Autoweek article implied there might be some sheetmetal changes but then only talked about engines. Wouldn't mind seeing some cosmetic changes too.

 

I think so, much like the cosmetic changes given to the ES300=>330 and RX330=>350 engine upgrades. On the other hand, the GS350 is already on sale in Japan and it looks no different from the GS300. So if the cosmetic changes are to happen it'll have to happen to the JDM V6 GS's which will receive no engine upgrade.

 

no cosmetic changes so soon, i think 3+2 applies here...

 

If the GS460 is coming out in spring 2007, will it be a 2007MY or a 2008MY?

If it's a 2007MY, then the 2006 GS430 will have a really long run of 2+ years.

 

Hrm..its interesting that the GS350 is quicker than the GS430

 

torque curve is probably much better in the 3.5 vs 4.3, making more hp, plus engines lighter, go lexus

 

Same here, it may very well go special order accross the country, but it is not so everwhere at the moment. Our dealer still has a bunch of GS430s for sale. Until the GS350 actually hits showrooms I don't think the GS430 will be special order in my area. After than though I think it will have to be special order or at least very limmited since the GS350 will take all the sales.

 

The IS 350 makes what 276lbs of torque? The 430 makes 325lbs, at the low end of the RPM range too!

 

we will see, maybe it's time for another dealership visit

anyway, good question on the MY. the 3gs came out in spring 05 as 06 model, if i have to guess, maybe the gs460 will come out in spring 07 as 08?

 

If the GS460 will be available spring 07, it will be a 08 model for sure. Will they have a 07 GS430 though ? I doubt it . . .

 

there is no extra cost involved with calling something 2007 MY :-).

I am sure lexus already planned this engine update when GS was developed, however neither 4.6 V8 nor 3.5 V6 was available at that time.

I dont think it is Lexus marketing wanting to do something crazy, it is more about simply using what you got at the time. Knowing Toyota, they would have rather used 3.5 and 4.6 engines from start to lower engineering costs...

 

Yeah, but the 3.5 is quite a bit lighter so the torque difference is somewhat offset here, as they are running virtually the same times in 0-60.

Also, the 300 handles quite a bit better than 430, due to the lighter weight and I guess better weight distribution.

 

there will be 07 gs430 still in that case

the 2gs had 05 from fall of 04 till early 05 before the 3gs came out

 

After driving both, I had fun in both, IMO the V-8s low end torque helped offset the extra 200 lbs.

I have not driven both cars back to back on identical roads to figure out how big the difference is .

To me, the IS is more front heavy that the GS! I think the engine just overpowers things.

 

EXACTLY what I was thinking