While I was waiting for my car (getting the trunk struts replaced), I was checking out the new GS, since I never sat on one.
Before getting to the subject, it's unbelievable our much more expensive car still doesn't have the nifty features of the new GS: sliding center console to hide seat heating and ventilation control (nice!), VSC button, etc., so when it's in place, center console is perfectly clean. Then the left 'pod' that deploys with the touch of a button with all other unsightly controls: mirrors, headlamp washers, mirror fold-in feature (nice!), etc. And much better instrumentation, steering wheel, etc, etc.

Now to my surprise, and the reason for the title. Both GSs (430 and 350) are listed in Lexus's brochure with identical performance figures: 5.7 sec 0-60 times and 14.2 the qtr mile. But here's the kicker: 350 has 303 hp (274 tq) vs 290 hp (319 tq) for the V8, AND fuel economy on the V6 is 21/28 vs 18/25. And all options on the V8 can be had on the V6 RWD; why even bother with the V8???

I don't know about you, but it'd be embarrassing to me, as a Lexus exec. having to print that. The V8 seems like the lesser model, and more expensive??? Geez. Just wanted to vent a little; it just seems stupid to revamp the V6 OVER the V8, when the V8 commands a premium, and it's supposedly the better performer. Now seems like almost anything in the Lexus lineup kicks our SC430's a$$, except the SUVs, no? < lol>. Hey, saw that new red color on our SC, and it's BEAUTIFUL, especially with the chromed wheels (regular ones would have looked bad), but our car already looks aged, compared to the new Lexi. I'm happy with my '04, but wouldn't buy a new one now, that's for sure.

Later gang. Have a good one.

 

When I bought my SC430 that only had 11,700 miles on it and was covered by the CPO warranty I was looking at the IS350's. I bought my SC430 for less then a new IS350. A better car with the CPO warranty and it looked just like a brand new SC430. I bougt my 2003 SC430 but I agree with you I would not of paid $25K more for a new one with 11,700 less miles and less warranty coverage.

 

I read somewhere the reason the 4.3L v8 is still in the GS for this model year is b/c Lexus wanted the LS to have the new 4.6L v8 exclusively for the first model year. Sounds like they're following Mercedes idea of introducing new vehicles & then 1-2 years later finally introducing a new engine/tranny. Same thing w/the 3.5L v6...The IS had it exclusively for the 1st model year & now finally the GS (as well as the RX though a detuned version) has it. Besides, you can't argue w/the torque of the v8!

OT: Damn, that 3.5L v6 in the 07' RX350 is pretty nice! Though, I still think it's too much powa for my gf's mom.

IMO, the sc430 is a timeless design. I'm not knocking on pre-06' sc430's but one of the main reasons for buying an 06' (when it was the newest model year at the time) was the headlights (much better looking & adaptive front lighting - headlights turn into the direction your steering wheel turns) as well as the 6-speed tranny (tranny lag/hesition on the 5-speed auto if you know what I'm talking about). The headlights were more of an issue w/her while the tranny was more of an issue w/me.

 

Nobody with a pre-06 can't argue with the tranny issue; it's a disappointment for me too. I don't care much about the adaptive lighting myself: hardly ever ride at night, increases the cost of the car, one more thing that can go wrong, and I don't like the bug-eye look.

Man, I drove an RX350 loaner, and it had a lot more power than my '04 MDX (260 hp), mainly because of its lighter weight (no AWD), I guess. When flooring it from a stop light, even at my 4K' of altitude, the thing was peeling off for 2 seconds; amazing. Not even my SC does that.

I understand the engine unveiling strategy, but never before a V6 was even close to V8 numbers even when an all-new engine. Now it's more powerful; doesn't make any sense.
It would have made sense dropping the V8 if gas kept creeping up, but a more expensive V8 version than the cheaper, more powerful V6 just seems stupid.

I'm happy since our 'older' cars have still the same power than the '07, and not being a power junkie I'm satisfied with mine (wish it didn't have the annoying hesitation though), but I don't think it's good to attract new buyers. I guess sales numbers are going to speak for themselves; I bet they'll continue dropping. Later.