Taste of Lexus Oct 7 & 8, Fed Ex Field - DC Metro

bavarian19 · 10-08-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Upstairs

The event was Awesome and the food was good. I saw Ase2dais on Sat. and chatted for a bit. We both drove the MB s550. I have to say, I like the BMW 750i much better...

Really? I never thought I would say it, but I liked the S550 better... What about the 750 did you like over the S550?

aznevoviii · 10-09-2006, 12:11 AM

S550 > 750..

my opinion, a lot more power, luxurious features, comfort ride + sporty suspension mixed together.

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:07 AM

It was another great Lexus event....

Certainly great meeting up with BK (Brian), aznevoviii (John) and bavarian19 (AJ). Frank and Brian, I hope your sons gets better soon. Sam, no excuse for your abscence

We missed you at the Sunday event, hope to see you at the meet.

KL2DC's comprehensive Venue Review

As outlined, this event is a little different than the earlier ones we attended. Its more of an experience, to give attendee a slice of what they wish to communicate is the Lexus lifestyle.

Their presentation can't be faulted. Awesome (and expensive) pavillions with ample lounging areas, exhibits, great attendants and facilities/amenities.

Awesome catering

. As others have chimed in, Lexus feeds you well. We came in at 09:00 and started off with various bagels (with fancy toppings like smoked salmons etc), various pastries, eggs, bacon and sausages. At lunch time, their menus switched over to chicken/pork skewers on pita bread, various pasta dishes and various sweets for dessert. Of course there was free-flowing Fiji brand water and sodas/juices service

I think we spent a little too much time eating and let the lines build up outside, negating any advantage of an early arrival

Track Setup

There were 3 tracks/tents set up:

1st Tent (Pinnacle)
W221 MB S550
BMW E65 750i
Lexus LS 460L (Pre-production)

I managed to drive the LS460 and the S550. Brian and AJ clocked some seat time in the E65 and the W221. I skipped the E65 as I have driven the 7er on a few ocassions before and the lines were long here. First of all, the LS460 they had at the event was not ready for prime time. The car felt loose and rattles galore. I was a little disappointed with the LS after having high expectations for quite some time. Sure the interior presentation is impeccable and the engine had good grunt and is as smooth as silk but the turn in/steering was soft and mushy and the car felt a bit unwieldly in the tight course. The S550 on the other hand felt more hefty and lighter on its feet through the course. Definitely a sense of ocassion can be felt driving this car and this was the only car at the event that took my breath away. Awesome car. I must say (based on recollections) that the S550 feels more special than the e65 eventhough the 750i remains a more sporty car to drive (especially with the sport package). Stylingwise, the e65 is starting to age in comparison with the new LS and W221.

2nd Tent
RX 350
RX 400h
SC430
ES350

Drove the ES350 and RX400h and wife drove the SC430 (her favorite Lex). Nothing much to report here: The new ES drives better than the old one (less mushy) but still under-tired; the 400h is a decent SUV - better made and handles better than the standard RX; and the SC remains a nice boulevard-cruiser -well made, good engine.

3rd Tent
IS250
IS350
GS350
GS450h

Drove the IS250, IS350 and GS350. Did a ride-a-long in the IS350 (wife) and GS450h (AJ). This is where I revisit the car I nearly bought, the IS250. I am still happy with my decision to go with the e90 :rocks: . Don't get me wrong, the IS 250/350 are very competent car-tight in the corner, decent grip, grea standard features/leather-, but its missing the heft and steering feel that makes the e90 a more confidence-inspiring and joyful drive. Its purely a visceral thing. I thought the GS350 was a little on the soft side, definitely not memorable.

All in all, a fun outing. I wonder if I won those Dunlop tires

. Lexus cheapened out on the giveaways, all we got was a lousy CD

. In previous events, they gave leather photo albums and leather-lined zagat books.

Pics ans videos in the next post.

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:10 AM

First set of pics...venue

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:11 AM

Second Set of pics...first tent

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:13 AM

3rd set of pics...

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:15 AM

more pics...

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:16 AM

I'll just throw in a few more...

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 01:18 AM

Some videos...

1) AJ's banzai run in the GS 450h

2) My not-so-good lap in an IS350, as captured by Brian

I have some other jazzed-up in-car footages, if anyone's interested...
SC 430
MB S550
IS 250
GS 350
ES 350
RX 400h
LS 460

ase2dais · 10-09-2006, 05:41 AM

Thanks for Posting Washington DC Metro!

With these Videos and photos what more can we say except

DC Metro Rocks the House Once Again

bavarian19 · 10-09-2006, 09:11 AM

Nice pics and videos Donny!!!

BK · 10-09-2006, 09:25 AM

Excellent job, Donny! Glad you posted the videos. Someone on YouTube was apparently upset by your 450h video.

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK

Excellent job, Donny! Glad you posted the videos. Someone on YouTube was apparently upset by your 450h video.

I just saw that.... reviewer called us "idiots". Must have been a tree-hugger shocked at such blatant abuse of a hybrid

bavarian19 · 10-09-2006, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

I just saw that.... reviewer called us "idiots". Must have been a tree-hugger shocked at such blatant abuse of a hybrid

thd13 · 10-09-2006, 05:18 PM

GLad to see you ladies had some fun and no one got hurt, which is a huge surprise after seeing Donny drive. haha

It was such a beautiful day, you guys were lucky!

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thd13

GLad to see you ladies had some fun and no one got hurt, which is a huge surprise after seeing Donny drive. haha

As certified fastest lap driver at Rev It Up Racing and Mazda's Zoom Zoom Live, I'd like to remind you (and everybody reading) that was a rare error of judgement, ok?

sixspeedsam · 10-09-2006, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KL2DC

As certified fastest lap driver at Rev It Up Racing and Mazda's Zoom Zoom Live, I'd like to remind you (and everybody reading) that was a rare error of judgement, ok?

As the certified second fastest driver of the Rev It Up Racing event by 1/10 of a second I'd like to inform you that after viewing the video, you went into the turn a little too hot!

Wish I had have gone! Curses to the Cap City Oktoberfest for serving me so much beer!

KL2DC · 10-09-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixspeedsam

As the certified second fastest driver of the Rev It Up Racing event by 1/10 of a second I'd like to inform you that after viewing the video, you went into the turn a little too hot!

Well...it's a Lexus. The driving experience was a tad isolated, I forgot to discount for that when entering the corner. I got my braking point down pat but didn't feel that I had that much forward momentum (the car was going much faster than I felt it was) until first turn in when I realized the car was just going straight. A quick dab on the brakes (to shift the weight forward) saved the day...

That's my story and I'm sticking to it....

Upstairs · 10-10-2006, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Really? I never thought I would say it, but I liked the S550 better... What about the 750 did you like over the S550?

The 750i to me felt more sportier. Don't get me wrong, the MB is nice but I like to hear the engine and feel the road. I think the 750i does this better than the MB S550.

BK · 10-10-2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Upstairs

The 750i to me felt more sportier. Don't get me wrong, the MB is nice but I like to hear the engine and feel the road. I think the 750i does this better than the MB S550.

I had the same reaction after driving the silver S550 right after driving the 750i. I thought the 750i stuck to the road better and generally felt more engaging.

AJ liked the S550 so much better that I went back and tried the black one that he drove, thinking maybe it was the tires on the silver one that I drove, maybe they were worn down or something. AJ tried the silver one.

When I drove the black one, it seemed much better and was more fun to drive than I remembered the silver one being... but AJ was just as happy with the silver one as he was with the black, so who knows. Maybe its all in my head.

In any case, they both felt a little too "lumbering" to me. I don't want a big car like that.

KL2DC · 10-10-2006, 12:38 PM

The E65 should have the better steering feel (from my recollection) over the W221 and the LS460, that's why it feels better. I didn't drive the E65 that day but have driven it on previous occassions and its a very well sorted out car especially with the sports package (recommended). The S550 felt very special though and was, by far, the 'hardest' car to get out of. Wanted to stay in there the whole day

10-09-2006, 12:11 AM	#90
aznevoviii Bimmer n00b 66 Rep 649 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	S550 > 750.. my opinion, a lot more power, luxurious features, comfort ride + sporty suspension mixed together.
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10-09-2006, 01:07 AM	#91
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	It was another great Lexus event.... Certainly great meeting up with BK (Brian), aznevoviii (John) and bavarian19 (AJ). Frank and Brian, I hope your sons gets better soon. Sam, no excuse for your abscence We missed you at the Sunday event, hope to see you at the meet. KL2DC's comprehensive Venue Review As outlined, this event is a little different than the earlier ones we attended. Its more of an experience, to give attendee a slice of what they wish to communicate is the Lexus lifestyle. Their presentation can't be faulted. Awesome (and expensive) pavillions with ample lounging areas, exhibits, great attendants and facilities/amenities. Awesome catering . As others have chimed in, Lexus feeds you well. We came in at 09:00 and started off with various bagels (with fancy toppings like smoked salmons etc), various pastries, eggs, bacon and sausages. At lunch time, their menus switched over to chicken/pork skewers on pita bread, various pasta dishes and various sweets for dessert. Of course there was free-flowing Fiji brand water and sodas/juices service I think we spent a little too much time eating and let the lines build up outside, negating any advantage of an early arrival Track Setup There were 3 tracks/tents set up: 1st Tent (Pinnacle) W221 MB S550 BMW E65 750i Lexus LS 460L (Pre-production) I managed to drive the LS460 and the S550. Brian and AJ clocked some seat time in the E65 and the W221. I skipped the E65 as I have driven the 7er on a few ocassions before and the lines were long here. First of all, the LS460 they had at the event was not ready for prime time. The car felt loose and rattles galore. I was a little disappointed with the LS after having high expectations for quite some time. Sure the interior presentation is impeccable and the engine had good grunt and is as smooth as silk but the turn in/steering was soft and mushy and the car felt a bit unwieldly in the tight course. The S550 on the other hand felt more hefty and lighter on its feet through the course. Definitely a sense of ocassion can be felt driving this car and this was the only car at the event that took my breath away. Awesome car. I must say (based on recollections) that the S550 feels more special than the e65 eventhough the 750i remains a more sporty car to drive (especially with the sport package). Stylingwise, the e65 is starting to age in comparison with the new LS and W221. 2nd Tent RX 350 RX 400h SC430 ES350 Drove the ES350 and RX400h and wife drove the SC430 (her favorite Lex). Nothing much to report here: The new ES drives better than the old one (less mushy) but still under-tired; the 400h is a decent SUV - better made and handles better than the standard RX; and the SC remains a nice boulevard-cruiser -well made, good engine. 3rd Tent IS250 IS350 GS350 GS450h Drove the IS250, IS350 and GS350. Did a ride-a-long in the IS350 (wife) and GS450h (AJ). This is where I revisit the car I nearly bought, the IS250. I am still happy with my decision to go with the e90 :rocks: . Don't get me wrong, the IS 250/350 are very competent car-tight in the corner, decent grip, grea standard features/leather-, but its missing the heft and steering feel that makes the e90 a more confidence-inspiring and joyful drive. Its purely a visceral thing. I thought the GS350 was a little on the soft side, definitely not memorable. All in all, a fun outing. I wonder if I won those Dunlop tires . Lexus cheapened out on the giveaways, all we got was a lousy CD . In previous events, they gave leather photo albums and leather-lined zagat books. Pics ans videos in the next post. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call! Last edited by KL2DC; 10-09-2006 at 01:34 AM..
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10-09-2006, 01:10 AM	#92
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Pictures First set of pics...venue Attached Images __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 01:11 AM	#93
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	2nd set Second Set of pics...first tent Attached Images __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 01:13 AM	#94
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	3rd set of pics... Attached Images __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 01:15 AM	#95
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	more pics... Attached Images __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 01:16 AM	#96
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	I'll just throw in a few more... Attached Images __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 01:18 AM	#97
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	Some videos... 1) AJ's banzai run in the GS 450h 2) My not-so-good lap in an IS350, as captured by Brian I have some other jazzed-up in-car footages, if anyone's interested... SC 430 MB S550 IS 250 GS 350 ES 350 RX 400h LS 460 __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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10-09-2006, 05:41 AM	#98
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	Thanks for Posting Washington DC Metro! With these Videos and photos what more can we say except DC Metro Rocks the House Once Again Attached Images __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies Last edited by ase2dais; 10-09-2006 at 07:16 AM..
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10-09-2006, 09:11 AM	#99
bavarian19 General 517 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	Nice pics and videos Donny!!!
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10-09-2006, 09:25 AM	#100
BK Smiling politely 165 Rep 7,931 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [9.00]	Excellent job, Donny! Glad you posted the videos. Someone on YouTube was apparently upset by your 450h video. __________________ E90 330i Black Sapphire 6MT \| 991.1 C4 Platinum Silver 7MT
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10-09-2006, 05:18 PM	#103
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	GLad to see you ladies had some fun and no one got hurt, which is a huge surprise after seeing Donny drive. haha It was such a beautiful day, you guys were lucky! __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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10-10-2006, 12:38 PM	#109
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	The E65 should have the better steering feel (from my recollection) over the W221 and the LS460, that's why it feels better. I didn't drive the E65 that day but have driven it on previous occassions and its a very well sorted out car especially with the sports package (recommended). The S550 felt very special though and was, by far, the 'hardest' car to get out of. Wanted to stay in there the whole day __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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