Evil_Capri

Didn't know one could purchase a Turbocharged 300hp AWD Passat?

S60R and V70R were slow sellers and got the ax!

Moosetang

Because it was an embarrassment compared to the M, S, or AMG competitors. Since they don't have the cash to match Zee Germans right now (they have to concentrate on improving overall sales/profitability) it was easier just to kill the R line for now.

Evil_Capri

You're right when compared to a M, S, or AMG series, but I never considered the R to be a direct competitor to those. The last versions of the 'R' were ok, nothing special. However, I do love the the V70 R and plan to have one in my driveway as a DD at some point.

Moosetang

Hence the problem. As a niche brand Volvo's going nowhere, they're trying to push themselves into Audi territory both in product quality and brand perception, and they can't do that if the Rs aren't even considered in the same equation as Zee Germans. Its actually better to not have the Rs there embarrassing themselves, then after the main lineup is better cared for reluanch the performance brand with something that really turns heads.

TomServo92

Wow! I have permission to disagree????

In some respects, I agree. I wouldn't buy one new but I would definitely consider a nice used 330i or S4 if the price was right.

Zastava_101

I have to disagree with this.
When it comes to luxury nobody can compete with Mercedes and BMW. Not Lexus, not Cadillac, not Infiniti, not Acura and especially not Lincoln.

Hollywood_North GT

That might have been true back in the old days, but today companies like Lexus provide superior overall build quality (not to mention reliability) with comparable luxury and technology, often for a few dollars less.

2k7gtcs

Lexus readily competes with the luxury and technology of Mercedes and BMW and its been driving them crazy for years. Not so much in the ES and GS but the flagship LS is and has always been the better of any equally priced, similarly sized BMW or Mercedes.

Zastava_101

Lexus can only compete against Mercedes and BMW in the USA. Lexus can't even get a break in his own home market. And here is Europe absolutely nobody takes Lexus seriously when it comes to comparison against Mercedes and BMW.
Lexus LS is a joke compared to Mercedes S-Class. S-Class has been best selling full size luxury car for years and pretty much every world leader has one.

watchdevil

Whats with the varnished 2x2 wood stud going across the dash? They also made the dash pad look like an aftermarket dash pad cover with seamed and sticthed edges...

TomServo92

While I know that you're correct, I just can't find myself desiring to own a Lexus like I do BMW or Audi. There's no emotional connection for me. Lexus, like all other Toyota products, just screams "appliance" to me. Granted, it's a well-made, well-appointed appliance but an appliance nonetheless.

Hollywood_North GT

And...?

North America still represents the Holy Grail of market share, where Lexus, Acura and Infiniti easily compete with Mercedes, BMW and Audi. It's true, Lexus is having a tougher time breaking into Europe, but that's to be expected.

As to Lexus' home market, many of the cars share too many similarities with the baser Toyota equivalents - so a strategy of infiltration there probably doesn't make a lot of sense.

My problem with Lexus is that they are beautifully engineered and crafted...but utterly without soul. I have NO desire to own one, even though I have a friend who owns an IS350 and likes to point out how "crude" my Mustang is by comparison. Which is funny, because I get WAY more looks and compliments in one month for my car than he has EVER gotten for his car in two years.

He also wants to race me. Though now that I have had the tune done, I suspect it would be "bye-bye, charlie."

Hollywood_North GT

Agreed. Point of fact is I'd much rather have Caddy's new CTS than the Lexus IS350.

Hollywood_North GT

"Cut and sew."

TomServo92

Same here.

jsaylor

This all reminds me of how unfortunate it is that Lincoln has so utterly lost their way. When in A game trim, Lincoln was a unique brand with a lot of appeal. The ultimate Lincolns, and the cars which most readily defined the brand, were built in the 30's, 50's and 60's. The Zephyrs and Continentals of Lincoln's heyday were beautiful, powerful cars that oozed with sophistication and grace. They possessed the kind of effortless comfort you expect from a Lexus LS460, but in stark contrast to that Japanese sedan they possessed a level of character few luxury cars have equaled since. They possessed striking good looks, but did so without being overtly ostentatious like cross town rival Cadillac. Finally, they possessed good performance without compromising either of the above.

In recent years I have taken to comparing the great Lincoln's of the past to a young Audrey Hepburn in her little black dress. Beautiful in a way that transcends time or era; the definition of style, grace, and sophistication. Unfortunately nobody currently 'does it' the way that Lincoln did back when they did it right.....not even Lincoln.

V10

The LS came pretty close, unique platform not shared with lesser Fords, timeless styling, great handling. The LS was the start of something good at Lincoln, too bad the LS got the famous Ford lanuch and abandon treatment and it's follow on sibblings were still born.

Moosetang

Whoops, gotta stop you there. There was much to like about the LS, but the styling was part of the problem. It wasn't awful generic like the Catera was, but it was neither modern nor iconic enough to turn heads consistently.