puckhead85

I don't see them adding the 8 speed until the mid cycle refresh.. 2015/2016? too much R&D. I only see a few small changes happening on the 2014. I don't recall a time when lexus made a huge change into the second year of a model.

iggyhop9

R&D wouldn't be an issue. It's cousin in Japan, the Toyota Crown Athlete, has the same 8 speed set-up. Plus the IS has the same drivetrain, so it's not an issue.

and 2006 & 2007 Lexus GS is the go to example of a huge change second year into the model.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I think you'll see an 8 speed in the '14 model and maybe in both the RWD and AWD.
The extra mile or so MPG will help with the CAFE regulation numbers.

praetor

Cost reduction might be the real issue. When I picked up my GS last week, I asked the dealer to program my key fob to roll the windows down. I was told, some of the later GS can't even do that due to cost reduction.

Valueguy

Thanks. I may wait until July so my dealer can confirm the 6 speed transmission. But, based on existing inventory I may need to order my GS 350 if I want HUD.

Outrage

The GS can be configured to do that. I have mine set up that way.

praetor

Yes I know. Mine does that as well. I was told that some of the later GS350s coming our won't be able to do that anymore due to cost reductions from the factory.

Outrage

I'd think that would just be a software setting, and not require any costly modifications. Odd.

BarrettF77

Sounds like dealer laziness. They stopped enabling it by default, but that's it. Mine arrived late April, so it's pretty recent.

praetor

I took delivery of mine June 1st and mine does it. I wouldn't be shocked though if what the dealer said was true though.

dland007

From a Toyota-affiliate company vehicle lease website:

2014 Lexus GS 350 RWD (9300)
3.5liter V6 w/ direct injection and port fuel injection
306hp, 277 lb-ft torque
8-speed Automatic Transmission with paddle shifters
Drive Mode Select
...etc.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Correct only RWD models get the 8-speed. AWD like the 3IS get saddled with the 6-speed. Shame the 14 GS doesn't get the full yet

advan34i

iTrader: (1)

Checked with the dealer, 14s rwd gets 8spd

msp713

Out of curiosity, did they mention anything as to when the 2014 GS models will be on the lots for sale? I had called San Diego and the salesman told me end of Oct and then tried to push the 2013 lol. I also called the Lexus dealership in Florida (the biggest one) and he told me mid-October. He also told me the '14 cars were supposedly at their port and they're just waiting for their lot to be cleared of the 2013's

heasyrider

Not sure if this source has been mentioned:

By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National
September 9, 2013
Vehicle Overview

Lexus redesigned its midlevel GS sedan last year, adopting the corporate grille that's made its way across the CT 200h hatchback and LX SUV. The GS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, and the hybrid GS 450h gets a V-6 hybrid system. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on the GS 350. Competitors include the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac CTS.

New for 2014
LED headlights are now available as are LED fog lights. A full-color readout is included with the available head-up display, and rear-wheel-drive GS 350 models get a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive GS 350 continues with a six-speed automatic. Other new features include rear cross-traffic alert and power-folding side mirrors for the blind spot warning system, and an available power trunk-lid opener. The GS 450h's available Pre-Collision System now incorporates all-speed dynamic cruise control.

The GS now offers Siri Eyes Free mode for the iPhone 4S and 5, which enables various voice commands through Siri including placing a call, playing music from iTunes, listening to and composing text messages and emails, getting directions, performing a search, listening to notifications and calendar info, and adding reminders and appointments.