Drew Dowdell

Thank you for your review! I agree with you about the DSG... once you get moving it's great, but not so great in stop and go traffic.

XTS v CTS isn't "which car is better". They are both great cars, the question is "which car does each customer prefer?" I prefer the XTS but I wouldn't turn down a CTS at the right price. Given the same price for each, I would just choose the XTS is all.

tire

I think what Dfelt is inelegantly saying (sorry) is that Mercedes is making great inroads into Buick's market (GLA/CLA), Chevy's market (SMART) and GMC's market (Sprinter) but not so great at the core business that they're known for. Stated as such, I would be inclined to agree. Just for fun, taking out the sales of the GLA/CLA and Mercedes sees a modest 0.7% decline. Since I still believe the CLA probably stole a few sales from the C-Class, they'd probably be just about even for the year with relatively stagnant growth through the rest of the line-up. Still, that's better than Cadillac could manage and nearly 300k sales for year. But what is it if you drop smart and sprinter too? (I'd also argue against B-Class, but that is insignificant at this point). Mercedes Benz is competing outside their "box" so to speak. Cadillac is never going to get to the volume Mercedes does unless they fold Buick, the Spark, and the GMC commercial vans into the Cadillac lineup. Since that isn't going to happen ever, there is no point in comparing the overall numbers of Cadillac and Mercedes.

I think what Dfelt is inelegantly saying (sorry) is that Mercedes is making great inroads into Buick's market (GLA/CLA), Chevy's market (SMART) and GMC's market (Sprinter) but not so great at the core business that they're known for.

The CTS also dropped 2/3rds of it's bodystyles. The wagon was never a big seller, but the coupe was 30% of sales. So a $10k price increase, dropping a bodystyle with a 30% take rate, no V-series, and only a 3.8% drop in volume is actually really excellent for the CTS. Agreed on the ATS though.

You hit the nail on the head. The CTS V-Sport is 100lbs lighter than the GS-F, has 47 fewer horsepower, but has 41 lb-ft more torque.

I see a lot of this:

Last month we showed you a teaser picture of the a coming performance Lexus model, yet at the time Lexus did not release the name. If you guessed it was a GS-F, congratulations, you win the prize. Ahead of the Detroit Auto Show next week, Lexus has taken the wraps off of the 2016 Lexus GS-F. Joining the Lexus IS-F and RC-F, Lexus's F-Performance line is positioned to take on competition from Mercedes' AMG, BMW's M, and Cadillac's V-series cars. The GS-F will come with a 467 horsepower, naturally aspirated V8 that uses both Otto and Atkinson cycles to alternate between power and efficiency as the driving situation dictates. The V8's peak torque rating of 389 lb-ft is available from 4,800 rpm to 5,600 rpm. Power is funneled through the 8-speed automatic to a torque vectoring differential with multi-mode operation at the rear axle. Lexus is rather thin on other details at this time, but one spec does stand out; the curb weight of the GS-F is 4,034 lbs, making it one of the lighter vehicles in the segment, of course the GS-F is also lighter on horsepower as well, so we'll see how that shakes out. The press conference for the GS-F is on Tuesday January 13th at 8:40am eastern. We will be on hand to bring you updates from the show floor. The Lexus Press release is on page 2 You can sign up to follow all the stories from Detroit here, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Source: Lexus Media TORRANCE, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2015) – Lexus is yet again showing its sporty disposition and rumbling into Detroit. The luxury vehicle manufacturer has announced the much-anticipated GS F performance sedan, which combines a refined four-door package with the speed and agility of a premium sports car, will be revealed at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 8:40 a.m. EST in the Lexus display at Cobo Center in Detroit. The GS F will be the latest vehicle to join Lexus’ high-performance “F” line that already includes the RC F coupe. Although the GS 350 F SPORT shares the same platform as the new GS F, they should not be confused. The GS F will have enhancements throughout, including to its engine. Under the hood will be a responsive, naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that produces a remarkable 467 hp (473 PS )* at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 389 lb.-ft. (527 Nm)* at 4,800-5,600 rpm. This sophisticated engine uses both Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles to maximize power and efficiency in given situations. Befitting the nature of this high performance sedan, the engine will be mated to a lightning quick eight-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shifting capabilities. Lexus’ innovative Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), also found in the RC F, will be part of a long line of standard equipment that’ll make the GS F’s handling stand out from the crowd. The TVD features three operating modes: Standard (default) provides a balance of agility and firmness; Slalom emphasizes nimble steering response and agility; and Track emphasizes control during high-speed circuit driving. The GS F unibody will also feature structural reinforcements and suspension exclusively designed to optimize this super sedan’s handling envelope without detracting from its ride quality. Drivers will appreciate the GS F’s handling and smoothness on the open highway as well as the sedan’s ability to devour challenging roads, whether they’re winding up the side of a mountain or at a racetrack. The new GS F will offer drivers a very balanced sedan with genuine dual personality, equally adept at trimming lap times and the commute back home. Preliminary Specifications* Overall length 4,915 mm 193.5 in. Overall width 1,845 mm 72.6 in. Overall height 1,440 mm 56.7in. Wheelbase 2,850 mm 112.2 in. Tread (Fr/Rr) 1,555 mm/1,560 mm 61.2in./61.4 in. Curb Weight 1,830 kg 4,034 lb. Wheels 19’’×9J (Fr) 19’’×10J (Rr) - Tires 255/35R19(Fr) 275/35R19(Rr) - *All specifications are for the U.S. market View full article

Welcome to the club!

Years ago when I was struggling, I instituted a "Do I need this within the next 7 days?" rule for every purchase. It helped a lot

I see where they got their design inspiration...