Simple answer - Lexus ECUs are very hard to crack and nobody had done it with any amount of success, hence why Lexus is so unpopular with tuners.

I would be shocked if this will change with turbo motors.
Therefore dont expect any crazy HP gains with a flash like u would get with BMW.

There are M4s running over 400hp at the wheels with a simple ECU flash.....

 

Interesting, I didn't know that.

 

I think the 2016 4.5GS Refresh is ok, but I just don't have any motivation to purchase the front bumper, nor grill, nor headlight, nor tail lights.

When they style well, I always want to purchase the refreshed parts, or purchase the whole car.

However, that said, the Refresh is okay; I'd buy it if I didn't already have the original 4GS.

 

Anyone notice the minor fuel mileage improvement on the RWD models?

Also a bit weird that the 2016 GS350 RWD F Sport has different EPA ratings than the RWD non F Sport, actually taking a 1 mpg hit over the 2015.

For the 2GR-FKS (2016):

RWD 20/29/23
RWD F Sport 19/28/22
AWD 19/27/22

Compare this to the 2GR-FSE (2015):

RWD 19/29/23
AWD 19/27/22

I believe the difference in the 2GR-FSE and the 2GR-FKS would be the ability to use the Atkinson cycle on the 2GR-FKS. I need to spend more time studying this.

Sources:

2015:

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/...specs.download

2016:

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/...specs.download

 

2016 uses 2GR FKS? What is that?

Yup! the 200t is heavier than the 350. 3805 lbs vs. 3726 lbs for the 350. How is that even possible?

 

I took a while to decide. I realized that it comes down to the fact that Lexus management really needs to start being smarter. The spindle grill is fine for sports models (IS, GS, RC, LC)... But is a disaster on the luxury and SUV models. A different treatment would be worthwhile there.

Specific thoughts on details:

1. The grill does not work on the normal trim. F-sport - sure - because it resembles an open maw instead of being protuberant in the same way.

2. The DRLs are no surprise, but if you look at what Audi and MB are doing, individual little LEDs are out - instead they are using a much more modern even type of lighting - and it looks a lot better.

3. Mostly clear tails? Really? Is this 2005?

4. And the introduction of the 200t? All bad, all the way. Just cheapens the brand and strikes me as a me-too type move.

 

The 2GR-FKS seems to be the same as the FSE, but with the ability to use the Atkinson cycle. Note that the new Tacoma is also using the 2GR-FKS.

As for weight, I cannot explain that. Especially since the IS200t weights less than the IS350. Something doesn't add up. I'm missing a piece of the puzzle.

They've also noted a 1.4 inch increase in length, no doubt due to the new front end, but also an additional .5 inch of rear legroom and 2.1 cu ft of additional trunk space.

 

Luckily only 1.4", because previously, I thought the new front end would be at least 2 to 4" longer than the original, as the bonnet projects forwards to give slimmer headlights.

 

I have a theory as to why the 5hp increase. The 2.0T puts out 241hp. By making the 2GR-FSE put out 311hp it makes an even 70hp increase over the 2.0T. Looks better on paper

 

That's about 80 lbs difference and that's a lot of cheeseburgers.

 

Why do the F-sport models get worse gas mileage than the regular models? Maybe F-sport models gained the ability to keep the car in Sport S or Sport S+ mode

I'm a little disappointed that they changed the Cabernet red leather option to the Rioja red. I thought cabernet looked more classy...

 

They're only changing the colors right? Not the materials? Not leather to nuluxe?

 

Hmm too bad, I liked cabernet too though some '13 lease returns I've seen the seats came back almost orange looking

Noticed the Luxury Package on the 350 offers "Semi-aniline leather seating trim in Chateau, Black or Noble Brown"

__

Lexus, I want more info on the 450h dangit!

 

In case you haven't seen it, here's the product info sheet for the '16 GS450h:

http://pressroom.lexus.com/releases/...specs.download

 

No mention of NuLuxe. I know I'll be alone in this, but I would rather it came in NuLuxe. After having leather in numerous cars and NuLuxe in my IS, I'd actually prefer to never have real leather again. I much prefer the NuLuxe.