Lexus, HP and soul

[daepp]

I broke down and bought a midsized Lexus one year ago today. It has none of the excitement and drama of a Teutonic driver, but is a reliable, comfortable DD.

But has anyone experienced direct injection in a gasoline engine. This car has 303 HP. is a real 5 passenger automobile, weighs and gets 22 MPG around town. Every day. On every tank. And no noise, no headers, just the ticking of the injectors (sounds like a sewing machine...)

The last car I had with 300 HP was a V8 that when babied got 14MPG. I think society often underestimates the prospect of new technology - this direct injection stuff is awesome. HP and MPG - is this a first? I always thought they were mutually exclusive.

It does still lack a soul though... I guess I get all the drama I need from the 911

[Dottore]

My old mum has one of those. I drive it once in a while to put on winter tires etc., and I have to say those cars are brilliant. I think their soul (and their brilliance) lies in the complete absence of any mechanical intrusion. It a Japanese thing.

Great brand.

[CJFusco]

I have an old saying that I've been using for years (and I mean this as tongue-in-cheek, so nobody get offended now):

A Lexus is what you buy when you have a lot of money and no imagination.

[daepp]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

I have an old saying that I've been using for years (and I mean this as tongue-in-cheek, so nobody get offended now):

A Lexus is what you buy when you have a lot of money and no imagination.

None taken - actually laughed a bit.

They are not that imaginative for sure - but certainly not the most expensive either. Less than the Germans, less than some Caddies, but more than a Toyota (which admittedly would probably have been just about as good).

I remain amazed after one year of the power, silence, and MPG.

[porsche4life]

My mom has a Corolla that I drive several times a week. 1.8 4cyl with a five speed. Yes it lacks soul but the ride quality is good and its peepy and gets close to 40mpg. Idk what else you could ask of a DD

[rammstein]

I have similar feelings about our considerably downmarket Accord. Its the most un-offensive car I have driven. There's nothing it does wrong. But somehow, they manage to make it have no soul at all. I think the love for the car comes from knowing it will start everyday, get really good mileage for its size, and never have me worried that its going to break or cost me money.

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by daepp

I does still lack a soul though...

I am concerned about you because you perceive that you lack a soul.

I assure you that is not the case.

Nah, I know that's a typo, and you're saying the Lexus lacks a soul.

There's a way to fix that: put dual exhausts and glasspacks on it... along with the stiffest shocks and springs you can find.

Problem solved.

[daepp]

Very funny. God, I hope I have a soul!

[HHI944]

I have a '96 Jag XJ6 VDP that makes near 300hp and consistently gets 25mpg in town and 30-32 hwy. No real soul, but it's fun to drive even with the obligatory Brit electrical gremlins.