Weighty Issue: Cars Grow Fatter. Cost More. Lexus Flagship Is Case In Point
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: img via Lexus Enthusiast ::: Lexus LS Generations
CARS are getting portly. No two ways about it, over the past two decades automakers have larded our rides with taller profiles, beefier frames, and stocked them to the grilles with heavy sensors and electronica that further isolate occupants from the road and add weight to the scales.
Lexus is no exception and indeed to highlight the industry-wide trend as an example, we can see that the current, fourth generation LS flagship takes the proverbial cake. All of it.
Consider that in 1990, the first generation LS400 weighed a moderate 3,837 lbs, measured 196″ l./71.7″ w./55.1″ h., sported a 250 hp V8 that ran 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and returned an average of 17 mpg.
The cost? Fully appointed – roughly $44,700 or $74,617 in 2010-era Greenbacks according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics’ handy dandy inflation calculator.
Now, adjust your cognitive settings to consider that the LS line has grown to include long wheelbase models, all-wheel drive variants, and for the top of the range, a hybrid battery, to say nothing of the added gravitas that the nameplate now enjoys against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, etc.
Therefore, the 2010 LS600h L sizes up to 203.9″ l./ 73.8″ w./ 58.3″ h., is propelled by a hybrid 438 hp V8 that sprints to 60 in 5.5 seconds and returns 22 mpg. Thanks to the magic of lithium ion batteries, the top of the line LS flattens the curb at a truly Bentley-esque 5,203 pounds.
M.S.R.P.? Starts at $108,800.
With hindsight, it seems clear that physical heft isn’t the only aspect that’s been larded over the years.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Distiller | Aug 16, 2010 | Reply
Ja, but couple of things here. For one, on average old cars really are cramped (talking about European cars). To have proper ergonomics inside needs space and volume. Realistically, even a 15 ft long car will only seat two comfortably. So once you want to seat four, yo’re on the way to 17 ft plus. And volume brings weight.
And then there are really stupid things like the European Union pedestrian safety regulation (whatever it’s called), that causes all those high noses on new Euro-cars. High requires long equals weight.
And not to forget the role of the media and the ever increasing crash-test requirements. Makes a car heavy as a tank!
Comfort features also add a lot of weight, as do those new safety and nanny features for the elderly.
But I think the industry really has to focus more on the essentials. In Europe there is a clear trend that the average consumer no longer is able to afford all the niceties the industry developed in the last 20/25 years. Hence the huge success of the likes of Dacia and Skoda. And look at what people are really buying for their own money! Even a BMW 3/Audi A4 class is big. Mercedes E and BMW 5 class are terribly nice to drive but they are 85+ pct company cars, meaning paid for by everybody thru higher prices for products and services.
Besides the also regulation driven porkiness the industry will have to re-focus on what is really useful, and figure out a way to pack it into affordable cars. Reduced weight will then probably be a natural by-product.