VVT-i doesn't really make a noise til you're in the high RPM range. Even then you probably wouldn't hear it.

 

i didnt test drive the car.
when i first noticed it (music off), i was really surprised too! sounded like a cheap car. the dealer said thats normal as he fired up another GS making the same sound.

 

As many stated - it is common for direct injection engines. You "pay" for more power and efficiency. The sound is not always noticable though, sometimes it is louder, sometimes I cannot hear a thing with even radio off...

 

When I still had my '06 LS430, you can not tell if the engine is on or not just like the Hybrids... but with my '07 GS350 it freaking sounded like a diesel truck...

Sad but true... but we have to "sacrifice" the quietness for extra 35HP and fuel efficiency over the non-direct injection motor.

Like everyone else have said here "turn on the music and ignore the ticking noise"!!!

 

I'll take the 35hp and fuel efficiency over the diesel sound any day.

 

I've never even heard this noise before... I guess I'll listen for it now! :-)

 

direct injection is also good for emissions, which is the major reason it's used. the extra power and efficiency is a side effect.

 

I own a 2007 ES350. It too has direct injection and makes the ticking sound for the first few minutes when it's cold. What I find interesting is that most of you GS owners have accepted it as normal and enjoy the benefits that it provides. On the ES350 forum, the complaints are ascerbic. It seems that the ES drivers just cannot get over it.

 

The ES350 does not have direct injection.

 

DUDE, where did you get your ES350 with Direct Injection... CHOPSHOP!?!

 

lol.. Looks like the ES owners are more paranoid, some people just expect perfection... which can never be reached.

 

My wife has a 08 RX350 which has the same 3.5 liter non direct injection engine as the ES350. Her car ticks louder than mine, the diff. is that her RX only ticks when the engine is not warmed up. My direct injection engine ticks even after its warmed up but not as loud, in fact not loud at all. Overall, my rattles bothers me a lot more than the engine ticking.

 

Lexus is known to be quiet "inside" when you are driving it. Who cares what the people outside hears. So it sounds a little like a diesel engine.

 

I agree. It does sound loud when you're outside of the vehicle. When I sit inside the cabin with the windows up, I hardly hear any engine noises.

 

i think diesel engines sound good...
i think some people would rather drive a couch than an actual mechanical creation made of thousands of metallic moving parts.