Correct, the Japanese Gentlemans Agreement, which was in effect until last year and the Honda Legend (our RL) was the first to officially break the 300hp barrier, though its super slow for that kinda power. The 280hp Supra TT, Aristo, Nissan Fuga, Nissan Skyline and GT-R all had 280hp but had much more power.

 

the gs430 came out early last yr, the numbers was not affected by the SAE ratings yet. that's why it still says 300. but it's the same engine as the ls430, so it's actually 280hp with the new SAE standards

380hp, i am good with it

 

But if that's the case, why was the GS300 which was released at the same time rated under the new SAE standard from day 1? The new SAE standard must have existed then already. And it's the year 2006 now, shouldn't the figures for the GS430 be updated to be consistent with the 2006 SC430 at least?

Anyway, since the '06 SC430 has 288hp, can we infer that by "100hp more" it can mean at least 388hp for the GS460. Just trying to keep the hopes up.

 

A GS460 would definitely make me think of coming back to the Lexus brand from a BMW.

If you crunch the numbers a GS460 could come in at the same price as a loaded BMW 530 and still several thousands less than a well equipped BMW 550i. It would be tough to pass up that new Lexus V8 engine over a 6 cylinder engine.

Reasons to change back to Lexus (formerly had a 2001 GS430)
- Love the Lexus Interiors - very luxurious
- Love the Lexus Navigation and ML Audio Package
- Love the 18" rims
- Love all the technlogy that Lexus has to offer
- Love the Reliability and the level of service I am given at my dealership
- Good effort in trying to make it more sporty by using AVS (however would like a real sports package option if possible).
- I am a fan of this current gen styling.

What I would miss if switched from a BMW to Lexus:

1. BMW Sports Package handling and driving - very fun, however the GS460's V8 and all that power will eventually make me forget about this.
2. I hate to admit it, but there is a certain prestige that BMW has over Lexus in terms of the name brand, but I can get over this in time.
3. Free scheduled BMW maintenance for 4 year / 50K. I just spent $300 on the 15K service for my wife's GX470! Man or man!

So bring on the new GS460!

 

Lexus has more prestige than BMW in my mind. I have never looked at a BMW twice, but when I see the 3GS and 2IS on the road I have to admire them because they are works of art. Beautiful exteriors and interiors, something which I can't say about BMW's. Lexus also has the build quality and reliability that BMW doesn't have. The ES, GS, and LS were all on Forbes Best Sedans of 2005 list in their price ranges. On the other hand, the BMW 5 and 7 Series were on Forbes Most Unreliable Cars list.


Mercedes-Benz has gotten rid of their free maintenance program, Audi is getting rid of theirs for their MY 2007 vehicles, and BMW will most likely be next. Enjoy it while you can.

 

Enjoy it while you can? You see a trend, so you assume BMW will follow?

I am not here to instigate any debate about Lexus vs BMW, so I wanted to get this out of the way first, since I am considering coming back to Lexus. However this continued arrogance of Lexus as well as BMW owners and the underlying hatred of each other's products is ridiculous. Fierce brand loyalty is expected in each brands forums, but try to keep an open mind about the competition.

I am fortunate enough to own two great vehicles - a Lexus and BMW. There are advantages and disadvantages to both of them. We can get along.

 

Could not agree more, never impressed with BMW 3 series' cheap plastic interior. BMW prestige? As in this BMW with Recaro seat?

 

i am curious, how do you know the gs300 is with the new SAE rating from day 1?

 

Perhaps because its hp/L is consistent with the IS250's hp rating?

GS300: 245 / 3L = 81.6hp/L
IS250: 204hp / 2.5L = 81.6hp/L

Can't be just coincidence can it?