SLegacy99

I'd like to see Toyota reduce the weight of their hybrid, much like GM did. Recall that the Tahoe hybrid weighs as much as a regular Tahoe. They were able to do this with lightweight wheels and seats.

IS-SV

As much as I see your point on weight, the Tahoe hybrid at over 5000 pounds wet is so mediocre.

SLegacy99

Well thats because they used the wrong engine.

IS-SV

Agreed wrong engine, wrong vehicle, wrong market, bankrupt company.

SLegacy99

Not to get too off topic here but, their logic was sound. Hybridize the least efficient vehicles. Too bad people no longer want these vehicles.

IS-SV

Yes, I agree. To some degree Toyota/Lexus is doing that with it's non-Prius/HS hybrids too.

mmarshall

To some extent, apples and oranges. You have to look at the diffrence in design and capability in the hybrids from the two companies. GM hybrids, with the exception of the upcoming Chevy Volt, are usually only partial, or "Series" hybrids, which simply use the electric motor to start/stop the gas engine at stoplights, or, at most, to provide partial boost under load. They cannot run on electric power alone. Toyota/Lexus hybrids, on the other hand, are true "Parallel" hybrids, which can (and do) run on the electrics alone for brief periods.

LexFather

Thanks everyone.

Mike, Lexus CVT's are much more refined compared to the Nissan ones, but we should expect them to be. I have no issue with the Nissan CVT.

I forgot two features

This car has the AVS suspension which means it adjusts the shock rate between sport and normal. There is a difference on bad roads, the ride gets slightly smoother. Sport does NOT turn it into a LFA . More like "riiiiiight" lol.

Compared to traditional Lexus trannies, the move from Power/Normal really makes a difference with the aggresiveness of the CVT and the gas pedal. Sport really is responsive to your inputs, I really like it. Normal really makes the GS more relaxed and it helps with MPG as the throttle is much less sensitive. In other Lexus, the difference is less pronounced to me.

SLegacy99

The Chevy Tahoe and twin can run on electric alone. It is a full hybrid.

P Weezy

iTrader: (1)

wow, 50k plus posts!!? amazing, nice write up and nice vehicle

rdgdawg

50K posts... are you on CL often???

Nice write Mike... beautiful car!!!

mmarshall

Yes. That's why I said that MOST, not all, GM hybrids are partial, series ones. But I understand your point.....it was the Tahoe you were talking about in the first place.

IS-SV

Mike - I didn't see any mention of the planned mods for your GS.

It's been a little quiet on that topic lately.....

mmarshall

He might have to clear some of that first with 3 things......his better half (GF), the insurance company, and his wallet. Any more than that, I'll let him speak for himself.

IS-SV

For sure, at least the wallet part.

In reality, I expect his mods to be thoroughly researched and cost-effective. He has given us some idea of what he was reviewing on the GS forum earlier.