LexFather

Add me to the wait list

xioix

I just think it is pointless that they are still offering the GS430 in Japan now that the GS450h is available

TRDFantasy

Just as it is pointless to have the GS430 here. But there is a point, and that is Lexus will not release the GS460 before the LS460. So, in several months, the GS sold around the world should be updated to the 4.6L V8 engine. That includes the US and Japan. Japan already has the GS350 North America will also get in a few months to replace the GS300.

xioix

I know all that, I just think it is pointless to have the GS430 because their is no reason to get one in Japan with the displacement tax and 0 advantages of having that engine with the new GS350 and GS450h both being able out perform the GS430

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's why the car is only special order now in most places?

xioix

Im talking for Japan not the US, or is it also a special order in Japan?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i would think it's special order everywhere

i will agree with you that it's silly, if they still make gs430 blindly now (for japan)

spwolf

they probably make few - I dont think V8's are that popular in japan to start with.

TRDFantasy

It's an image thing. Toyota would replace the GS430 with the GS460 tomorrow if they could, but they're waiting to release the LS460 first, because they want the LS to be the first Lexus to have the new engine.

Besides, those who buy V8 cars in Japan don't care about the displacement tax. I doubt for example owners of the Toyota Century, with it's 5L V12, worry about the displacement tax .

xioix

I know the 4.6 will go into the LS first then the SC and GS, I said that awhile ago in other posts, but the numbers in the back showing the 450 > 430 would be enough for the image thing since it already shows the price bracket the car is in

And I think some people do care, it's not like the Century owners and other 4.3L V8 owners share the same income bracket

TRDFantasy

I see your point.

It wouldn't make sense for Toyota to get rid of the GS430 now, and then come out months later with the GS460. Seeing as Lexus is really new in Japan still, they're trying to establish brand credibility. Even though the GS350 basically matches the GS430 performance wise, not to mention beats it in fuel economy, Toyota will simply let it be until it gets an engine change.

And I'm not sure, but I think the JDM GS430 may have some extra features over the GS350.

spwolf

guys, european brands have 10 different engines that mostly overlap each other, in the same model. Its called choice. You cant force everyone into everything.

Lexus is not stupid. Market for hybrids is still not as huge as for traditional petrol cars. That latest Lexus presentation showed that 35% (i think) of drivers is willing to consider hybrid purchase. That was actually shown as great point for hybrids.

Is Lexus going to simply forget about other 65% of the market? doubt it.

I mean I dont know what we are posting here - it wont happen for sure. GS460 will come.

BrickHead

Does Lexus plan to produce 20,000 or 2,000 GS450h a year? It's a small number either way. I guess/hope it will hold its value and be very reliable like the other hybrids.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

2000 only. People want hybrids for gas efficiency. This car's hybrid system is for extra power (with the benefits of less gas consumption). Just like how people decide between the GS300 and GS430, only a few will buy the premium engine for extra power. If the breakdown is 80% GS300 and 20% GS430, then I can see very few GS450h selling compared to the GS430.

2005 GS sales:
GS300 = 27,807 cars (83% of GS sales)
GS430 = 5,650 cars (17% of GS sales)
GS450h = approx 2000 for 2006 (which would account for approx 5% of GS sales)

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i don't think 2000 units for the first yr is a lot, for the price of the car (and that there is a cheaper gs300) i think that's about the right number without having too many of them sitting in the lot