4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
12-09-09, 11:20 AM
#1
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
http://www.motortrend.com/features/a..._gs/index.html
Not sure how accurate this is...particularly on the heels of the print edition reportedly claiming the GS-F was undecided...they changed their reporting yet again. As before, MT and other publications have had a spotty record of Lexus prognostications...however the idea of a GS 250/350 being the models when the competition is producing more powerful engines sound either 1) an uber-eco strategy, 2) a source pulling a prank on MT, 3) very light? 
New Lexus GS to Debut in 2011
December 09, 2009
By Peter Lyon
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDkQ0tHh
It's looking like 2011 will be the year a next-generation Lexus GS finally hits U.S. showrooms. When it does, as we've previously reported, expect to see a high performance Lexus GS F version join the party.
Sitting on a new platform, the base Lexus GS (the present 2010 Lexus GS 460 is pictured) will lose around 1 inch from its front overhang while width and tread will both expand by roughly the same amount. Wheelbase will remain the same at 112.2 inches, but cabin height will stretch 1.3 inches.
Most surprising will be the change in engine specs. Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6 -- most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 will become the top of the range. About a year after launch, a 2.5-liter hybrid will reportedly be added to the GS lineup.
In contrast, the GS F variant will employ the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but with strategic modifications including revamped ECU and exhaust. Horsepower will reportedly be boosted from 417 hp to as much as 464 hp. While that doesn't touch cars like the Cadillac CTS-V's 556-hp, the GS F should no doubt be plenty fast.
The new GS F should handle well as well. Arguably the most impressive piece of new technology on the GS F will be its (right-left rear) torque split mechanism fitted to the rear drive wheels. This device is being likened locally to Honda's SH-AWD or Mitsubishi's AYC unit, with the big difference being that the latter two examples are all-wheel drive, while the GS F is rear drive.
Rivaling the BMW M5, Benz AMG E63 and the CTS-V, the GS F will also incorporate a lighter platform and some carbon fiber body parts to get pounds down to a target weight of around 3530 lbs. Also expected to join the GS in 2011 calendar is a new Lexus IS, and given the news of the GS F, we wouldn't be surprised to see a next-generation IS F as well.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDkV86KB
December 09, 2009
By Peter Lyon
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDkQ0tHh
It's looking like 2011 will be the year a next-generation Lexus GS finally hits U.S. showrooms. When it does, as we've previously reported, expect to see a high performance Lexus GS F version join the party.
Sitting on a new platform, the base Lexus GS (the present 2010 Lexus GS 460 is pictured) will lose around 1 inch from its front overhang while width and tread will both expand by roughly the same amount. Wheelbase will remain the same at 112.2 inches, but cabin height will stretch 1.3 inches.
Most surprising will be the change in engine specs. Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6 -- most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 will become the top of the range. About a year after launch, a 2.5-liter hybrid will reportedly be added to the GS lineup.
In contrast, the GS F variant will employ the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but with strategic modifications including revamped ECU and exhaust. Horsepower will reportedly be boosted from 417 hp to as much as 464 hp. While that doesn't touch cars like the Cadillac CTS-V's 556-hp, the GS F should no doubt be plenty fast.
The new GS F should handle well as well. Arguably the most impressive piece of new technology on the GS F will be its (right-left rear) torque split mechanism fitted to the rear drive wheels. This device is being likened locally to Honda's SH-AWD or Mitsubishi's AYC unit, with the big difference being that the latter two examples are all-wheel drive, while the GS F is rear drive.
Rivaling the BMW M5, Benz AMG E63 and the CTS-V, the GS F will also incorporate a lighter platform and some carbon fiber body parts to get pounds down to a target weight of around 3530 lbs. Also expected to join the GS in 2011 calendar is a new Lexus IS, and given the news of the GS F, we wouldn't be surprised to see a next-generation IS F as well.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDkV86KB
12-09-09, 11:23 AM
#2
"Most surprising will be the change in engine specs. Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6 -- most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS.The present 3.5-liter V-6 will become the top of the range."
I hope that's a joke unless that 2.5L will push out at least 260 HP.
I had an '06 IS250 AWD and the 2.5L was pretty sluggish and in a heavier GS.....
I hope that's a joke unless that 2.5L will push out at least 260 HP.
I had an '06 IS250 AWD and the 2.5L was pretty sluggish and in a heavier GS.....
Last edited by Joeb427; 12-09-09 at 11:33 AM.
12-09-09, 11:23 AM
#3
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GS F with a more highly Yamaha-tuned 5.0l V8 seems very plausible to me. CTS-V, despite more than a 100 hp more than the IS F, isn't THAT much faster in real-life applications.
We probably won't see another IS F for a few years. I'm thinking we'll only see a facelift of the IS.
We probably won't see another IS F for a few years. I'm thinking we'll only see a facelift of the IS.
12-09-09, 11:30 AM
#5
huh? dropping the v8 and putting in the 250?! ok, i think this is getting very weird
and the same isf engine further tuned for gsf with the figure of 460hp... i am really not sure if that's going to fly neither
and yeah, just few days ago they said stuff that contradict alot @_@
and the same isf engine further tuned for gsf with the figure of 460hp... i am really not sure if that's going to fly neither
and yeah, just few days ago they said stuff that contradict alot @_@
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12-09-09, 11:38 AM
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Despite the disappointing power figures for the GS-F, the much reduced weight is certainly a good news. The M5 may have 500hp, but with a weight of 4012lbs, it actually has a worse power-to-weight ratio than the GS-F's 464hp and 3530lbs.
The GS250 will be good for Lexus to compete with the 523i and E250 (never mind the 4-banger E200) in other markets, but I don't think they'll really bring it to the US unless it's only about meeting the new CAFE standards.
The 2.5L hybrid sounds good too, but only if they manage to increase the laughable trunk size.
The GS250 will be good for Lexus to compete with the 523i and E250 (never mind the 4-banger E200) in other markets, but I don't think they'll really bring it to the US unless it's only about meeting the new CAFE standards.
The 2.5L hybrid sounds good too, but only if they manage to increase the laughable trunk size.
Last edited by Mister Two; 12-09-09 at 11:49 AM.
12-09-09, 11:43 AM
#10
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The IS-F weighs 3750....they are saying the GS-F is going to weigh 3500lbs? Hell the LFA weighs what 3200 lbs. Only 300 lbs more?
That makes no sense. Carbon fiber? I doubt more than the trunk or hood. CF is expensive as hell to produce so the cost would be high.
This report really makes no sense. Why drop the GS 300 then come back with a GS 250? I agree a GS 250h might make some sense for those that want a hybrid/economy without LOOKING like a hybrid.
The idea of the transfer torque system sounds splendid though....if that is true.
I just can't see the GS getting SMALLER when everything else is already bigger and has continued to grow BIGGER.
That makes no sense. Carbon fiber? I doubt more than the trunk or hood. CF is expensive as hell to produce so the cost would be high.
This report really makes no sense. Why drop the GS 300 then come back with a GS 250? I agree a GS 250h might make some sense for those that want a hybrid/economy without LOOKING like a hybrid.
The idea of the transfer torque system sounds splendid though....if that is true.
I just can't see the GS getting SMALLER when everything else is already bigger and has continued to grow BIGGER.
12-09-09, 11:49 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
At first blush, it does seem a bit weird, but you guys have brought up some good points.
GS 250 - could indeed be for international markets, as Lexus is now switching to lower-displacement engines for areas such as China, where the ES 240 just debuted (it has to do with taxation issues).
GS 350 - no V8, possible rationale:
1) The GS 350 already makes up the bulk of GS sales
2) Over 300 hp with a reasonable weight can provide solid performance
3) The hp wars, Lexus probably does not want to get into that now, particularly with eco considerations
An additional point comes to rationalizing the GS line: the GS 450h vs. GS 460 issue. It could be that these two approaches are aiming at a similar area: the high-powered, non-F GS model. By dropping the V8 and using a V6 hybrid, Lexus would be taking the LS 600h/V12 approach and using it for a GS 380h/V8 approach. Not sure about the displacement number, but 350h would be confusing vs. 350...
So a lineup of GS 350/GS 380h/GS F would be simplified for the US, and given the GS' smaller volume, could conceivably make sense. It also clearly separates the V6 / H / F.
GS 250 - could indeed be for international markets, as Lexus is now switching to lower-displacement engines for areas such as China, where the ES 240 just debuted (it has to do with taxation issues).
GS 350 - no V8, possible rationale:
1) The GS 350 already makes up the bulk of GS sales
2) Over 300 hp with a reasonable weight can provide solid performance
3) The hp wars, Lexus probably does not want to get into that now, particularly with eco considerations
An additional point comes to rationalizing the GS line: the GS 450h vs. GS 460 issue. It could be that these two approaches are aiming at a similar area: the high-powered, non-F GS model. By dropping the V8 and using a V6 hybrid, Lexus would be taking the LS 600h/V12 approach and using it for a GS 380h/V8 approach. Not sure about the displacement number, but 350h would be confusing vs. 350...
So a lineup of GS 350/GS 380h/GS F would be simplified for the US, and given the GS' smaller volume, could conceivably make sense. It also clearly separates the V6 / H / F.
12-09-09, 11:51 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
if they have a 525 BMW then they will make a GS250. It makes sense to me for all of those old women and male posers who probably debadge the car. I was at a conference this weekend and saw a 525 in the parking lot with staggered wheels, body kit, and a drop. You would think the dude would have skipped on the kit and went with a car with an engine that wont be getting you flipped off on the freeway
12-09-09, 11:52 AM
#13
The IS-F weighs 3750....they are saying the GS-F is going to weigh 3500lbs? Hell the LFA weighs what 3200 lbs. Only 300 lbs more?
That makes no sense. Carbon fiber? I doubt more than the trunk or hood. CF is expensive as hell to produce so the cost would be high.
This report really makes no sense. Why drop the GS 300 then come back with a GS 250? I agree a GS 250h might make some sense for those that want a hybrid/economy without LOOKING like a hybrid.
The idea of the transfer torque system sounds splendid though....if that is true.
I just can't see the GS getting SMALLER when everything else is already bigger and has continued to grow BIGGER.
That makes no sense. Carbon fiber? I doubt more than the trunk or hood. CF is expensive as hell to produce so the cost would be high.
This report really makes no sense. Why drop the GS 300 then come back with a GS 250? I agree a GS 250h might make some sense for those that want a hybrid/economy without LOOKING like a hybrid.
The idea of the transfer torque system sounds splendid though....if that is true.
I just can't see the GS getting SMALLER when everything else is already bigger and has continued to grow BIGGER.
I can also see GS250 as well as GS300h and GS350... I doubt that there wont be GS450h though. As to the GS-F, that makes a lot of sense. Although I agree that weight makes little. If anyone wants V8 GS, they want GS-F.
p.s. GS250 is defineltly going to be there, if not in USA, elsewhere. Asian and European countries are getting strict emission laws, they will have to have lower spec engines.