GS350 vs LS460
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: WA
Also, several years ago when my missus bought her IS250 F Sport, we test drove and test drove, and [without comparing part numbers at all] we thought that the IS base and F Sport had pretty much the same suspension, except for the F Sport's electronic variable dampers, and their sportier 18" asymmetric wheels/tires.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,721
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From: Ca
Original GS250 & refreshed GS300h doesn't have electronic dampers either, but noticeably different handling/ride to 200t & 350 @ 00:03'50" & 00:04'15" below.
Thus, the GS is available in different suspension settings around the world, and the hardware is certainly there, but which countries get what settings is another matter.
Even the Camry uses different suspension settings depending on the part of the world.
About 20 years ago, New Zealand was said to have the most firmly sprung Camries...
Last edited by peteharvey; May 30, 2017 at 09:15 AM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,721
Likes: 551
From: Ca
I can't remember the exact details, but I believe you.
Back then, we tested IS250 base model, IS250 F Sport and IS350 F Sport.
The base used Turanza 17", while the F Sports used asymmetric 18" F Sport alloys with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050.
The 350 had a more powerful, but louder and harsher engine, however the handling/ride was pretty much the same for all three, and very good handling, and pleasant ride at that - though the F Sports were slightly sharper handling with a sharper and noisier ride.
Back then, missus settled on IS250 F Sport.
This year, missus wanted an IS200t in F Sport as well, but despite the same asymmetric alloys on the same Dunlop Sport Maxx 050, the midlife updated F Sport ride has changed completely compared to the IS200t base model - now not as nice riding as the original F Sport from several years ago.
It's quite normal for manufacturers to change the suspension settings/tuning at midlife updates.
Thus she settled for the IS200t base model.
_
Back then, we tested IS250 base model, IS250 F Sport and IS350 F Sport.
The base used Turanza 17", while the F Sports used asymmetric 18" F Sport alloys with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050.
The 350 had a more powerful, but louder and harsher engine, however the handling/ride was pretty much the same for all three, and very good handling, and pleasant ride at that - though the F Sports were slightly sharper handling with a sharper and noisier ride.
Back then, missus settled on IS250 F Sport.
This year, missus wanted an IS200t in F Sport as well, but despite the same asymmetric alloys on the same Dunlop Sport Maxx 050, the midlife updated F Sport ride has changed completely compared to the IS200t base model - now not as nice riding as the original F Sport from several years ago.
It's quite normal for manufacturers to change the suspension settings/tuning at midlife updates.
Thus she settled for the IS200t base model.
_
Last edited by peteharvey; May 30, 2017 at 09:35 AM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 6
From: Md
I don't have a LS460 but have a LS430 ultra luxury. I drive both on a regular basis. They feel like completely different cars to me. The LS430 is one of the most comfortable cars I've driven, the feeling is very isolated from the road but extremely smooth and good for trips. I just sold my 5 series which I've had for about 9 years, and had a M3 previously. After getting the GS, I ended up selling my BMW and don't really regret it. The GS is a very fun car to me, and has plenty of power and feels sporty. I wanted to get away from BMW, since my LS430 had been very good to me. The GS has some "bmw feel" to me, stock the engine sounds great, but it can be very quiet as well. The interior feel is very good, overall its probably not as comfortable as the LS, but it is still comfortable. The ride is not harsh, its a good blend of sporty. The one thing I didn't like about the GS would probably be the steering feel, since its all electronic now. But then again any modern car including BMW uses electronic steering. I don't have f-sport so I can't comment on how that may feel different. I think the GS is a really good mix for sport and comfort, I think the ES may be too boring to drive. Are you looking to replace the LS or add a GS? I'm a big fan of how they did the interior and dash on the GS, I was just in a brand new RX loander car and thought the GS looked better.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 419
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From: TX
There's no car like GS. There's no car like GS. There's no car like GS. *clicking heels*
Lots of stuff goes into deciding how to configure and position a product in the market. Along with that, there's always a decision that will thrill some customers and alienate others. You cannot please everybody all the time, and the dissatisfied will usually be the most vocal.
That said, hopefully Lexus has somebody who frequents user boards to gauge reaction to their products. Direct input from customers and potential customers is a great feedback into the machine of the brand to set direction for products.
Lots of stuff goes into deciding how to configure and position a product in the market. Along with that, there's always a decision that will thrill some customers and alienate others. You cannot please everybody all the time, and the dissatisfied will usually be the most vocal.
That said, hopefully Lexus has somebody who frequents user boards to gauge reaction to their products. Direct input from customers and potential customers is a great feedback into the machine of the brand to set direction for products.
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