significant slip in quality. But time will tell.
Are there full price lists for these models anywhere? I'd like to get both into my price comparison database ASAP. If anyone finds them, please let me know.
http://www.truedelta.com/contact.php
The Lexus has gone up a few grand, but this could mostly be compensated for by additional standard features. Either way, I think people are think sales will be strong, at least for the next year or two.
Reply
CriticPoint.com 4:32PM (10/08/2006)
'7. The Hyundai bashing comes from several places. '
Your understanding of the auto market and the aforementioned manufacturer, appears to be more obvious than your comment.
Oh and have you ever driven a 2001 to present Hyundai. I am quite sure the bashing is uncalled for.
Reply
David 4:52PM (10/08/2006)
#7
Go read the reviews for the newer Hyundai's, it's hard to find a bad one. The amount of repair work needed for their cars is going down about 10% per year, showing the cars are only getting more reliable. Do you research before you make unfounded claims.
Reply
Stoneman 4:56PM (10/08/2006)
Hyundai is coming up on quality. Too bad I can't say the same for GM or Ford.
SToneman
http://www.stonemanautoreview.com
Reply
Ben 5:22PM (10/08/2006)
I don't usually post in these forums but I felt the need to comment on Hyundai's reliability with a little annecdotal story of my own. I own a 2004 Elantra GLS 5-speed and it easily has been the worst car ownership experience I've had. It has the dreaded, but all too common front end shimmy that all too many Elantra owners have dealt with. Hyundai service is truly abysmal. 7 trips to 3 different dealers in 2 states has left me with a car that still suffers from a horrible shimmy, making the car almost undrivable for extended periods of time over 60 MPH. That plus neverending interior squeaks and rattles, brake rotors that seemingly need to be replaced at every other oil change make me want to drive this car off a cliff. I've never felt like a warranty was worth less than the paper it's printed on than with dealing with Hyundai.
Sometimes I think those who write "glowing" reviews of Hyundai's product (at least the Elantra) are either delusional, or have such low expectations that the very fact that the car starts in the morning is reason to celebrate.
Reply
Jim 6:03PM (10/08/2006)
I have to say I've owned Hyundais and today I own a 2007 Lexus. I owned Hyundai back when the Excel was available (I went for the Elantra GLS back then) and I've seen the strides Hyundai has made in design, quality, and reliability first hand. Hyundai has done in the last 10 years what it has taken other OEMs 20 or more years to do. Hyundai may not always be origional in direction, but when they see something take off they are certain to not be the last.
Now for Lexus - I must admit I love the new LS, and I dont think it's anywhere near overpriced. The average car purchased in the US is about $28k - and I can't remember the last time I purchased a car without an MSRP of at least $50k (it had to be back in the 90s).
Now for the statement about Hyundai and Lexus appearing in the same articles...that is happening more and more each month. Reviews of Hyundai vehicles mention things like "Lexus Quiet", "Lexus Smooth". Hyundai may not be right up to Lexus, but it's also still less then 1/2 the price for the top of the line fully loaded Hyundai.
For those looking to buy a car at under $30k - Hyundai is an outstanding choice and offers a great value.
James
Reply
Jim 6:08PM (10/08/2006)
Check out this review of the Hyundai Santa Fe:
http://www.cartv.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/7/article_id_int/2033
Now I did write that based on my review - at the time I drove the Santa Fe I owned a 2007 Lexus RX350 & BMW Z4 3.0 convertible. To show I am fair and balanced, check out this not to positive review I wrote of the BMW Z4M:
http://www.cartv.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/18/article_id_int/2165
Hyundai deserves what the professional automotive community is saying about it - they have moved from a car people have to buy, to a car people want to buy.
James
Reply
RK 7:21PM (10/08/2006)
I drive a fair number of rentals a year on business trips. I drove 2 Hyundai's in the past 12 months: a Sonata and an Azera. I was both impressed with the fit and finish of the cars. The Azera was particularly impressive. Its interior would match against a BMW 5 Series and Lexus quite well.
The driving dynamics were not bad either. Quite comfortable on our less than smooth freeways and surface roads. Noise is minimal (not Lexus quiet) and no bad squeak or rattle. Neither one was sporty enough and they don't encourage aggressive cornering.
Reply
smooth sailing 7:31PM (10/08/2006)
One looks as blah and generic as the other
Reply
JarryHames 8:36AM (10/09/2006)
Wow I did not know that Hyundai had such a faithful fan base. They're still cheap knock-offs!
Reply