of course, if you ask me, i think the reason for the detuned gs460 is to not shadow the gs450h, which clearly was what lexus tried to push. it would be stupid to make the gs450h as is and then the gs460 with 40 more horses. i guess moving on to 4gs it's definitely clear that lexus doesn't care about v8.

regarding the driving, tough to say. i drove the gs450h on the track. with the button on power mode, everything is very instant and the tq from the electric motor is quite something, i don't think it's anything short of "v8". but the continuous whining feel of the cvt plus the ever so odd engine sound (nothing like v8) definitely felt funny

 

My guess is the 450h power is maxed out as is, so they detuned the 460 to match it. If they can make the 450h to put out 380 hp, they probably would keep both at 380 hp. That's my feeling.

Is not because they don't care, is the whole CAFE standard they have to meet. They have to increase fuel efficiency and that's the way Lexus chooses. Just like the S4 got a V6 now instead of V8 and the M5 got a V8 now instead of a V10........not because they want to, is they have to.

I drove a 450h on a track too, it was probably the quickest Lexus I ever drove, it "feels" quicker then even the ISF due to the instant torque, the ISF feels a bit sluggish at low revs, lack of torque down low. But especially on the track, it is all WOT, so you don't feel the V8 linear feel at part throttle. The 450h is mainly not as smooth as a V8. You just can't fake the feel from cylinder count, no V6 feels like a V8, and no V8 feels like a V12.......etc. Feel/power deliver and power itself is 2 different thing. A R35 GTR is as fast as a V12 Lambo or Ferrari, but it would never have that exotic V12 feels no matter how you mod it.

 

2012 Lexus GS Takes a Stroll

We’ve only got 10 days to go before Lexus pulls all the camo off their new GS in Pebble Beach, but if the big 4-door is to be ready to strut its stuff and show the Japanese luxury brand’s future design direction, the car has to take 1 last stroll to ensure everything is just right.

It looks like the fine folks at Lexus were checking for differences with the competition, as the Infiniti M appears in 1 of the shots provided by our dedicated team of spy photographers. Thick camouflage hides the curves and sharp lines of the body, but there's enough detailing know from the 1st teaser image and the concept that preceded it.

LED running lights will now frame the lower part of the headlights, while the grille has the shape of an hourglass, being tapered around the area of the lights.

The GS 350, 460 and 450h have faced to obscurity, but the new generation will bring much sharper looks and a gaping front end with sharp lines.

As for what lies under the bonnet, the 2012 GS will Lexus’ latest 5.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 450 horsepower. A hybrid version is also coming, and will be unveiled together with the regular petrol one at Pebble Beach. There will also be a base diesel version added to the mix, which will not only reduce the vehicle’s price, but also offer a good efficiency.

This will help the GS enter the fleet car market more easily, an area where the Germans have ruled for years now. The diesel won’t be included in the GS range from the launch, as it is expected to be offered starting from 2013.

 

Thanks, GS69. You are ALWAYS first with pictures and picture speaks for thousands of words (or comments).

 

Interesting pics. We haven't seen those wheels before...

 

GS69's post mentions that the GS will be unveiled in v8 and hybrid form at Pebble Beach...huh!?

I thought it was GS350 first, F-Sport in months to follow and Hybrid (and possible F) later down the road?

 

they can mention whatever they want. the order in which they are released is a separate deal.

 

I like this photoshop from Autobild.

 

What is with the G35 behind it?

I am not a fan of the headlamps, it makes the car look like a spider :/

 

The last picture looks sexy.

 

Infiniti M, probably the hybrid version.

 

I like this too.

 

Is a M, not a G.

 

Damn that's hot. I'm getting a tingly feeling in my man parts..

 

There are ointments for that condition...