Yup. I really think Lexus could have done well with the 3rd gen GS but they screwed up with the way they offered the powertrains and features.

06 GS 300 (Should have never offered this) / GS 430 (Shouldn't have recycled an old motor)
07 GS 350 (Should have been offered in 06) /GS 430 (Slow seller)/ GS 450h
08-11 GS 350 / GS 460 (too little too late) / GS 450h (Virtually unchanged on the exterior except the minor changes to GSh for 10-11)

 

agreed. the drivetrain releases hurt the 3gs greatly imho. the car just couldn't get enough traction. if they started out with gs350 and 450h, that would have been great. 300 in a v6 with good gas mileage back in 2005/6, that would have been great

which makes me wonder how lexus will come out with the drivetrains for the 4gs. seems like it's going to be time for new drivetrains, if they expand it more / further, it can be great coverage

 

Lots of 2GS owners here I know, but I never thought the 2GS was anything special within or outside the Lexus line-up . It was the most powerful car in it's class for like a couple months lol, & witout the driving dynamics to go with it, and was soon left in the dust by the competition . yes, it's a quality product, but which contemporary Lexus model isn't as good or better in quality ... As for the design, I didn't like the 3GS at first , but parked next to the 2GS , it not only look better , but with both of them quite old now, I think the 3GS 's design stood the test of time way better , although quality and interior space isn't as good .

Looking at 4GS spy pics thus far, seems pretty underwhelming to me, my hopes are way down already .., only the official annoncement of a highly competitive(ahem not underpowered) GS-F can bring back some excitement for me ...

 

i think main GS problems were:
1. Not enough head room in the back.
2. Not enough trunk room, both in standard model and especially in GS450h.
3. Whole market went after technology soon after GS was introduced and GS lacked eccentric stuff.
4. Lexus not wanting to deal with competitive leases which makes it actually more expensive than competition.

 

That sums it up pretty nicely. Lexus got lazy in 2001 and put all their effort into the IS and left the GS (8 cyl) to become the neglected stepchild.

 

So I was lucky enough to see pictures in an email today of the 4GS. I'm sworn to secrecy but I can confirm that the interior is spot on like the pics posted on page 5 of this thread, and that the exterior is VERY close to the concept. Also the navi is 12" if I read correctly. This car is aimed directly at the big German 3 and is definitely more masculine than any GS before it. Expect NA V6, Hybrid and V8 models. Nothing on the GS-F as of now but there will be an F-Sport trim like it's IS kin. Ok, I've said too much hah

 

how are the front and back lights compared to concept? front grille?

 

one hybrid or more?

 

that's awesome info, thanks hoovey. i guess i just have one question, the front end / grille / bumper, is it really like the concept???

i am definitely interested in the interior. similar to the pics and that's very good news to me. can't wait to see how the seats are.

 

Can't wait to see this car, along with the other new Lexus cars.

 

i hate that everyone seems to know everything... except for me :-)

 

I hope they stay true to the concept this time. Now that BMW has took the life out of the 5-series's steering Lexus can make a big hit with the GS. The GS concept's profile is much more interesting than the 5-series imo and with Toyoda's promise of more dynamic cars I am hoping for the best with the GS.

 

yeah man.

all i care about is.............. does it have a gaping grille or not ?




this picture makes the car look very unfinished.

i hope it looks much better with the handles and mirror and moldings tacked on.

the 5 series, in comparison, just looks more balanced and proportional......with less of a front overhang

 

This looks very promising.



It looks very similar to this one, but much nicer because of the leather instrument panel with the contrast stitching. Lexus have finally beat the Europeans on the interior.

 

5 series proportions are easily best in class - heck probably the best proportions of any sedan made.

Here's a quick chop of the LF-GH with mirrors and door handles.



With a smaller front overhang it could look pretty good.