4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
06-27-11, 01:48 PM
#2116
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hopefully, although the pics also show huge front wheelgap, but that might be to make way for camo (hoping).
06-27-11, 01:51 PM
#2117
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Being a former 2G GS owner. I moved to an 06 E55 for the power and the looks as I wasn't feeling the 3G GS. My plan was to wait for the 4G GS and hope to come back to the Lexus brand. Unfortunately, if the 4G GS is going to look like the concept, I might have to pass again. 
On top of that, I really like the line-up offerings from Benz. So much so, that I picked up a 2011 E350 for my wife (*NOTE: not my car, but similar car - sans Pano roof, but with AMG wheels)
On top of that, I really like the line-up offerings from Benz. So much so, that I picked up a 2011 E350 for my wife (*NOTE: not my car, but similar car - sans Pano roof, but with AMG wheels)
06-27-11, 02:19 PM
#2119
I just saw new A6 on the parking lot, and looked like every other car out there... I dont know why people want to judge lexus by different standards. None of the competition looks particularly great, most think E class is ugly but at least it looks different, 5 series at speed looks like any other BMW, best design is part is rear lights and A6, again, is bland.
Maybe it is because I am in Europe and I dont see many GS's, but looks wise 3rd gen has held up well compared to the germans, it is not as if looks were ever an issue.
06-27-11, 02:26 PM
#2120
Manuals are dead. They offer inferior performance. None of the supercars have manuals. You'd be insane to stick a manual in a V8 sports sedan unless you have a penchant for high depreciation, and finding a way to make a quick car slower.
And the best paddle shifters are more fun too. Creates a video game dynamic.
And the best paddle shifters are more fun too. Creates a video game dynamic.
I won't ever tell someone that they should drive one or the other, but telling us that manuals are dead or that they are faster or just as much fun may be your opinion, but it doesn't make them the right opinion for everyone. I don't disagree that they are losing ground from a sales standpoint, but go to most foreign countries and you'll see that manual transmissions are far from dead.
06-27-11, 02:59 PM
#2122
Lexus Champion
Being a former 2G GS owner. I moved to an 06 E55 for the power and the looks as I wasn't feeling the 3G GS. My plan was to wait for the 4G GS and hope to come back to the Lexus brand. Unfortunately, if the 4G GS is going to look like the concept, I might have to pass again.
On top of that, I really like the line-up offerings from Benz. So much so, that I picked up a 2011 E350 for my wife (*NOTE: not my car, but similar car - sans Pano roof, but with AMG wheels)
On top of that, I really like the line-up offerings from Benz. So much so, that I picked up a 2011 E350 for my wife (*NOTE: not my car, but similar car - sans Pano roof, but with AMG wheels)
The previous one was classier IMO.
06-27-11, 02:59 PM
#2123
Most fun I have had driving a car is a ferrari 360 modena cambiocorsa. Having to deal with a manual transmission in a car like that would be a pain.
I agree manual transmissions are alive and well in overseas markets, but only because they are cheaper.
Fact remains you can't get a Lexus LFA, Jag XKR-S, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari Italia, Nissan GTR, Bugatti, or any other car in this league with a manual transmission. Lamborghini is also fazing out manuals as the current crop of cars is replaced.
So if the enthusiast supercars don't have manuals, and the VW Polos of this world do, then one can only assume that the world's top performance car manufacturer's have abandoned the performance car enthusiast. Or more likely that the car enthusiast has also abandoned the manual, and you get guys like Mike who make strong comments about manuals, but actually drive automatics.
I agree manual transmissions are alive and well in overseas markets, but only because they are cheaper.
Fact remains you can't get a Lexus LFA, Jag XKR-S, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari Italia, Nissan GTR, Bugatti, or any other car in this league with a manual transmission. Lamborghini is also fazing out manuals as the current crop of cars is replaced.
So if the enthusiast supercars don't have manuals, and the VW Polos of this world do, then one can only assume that the world's top performance car manufacturer's have abandoned the performance car enthusiast. Or more likely that the car enthusiast has also abandoned the manual, and you get guys like Mike who make strong comments about manuals, but actually drive automatics.
06-27-11, 03:48 PM
#2125
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06-27-11, 04:25 PM
#2126
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Does anyone remember an interview about a year ago with a high level Lexus executive that the GS update will only be an update to the front and rear of the car, and the overall length, sides, and dimensions will largely be unchanged? I have a feeling this is exactly what is going to happen. Updated front and rear, and I bet a beautiful interior, but something tells me the exterior is not going to blow any of us away. I have high hopes, but I do not think it's going to knock our socks off. The rear reminds me too much of the ES, and the front doesnt really stand out, looks kind of generic. I hope I'm wrong, I loved my 2007 GFM AWD 350. Moving away from the Quad headlights is a big mistake in my opinion, the 3GS just looks classy... where it needs to look classy, sporty, AND unique without offending or being over styled. I love the look of the 2011 Optima, just a shame the inside looks so bland... the outside is pretty amazing with top notch build quality, test drove a Turbo SX with Pano Sunroof. The inside although functional is VERY underwhelming with too much black plastics, and little contrasts etc. Come on lexus, hit it out of the park!!!
06-27-11, 05:23 PM
#2127
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Manuals are dead. They offer inferior performance. None of the supercars have manuals. You'd be insane to stick a manual in a V8 sports sedan unless you have a penchant for high depreciation, and finding a way to make a quick car slower.
And the best paddle shifters are more fun too. Creates a video game dynamic.
And the best paddle shifters are more fun too. Creates a video game dynamic.
This is the double standard against Lexus I speak of, its really out of control. Enzo Ferrari is surely turning in his grave knowing his road cars will no longer offer manuals. Manuals might be slower but there is simply no replacing a 3rd pedal for feel.
If I ever did a 5 series, it would 100% be a manual, even if the paddle shifters, SMG is great.
I don't care if the LFA, Ferrari's etc don't offer manuals. BMW does with the 5 series. I'll take a guy who owns a manual 5 series posts and listen intently as he actually bought the sportiest version of the car. An automatic BMW still is fantastic but at that point, I'll just mod my Lexus and put up with less steering feel and call it a day if they are in equal segments (in this case 4 door mid size vs 4 door mid size).
