4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
07-21-10, 03:09 PM
#586
Lexus Champion
I'm sure the current GS350 is nice, but a new upgraded one? I think that'll fill the void, plus the fact the 350 has AWD, I'm sure the new one will be around 340-350HP since the old one was around 305HP (303 on lexus site)? That leaves the Hybrid to be uprated to around 400HP since the current one is at the GS460's 340HP. I would say this is the case. A higher output from the V6 to equal or almost equal the older 460's 340HP and have the Hybrid even stronger, that being the upscale model. And a possible F version with maybe an uprated V8 from the IS-F- closer to 500HP. That's my guess and motortrend's guess is pretty close to it.
CLS figher...cough cough...
07-21-10, 03:55 PM
#588
i personally am still not sure if it's a good idea to drop v8. yes, hybrid v6 can probably provide v8 power (400hp), but with 550 and e550, the v8 in this segment still means something. having gsf or not should have no influence on whether they do the v8 or not. we will see, but from what i see, a lot of people they still prefer v8 over hybrid.
and on the navigation, touch screen is good, but all things considered, personally i think the remote touch is a better system
and on the navigation, touch screen is good, but all things considered, personally i think the remote touch is a better system
07-21-10, 04:50 PM
#589
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
-GS 350 name will continue with a bump in HP
-GSh will continue, not sure of power/MPG bump
-GS 460 will not be replaced. The business case for the V-8 was nill since the hybrid will continue to provide V-8 power with better MPG and the V-8 GS never sold well (though this is IMO some of their own doing with the V-8s the 3GS got)
-Interior is amazing, a significant step up i style and quality, CTish
-12" screen in the interior with remote touch
-The drive will be significantly sportier and more in tune with the 5 series
-GS F is likely coming but hasn't been given the 100% approval yet
-Exterior a blend of curves with the traditional GS features
I'm expecting we will see some photos soon
-GSh will continue, not sure of power/MPG bump
-GS 460 will not be replaced. The business case for the V-8 was nill since the hybrid will continue to provide V-8 power with better MPG and the V-8 GS never sold well (though this is IMO some of their own doing with the V-8s the 3GS got)
-Interior is amazing, a significant step up i style and quality, CTish
-12" screen in the interior with remote touch
-The drive will be significantly sportier and more in tune with the 5 series
-GS F is likely coming but hasn't been given the 100% approval yet
-Exterior a blend of curves with the traditional GS features
I'm expecting we will see some photos soon
07-21-10, 06:49 PM
#592
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Lifespan has been established as highly favorable. No questions there. A nicer exhaust setup would be nice to give it a commanding presence. However, as the GSh is quickest of the GS choices, I don't think it needs more power to sell better, so much as it needs better mileage.
07-21-10, 07:06 PM
#594
Lexus Champion
I'm sure the current GS350 is nice, but a new upgraded one? I think that'll fill the void, plus the fact the 350 has AWD, I'm sure the new one will be around 340-350HP since the old one was around 305HP (303 on lexus site)? That leaves the Hybrid to be uprated to around 400HP since the current one is at the GS460's 340HP. I would say this is the case. A higher output from the V6 to equal or almost equal the older 460's 340HP and have the Hybrid even stronger, that being the upscale model. And a possible F version with maybe an uprated V8 from the IS-F- closer to 500HP. That's my guess and motortrend's guess is pretty close to it.
The E63 already has 518, the upcoming F10 M5 is rumored to be somewhere between 550 and 580 hp and the RS6 already has 580 hp (we can get it up here
). Unfortunately, I just don't see the GS F as making up the handling deficiency, in addition to a power one. The hybrid is a great option and the 350 can comfortably compete with their German counterparts, but the lack of a V8 and an weak (potential) GS F is not a good sign for the future of Lexus if they want to shed their "lack of performance" image.
07-21-10, 07:08 PM
#595
I think it's sad to see them drop the V8 if it happens that way. Like you said Mike, they shot themselves in BOTH feet: weak 4.3 at launch, detuned 4.6 later, while the competition became stronger and more powerful. There is no market for a V8 GS because Lexus makes it readily apparent that they don't even take the car seriously
The other stuff sounds good...it needs Sports packages, F sport models, and more compelling wheel choices next time around.
I was kinda looking forward to a ~400HP V8 GS
However, if they can get a 0-60 of 5.0 seconds or less, 30+MPG and curb weight of less than 3,900lbs with a hybrid V6, then I am all for it
The other stuff sounds good...it needs Sports packages, F sport models, and more compelling wheel choices next time around.
I was kinda looking forward to a ~400HP V8 GS
However, if they can get a 0-60 of 5.0 seconds or less, 30+MPG and curb weight of less than 3,900lbs with a hybrid V6, then I am all for it
07-21-10, 07:30 PM
#597
executive matchup
furthermore, there is no lack of V8-like grunt from the GS450h as you put it. my experience shows that the GS450h can hang with the regular V8s just fine, see below for details:
link: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sto...ercharged.html
07-21-10, 07:35 PM
#598
Sorry, but if the GS F is anywhere close to the 500 hp mark, it will be the underpowered step-child of this class.
The E63 already has 518, the upcoming F10 M5 is rumored to be somewhere between 550 and 580 hp and the RS6 already has 580 hp (we can get it up here ). Unfortunately, I just don't see the GS F as making up the handling deficiency, in addition to a power one.
The hybrid is a great option and the 350 can comfortably compete with their German counterparts, but the lack of a V8 and an weak (potential) GS F is not a good sign for the future of Lexus if they want to shed their "lack of performance" image.
The E63 already has 518, the upcoming F10 M5 is rumored to be somewhere between 550 and 580 hp and the RS6 already has 580 hp (we can get it up here
). Unfortunately, I just don't see the GS F as making up the handling deficiency, in addition to a power one. The hybrid is a great option and the 350 can comfortably compete with their German counterparts, but the lack of a V8 and an weak (potential) GS F is not a good sign for the future of Lexus if they want to shed their "lack of performance" image.
Would they consider putting the LF-A's V10 into a GS-F?
The people who lose in this situation are LF-A owners, obviously. Fortunately, they are virtually inconsequential as far as market presence and profitability go.
07-21-10, 07:39 PM
#599
Why does everyone think that Lexus has to "up the power" and "increase performance" to be as "good as" the Germans? Maybe Lexus never did and doesn't plan on being German. Maybe they're just happy being Japanese?
Not everyone is a Capt. Kirk freak "I NEED MORE POWER SCOTTY !!!!" Lexus should concentrate on comfort, reliability, material quality, and just being a super nice car to own. You want power, go buy BMW/MB/Audi then... ugh.
Not everyone is a Capt. Kirk freak "I NEED MORE POWER SCOTTY !!!!" Lexus should concentrate on comfort, reliability, material quality, and just being a super nice car to own. You want power, go buy BMW/MB/Audi then... ugh.
07-21-10, 07:48 PM
#600
Lexus Champion
Why does everyone think that Lexus has to "up the power" and "increase performance" to be as "good as" the Germans? Maybe Lexus never did and doesn't plan on being German. Maybe they're just happy being Japanese?
Not everyone is a Capt. Kirk freak "I NEED MORE POWER SCOTTY !!!!" Lexus should concentrate on comfort, reliability, material quality, and just being a super nice car to own. You want power, go buy BMW/MB/Audi then... ugh.
Not everyone is a Capt. Kirk freak "I NEED MORE POWER SCOTTY !!!!" Lexus should concentrate on comfort, reliability, material quality, and just being a super nice car to own. You want power, go buy BMW/MB/Audi then... ugh.
If you want to be a true Tier 1 brand, you have to offer a little bit of everything....and that includes performance. The GS (excluding the Hybrid) is not on the same playing field as the current gen E class, 5 series, or A6. You could provide a strong argument that the true Tier 1 brands are Mercedes, BMW, Audi with Lexus just entering that class. Lexus needs to show that they can compete on all levels with the Germans. Being better solely in luxury and reliabilty does not make a Tier 1 brand.
If you want to be happy being "Japanese", you can focus on competing with Acura and Infiniti (both of which Lexus are killing
).