flipside909

The 3rd Gen GS inherited the carry over 3UZ-FE and trans from the Gen 2.5 mid cycle GS update. I feel that was the biggest mistake that Lexus made with the 3rd gen GS. The V8 variant of 3rd Gen GS could have been a hit if the 1UR-FSE 4.6 was chosen early on.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

While the 3UZ-FE was carry over, the Gen 2.5 GS430 had a 5AT where the 3GS430 got a 6AT.

For sure. I can understand that maybe the 1UR-FSE wasn't ready when the 3GS came out in 06', 1UR-FSE was in the LS in 07', so they just carry over the 3UZ-FE for one year. The biggest mistake is definitely for holding back the GS460 with just the 340 hp 1UR-FE, somehow for some reasons that we would never know, Lexus don't want the GS to have the 1UR-FSE.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

It is much more evolutionary then revolutionary to me.

But I could be wrong, since I am not into the 4GS at all, so I haven't look that indepth into that car. I am not even interested in driving one.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I don't care about that since is not a big deal, anyone who truely want fogs can just add the JDM fogs themselve, cheap and easy fix.

Is not so easy and cheap to swap in a 5.0L V8 with 8AT

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

Hopefully the new LS will have the new gen powertrain and it will pass onto lower models. It will need to be a 5 sec to 60 to be acceptable! If they carryover the engine and trans just like the ES and GS, it will be a huge disapointment, not likely though.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Is hard to say, with the ES and GS being carry over, I won't be surprise if they carry over the LS as well. Especially now that the rumor on the street according to Henry is it will be a major facelift instead of a redesign.

But then it is the flagship, if they have a new powertrain, it would be introduce on the flagship.

Really all it need is the IS-F's 5.0L in a LS500 to match the S550 and 750Li. The hardwares already exist, just have to stop holding back like Honda and do it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the 350 was very ready, japan got gs350 right from the start

for the ls, we will see what it's like. but from 3gs to 4gs, i think it's silly to think it's just a face lift, when chassis, suspensions, interior, and pretty much everything changed except the tranny and engine

Xwakeboard

iTrader: (1)

I don't know what would give you the impression that it will not be a completely new design. With the new spindle grill, the new navigation/infotainment interface, and a six year product life cycle, all the signs are pointing towards a completely new model, however, in the life cycle of the products, shouldn't the IS be receiving its complete makeover first?

Some member claimed his dealer (isn't it always a reliable dealer who knows?) that claimed a date of October of 2013, however, this car looks as though it could be more than ready to place on sale in October of this year. Wouldn't that detract from the new ES that is suppose to launch in August?

Xwakeboard

iTrader: (1)

Agreed. There is no way to look at the "new GS" as anything other than the 5th generation. Sure, the engine was carried over, however, it is an entirely new car.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

We were talking about the 4.6L V8 (1UR-FSE)

I didn't know the chassis is new. If the chassis is new, then is definitely a redesign. Again I guess is because the 4GS don't excite or attract me, I am not looking too into the car, it just got the same shape to me............to me, if it look the same, same drivetrain, is the same car. But I could be totally wrong. I'll shut up now, I shouldn't talk about stuff I don't know about.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I agreed with you 100%, I always thought the LS is ready for a complete redesign.

I got the major facelift impression from rominl's comment below:

Carmaker1

Here's more:

natnut

You make all these claims about the 4GS being evolutionary, being just a face-lift then say that you haven't done much research into the 4GS and haven't even test-driven it?

ANY person who's driven both the 3GS and the 4GS can tell you they're not even remotely similar in ride and handling. The 4GS is effectively the best driving mainstream sports sedan in the market right now (not counting M3/M5/RS4/RS6/ISF).

With the 4GS, Lexus has undergone a quiet revolution in suspension and handling and you've missed it completely even as it's happening right under your nose.

Putting a new powerplant in the engine compartment is easy. Shaking up the market with a chassis that redefines handling/suspension is the hard part. Guess which option Lexus chose?

Just my opinion.......

flipside909

I will give a lot of credit to Lexus for making the driving dynamic of the 4th Gen GS wayyyyyy better than 3rd Gen, but I agree it still needs a bump in HP. Even a 10-15 hp bump would make a significant difference. 4th Gen GS has a lot of potential, but Lexus played it safe. I can see why they're doing it from a long term lifecycle standpoint, but I don't think that's good enough to stay ahead of the competition. It should be a 100% effort, not 75%.

This next LS has some potential to make noise even if it's not a a full 100% changeover. The right amount of HP can make a huge difference. As far as driving and handling dymamic, there is no doubt in my mind it will be much better. Look at 2nd Gen IS starting 2011 MY and on (specifically F Sport and IS F)...the changes are minute on paper but the changes are pretty significant in person.

I8ABMR

I work a couple of miles from the AZ summer test track. I recently caught the next gen ES on the road as well as the new Ford Fusion ( ES was a bit more exciting since there were no good pics on the net like the Fusion). I have my camera in the car. I will be ready even if I have to do a little chasing