diablo1

For everyone who wants to get the GS because it has a roomier backseat - have you actually sat back there and think the backseat is ok?? There is more legroom than the IS, it's true, but the headroom is TERRIBLE. Someone else posted on this site that anyone taller than 5'5" will be uncomfortable back there, and I agree. I am 5'11" and was NOT able to sit back in the seat with my back straight. I don't know what it is about the design - it's a bigger car than the IS, but I guess the roof sweeps down more at the back. The rear headroom on the GS is worse than the rear legroom on the IS, without a doubt.

xravexboix

I'm a big 6'1" guy and I fit into the rear of the GS ok... I even got in the rear of the IS (ouch) but only for quick errands.

If the GS350 comes out w/ similar engine specs as the IS350, then the GS should get the new V8 (460 I think?). It wouldn't make sense to market a car with 2 engine options that will have (almost) the same power output... the only difference I would see is the raw peak HP in the V6 vs the smoothness found in the V8.

Then again, you are assuming that you can get the IS at a discounted rate (looks like $1k over invoice from what you've said) so the GS may be the better buy at the time of delivery (discounted GS price vs near MSRP IS price, assuming the demand stays high enough)

Personally, I'd go w/ the IS based on the more aggressive styling. If I were to move up to a more sophisticated car, I'd skip the GS and dive into the LS (if money wasn't an issue)

tqlla3k

iTrader: (1)

GS will have a 350AWD. which will be awesome. Damn, are we going to get smoked by the GS460s?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I'd choose the GS350 as long it has anything above 260HP. If it really gets the same engine as the IS350 that is just a bonus for me. Right now the GS350 and the BMW coupe are the two cars we are waiting for. One of those will replace our RX330.

Skulinex

it should keep the same specs as the jdm model, then it will be making about 320hp on the old rating system, which is the same hp as the new IS

krs71

Where would the 2007 ES fall in this whole pricing scheme. It's supposed to get the avalon engine.

DallasLex

iTrader: (1)

A 2006 ES330 loaded with Xenons(HID), ML, Nav: Invoice = $32500.00
Retail = $36700.00

For 2007 ES350 expect a 15-20% price increase.

krs71

great.......that's just great.........that makes the class of vehicles quite blurry........not sure what lexus is doing anymore.

LexIS350

that's the dumbest thing i've ever read.

IS350ISFUN

It is such a tough call.....If the GS350 can't really handle like an IS that may be a great choice...

RNM GS3

Both are great cars, but the GS is really on a different level in terms of luxury and overall quality. There is a reason why Lexus charges almost 10k more for the GS3. Sit in both cars for 10 minutes and you will see and feel the difference.

If it was my decision, I would pick the GS350 because i prefer the exterior styling of the GS as well as the luxurious interior.

Gojirra99

The GS430 will most likely be upgraded to a GS460(~380hp) too when the GS350(~305 hp) is made available in N. America

mkaresh

Is the GS 350 definite or just speculation? Isn't the 3.0 in the GS 300 part of the same engine family as the 2.5 and 3.0 in the IS? That's my undestanding, but I could be wrong.

Seems odd to me that they'd introduce a new 3.0 for 2006 only to drop it a year later. Or will they have three GS models now?

Assuming same engine family, the no-brainer to me seems an IS 300, especially for the AWD.

ES price cannot go up that much, they'll price it out of the market. It doesn't really compare to the IS and GS--what a boat.

Gojirra99

The GS350 has been on sale in Japan since last fall .
This had been discussed in length when the 3GS was introduced. It seem Lexus now wants to do more engine upgrades during the life cyle of the models, like the Europeans do, to keep the interests on the models higher throughout the model run.
BMW upgraded from 540 to 545 when they introduced the new 5 series 2 years ago, but already upgaded to 550 last fall. The 645ci was out only one model year (1 1/2 year) & was upgraded to 650ci.

Seems like the GS300 will only last 1 1/2 year too. I don't think the GS300 will remain in the North American market after they bring over the GS350, but I think the GS300 may still continue to be offered in some other markets. . .