flipside909

How do you know this? The car isn't even out yet. Give it a chance first since those numbers just look good on paper. Nothing else at this point.

kreilly

Maybe Lexus isn't getting the message that horsepower sells. The new GS300 looks to be a great car but it's still outgunned. What's the point of the new 3.0l V6? Even with the new technology (DI, 6sp Trans) this car will just keep up with Accord & Camry V6s (0-60 in 7sec) and will be embarassed by V6 Altimas, Maximas, Acura TLs & G35s (now with 280-290hp). And the new Avalon is getting a 3.5l V6(270+hp)??? Makes sense.

This is a great engine for the lighter IS. The GS needs a 3.5, especially with awd. Take it from the Avalon if they have too.

And can't they find another 20hp or so for the 430? Horsepower for the V-8 is unchanged for the last 7 model years, while the rest of the world has been gaining. No reason to trade in my 2002 430 for a new GS with the same engine, just to get some new bells & whistles. My bet is the added weight of the new features offsets any gains by the 6sp tranny.

Threxx

In my opinion if Lexus is really playing its cards right, then it will be doing this with the intention of unveiling a hybrid system along with it.

flipside909

Lexus' target demographic isn't the performance minded ones which only accounts for a fraction of their general sales. True we here at CL want more performance to compete with the rest, but their trend is going more torwards technology, longevity, quality and value. We only represent a fraction of their target demographic unfortunately. Lexus isn't in a horsepower or displacement war w/their competitors. It's been evident in the last few press releases that Denny Clements has explained in recent months.

I personally think Lexus is doing the right thing as they are shifting focus to Hybrid technology and exploiting the advantages & benefits it provides. It may not seem apparent to most of us, but they are taking the conservative approach to producing world class vehicles. Take a look at the upcoming RX400h, the vehicle is projected to get better over all mileage compared to the regular gas powered RX330 and also best the performance of a regular RX330. That's something to apply with the new hybrid models Lexus has in store. We can speculate all we want with what's about to come out, but to be fair to Lexus, give the new models a chance to shine and then we can judge after the fact.

kreilly

That's too bad. If Lexus is going to market the GS as their "performance" (albeit Luxury Performance) sedan, then you'd think they would give it all the tools to compete in that category. The power modifications necessary to do so are well within the Company's capability and can probably be made without excessive cost & without compromising the rest of the car.

The customers who value performance less are probably buying ES & LS variants. The reason GS has been such a small portion of sales recently is because those looking for more performance have gone elsewhere. Yet Lexus has gone through the expense of a completely redisigned GS, so why not make the last bit of effort and get it right. I bet Lexus lost a good number of customers who were looking for a luxury performance sedan but couldn't justify the cost of a GS300 when the new G35 performs so much better for $10k less. I know the G35 can't compete in quality (although it IS a good car), but a much faster car plus $10k in your pocket is a strong motivator.

Lexus' announcement of a performance division to come serves as acknowledgement that today, horsepower sells. I hope they don't miss the bus.

flipside909

A 6 year old car doesn't help the equation either. It's a general trend with any auto manufacturer.

chuckb

Flipside, I know you know your sh#t about Lexus vehicles but I have to agree kreily on this one.
There's no reason the GS300 shouldn't have the Avalon 280 hp motor and the GS430 should be at least 325-350hp by now.

If you don't like it then don't push the gas pedal down all the way. At least you have the option. I can't see how hp gains would hurt sales unless mileage was severly affected.

I do also understand though that Lex is setting up for the Hybrid era

flipside909

Well that is up to Lexus marketing to figure on what HP and engine choices are to come. The GS300 & 430 are coming to us whether we like it or not.

that_guy

Perhaps the reason behind Japan getting the GS350 in August 2005 is because there will be no GS430 there, and thus there needs to be no gap between two models? Like, the only reason (probably) why the GS300 is being released else where in world is because there still needs to be a gap between the GS300 and GS430 powerwise, (except someone countries that only have received the GS300).

flipside909

That is correct. Just like the current JDM Aristo having a N/A and a 2JZ-GTE V300 edition.

LexFather

Well it is Lexus who really started this HP war with luxo sedans. 300hp 8 years ago, no one was doing that. And 225ho in the GS 300 was much more than the 189 in the 528.

The good thing about a car not changing every 3 years is much better resale, the car becomes instantly recognizable to the public and it means the design in most cases is classic.

In 8 years the whole game has changed. The entry level luxury market is now flooded with cars. The 40-50k luxury market is now flooded with cars. From Audi to Volvo, Licoln to Caddy to BMW to Lexus. And car makers with new tech have upped the HP. And some carmakers mask the cars glaring deficiencies with more hp.

Honestly, instead of a 298hp G35, I'd much rather the same 260hp with a TL or ES type interior. I'd rather a 278hp E500 with top notch quality.

Lexus has always tried to offer the complete package. The GS is to be the perfect blend of sport and luxury. At this point, Lexus has some brand panache, where owning a LEXUS is worth having less hp than the competition. You add the whole ownership experience, I can deal with less hp.

Here in Atlanta, if you own a LExus, you get to park right across the st. at the Braves stadium "Lexus Lot" and you also get complimentary Valet at our poshest mall, Phipps Plaza. I like those things and people like those things. You can have your 300hp V-6, you can have your 280hp V-6.

alexus

iTrader: (1)

how 'bout GS500?

XeroK00L

Thanks for the info. But is it just me or does the front license plate on this pic read "GS330"???

LexFather

I am so confused. But clearly, in the brochures Rominl has scanned for us in the other sticky, its a GS 300 adn GS 430 and the specs are in there.

flipside909

Regarding that photo posted, it's RHD, meaning not for US markets. The US is getting the GS300/430 only.

Mike, if I get an extra copy of that brochure, i'll send you one. I have the same brochure Rominl has.