I like the 3D view of the nav. To me, it makes it seem easier to see when and where you need to turn.

Because you see the world in 3D, IMO it just makes sense to see the nav in 3D.

 

If the rumor of the GS460 next spring is true, you're getting at least 1 years advanced notice, and I wouldn't consider that being instantly outdated. Additionally, even if/when the GS460 comes out, the GS430 won't be outdated; it's essentially the same car with more HP. IMHO, always wanting to have the newest and best is a recipe for creating your own misery.

 

Unfortunately, the world you see in 3D is also obstructed by tall buildings. The idea of a map is to allow you to see ahead, and see what you don't see in plain sight.

When approaching turns, on the other hand, I agree with you that a 3D view would do the best since in THAT situation you do want the nav to show you exactly what you see through the windshield.

Perhaps a smart mix of the two is the best solution.

 

Wow, are they really that bad??

 

Are you talking about those who have bought GS300 already? If so, then I say no need to. Cars are always being upgraded and upsized. You would never buy the best one, because the best could also get improved. Now you may say the new BMW M5 is so good and this and that, after a while may be a $50k car could surpass it.

 

time for some pics. from a Japanese site





Engine: 3.5L V6 DOHC
HP: 315ps/6400rpm
TQ: 38.4kgm/4800rpm

From: http://www.auto-web.co.jp/NEW_CAR/LEXUS/GS350.html

 

I personally would buy a car to last 6-7 years, now with this in mind, id better do my hw dang well because for instance what if I bought a 06 GS430 for the car I will use for 6-7 more years, and bam 07 GS460 comes out. Now im stuck with the older generation engine for 6-7 years and the 06 imo already feels outdated even though its been less than a year before the purchase.

Theres a difference in wanting everything new because its the flavor of the month and keep trading up and the above situation. That is one reason why I chose the IS350 as my next car over the Acura TL, the TL itself is an excellent car but the engine is getting outdated. I want a car that will resist being outdated the longest over that 6-7 years, which is why the IS350 fits me since its totally new everything especially the new generation engine which will stay around for a LONG time, hence resist being outdated much longer.

This outdated thing pertains to people who have probably had reasonable warning a new engine/design is coming out, if you purchased a GS300 or GS430 like back in may 05, theres no way you couldve known the 350 and 460 engines were coming but that is different than people who have purchased it fairly recently since the debut of the LS460, when that thing came out I knew that V8 was going into the GS later on, when the IS350 engine came out I knew that engine was going in other things besides the IS. That right there is enough warning for anyone who is looking for that type of car to wait until later.

 

Yes, we do know even back then, at least for the GS350 (& you can infer the new V8 as well), since Lexus already announced the GS350 for the Japanese market then for last fall in their Japanese website

 

Yeah, thanks to this great forum, back in May '05, I was aware the 430 was rumored to be upgraded within a couple years. But coming from a GS300, the 430 was a big enough jump for me

In a couple years I'll be ready to move on to another model. By that time (hopefully) the prices for the GS460, GS450H, and LS460 will have dropped.