jrock65

The IS will definitely get the 3.5 this year, and the ES and Camry will most likely get the 3.5 GR when the new models come out next year in MY2007. The Avalon already has the 3.5.

The Solara, Sienna, Highlander, and RX will probably get the 3.5 in MY2008.

So, GS350 in MY2007 or MY2008?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

07. it will only stay with the 300 engine for a yr from what i read

RRocket

So will the IS350 make 280HP like the Avalon? If so, it will be a rocket!!

Lexusfreak

I agree!

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Do you think that will have much of a negative effect on 06 GS300 resale value?

Gojirra99

Well, I don't know, but Mercedes do that all the time.

When current model S600 came out 2001, it's a normal aspirated V12, one year later they added the twin turbo. S55 also NA first year, then supercharged next year. 2003 SL500 was introduced with a 5 speed automatic, one model year later it's 7 speed.

I guess most GS300 buyers don't care too much about power anyway ? It's gonna be a longer 1 1/2 year model year anyway.

jrock65

Judging from the very strong demand of the GS430, I'd say that Lexus buyers would really wouldn't mind having a stronger V6.

flipside909

Where did you read this? Toyota/Lexus cycle for engine/powertrain changes are 3rd year. It's been a Toyota/Lexus tradition for many years now. It would be stupid for Lexus to change the V6 from 3.0 to 3.5 in just one year of production. The 2GR-FSE should come out MY 2008 in 2007. GS450h should have the 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system. But as the lower model offered, don't expect a GS350 anytime soon. Toyota/Lexus would never release 2 brand new powertrains in the 2nd production year. GS350 and GS450h released at the same time in 2007? That would be a poor marketing move.

Rockville

The engine in the IS350 will be a much hotter set up than the Avalon, ES350, and RX350. It will also have a much better power/weight ratio so start sprucing up your IS300's now and get in line for the IS350 which will be produced in smaller amounts than the IS250. Since the GS450h will use the same 3.5 Liter as the IS350 but augment it with an electric motor generator at the rear axle it will not be that different under the hood then a GS350. Since the main competitor that Lexus is marking is the BMW 530i, I think they wanted to match them even up at first. BMW has a new engine coming and Lexus will then bring another variant on line with a GS350. It will use more gas of course than the GS300. Mercedes has already come out with the E350 and it is a big improvement over the E320 which is their bread and butter car. The GS350 will potentially have more Horsepower than the current GS430 so maybe it has to wait until a bigger V8 (4.6?) is produced or maybe it just won't matter as the GS450h will be the performance champion of Lexus a year from this May. Does this mean there will be an IS450h? That would be interesting....

jrock65

A guy from Japan came on in one of the other boards and said that the GS350 was supposed to be introduced in the US like it was in Japan, but they couldn't meet California emissions requirements with the 3.5 in the GS for some reason, so they just went ahead with the 3.0. Apparently, all they needed was some time, and presumably it'll be worked out by next year.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

umm i have to dig up where i heard it from. i remember hearing someoe telling me that first yr it's going to be gs300 and then gs430, but the next yr they will put in the gs350 and the gs460

i hope it's not a brain fart...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

if that's really the case, i do see some effect...

Gojirra99

A poorer marketing move would be to let the GS300 get left in the dust by the competition in the same segment for too long, I think introducing the GS350 as soon as the new LS comes out is perfect, so the GS can upgrade to GS350 & GS460 at the same time. Yes. there will be a GS450h next year, but the least costly & least powerful model will still be the volume seller & they should make sure it looks competitive relative to similar models from the other brands.

Gojirra99

In addition, I think the GS350's performance will be too close to the GS430 to make adequate differentiation, & the 460 likely isn't ready for production yet.

rheiy

If the gs350 in 1 year is true, the gs300 will take a hit. How much of a hit will depend on how much the 350 adds over the 300 in terms of power and performance.