doug_999

Personally, I don't want a high tension power line running through the middle of my car - and basically that's what you get with a hybrid - lots of flux - and a much better chance at cancer. Sure the studies are inconclusive, but I'm not going to risk it.

Ron, did you get a new car or is your profile not correct? Shows a 2004?

RON430

Hey Doug. Don't look at my profile very much if at all. Who knows what happens when the software gets updated. Still a 2k1 GS430 and a 2k3 GS300. If the move comes off, my guess is that an RX is in our future but still have to see what the 400h costs. Also want to see more how the hybrids do in the real world over time.

I couldn't care less how a hybrid does on a track. In my view, the whole goal in life of a hybrid is to increase economy. I really doubt this analysis that adds the gas motor to the electric motor for hp. It might work for the ever important advertised hp but I doubt it will translate into performance. Also have to wonder how much a Toyota 170 to 200hp electric motor (with battery pack) will weigh? And if the performance end goes hybrid it should stop Lexus engine tuners for quite a while. The car side of Lexus does look like it is going to get interesting, especially if there are going to be 300hp 3.5 liter V6's and 400 hp 5.0 liter V8's. But hp is easy. Suspension isn't.

Lsportline43

Seems like Lexus is getting serious. Maybe we will experience "1989" again. Hopefully.

LexusPia

If the 2006 GS350GT produces 470hp (300+170) like what the C&D article described, does it mean Lexus will drop the GS4? Not sure why they need the GS4 anymore if the GS3 can produce that kind of power. Guessing the price tag will be quite high on the GTs.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

You will never see Lexus drop the GS430. It's their most powerful performance sedan, and a vehicle that adds a lot of prestige to the Lexus brand. On the same note, many people (myself included) would rather have a 300HP conventionally powered, gasoline V-8 over a hybrid V6. It wouldn't matter to me if the GS350GT has 600hp, give me good ole power right when I put my foot down, and don't make me worry about electric gimmicks.

It's going to be interesting to see the track tests between the GS350GT and a SuperCharged GS430.

-Michael-

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Very good point there doug_999. Like anything out there that needs studies and more studies, it's going to take lots of time and $$$. So who's going to be their cancer test-dummies ? If this is the case, have they found anything with the ugly GM, Honda Insight or Prius? They've been out for a while now.

RON430

If you go back to my original comments, if I had to guess right now, I would say there will be a GS350 with around 300hp - might be a bit optimistic. Then I figure there will be a GS500 with hp in the mid to high 300s. On top of that will be the GS350GT. This will be the model with awd because it will have the V6 to help charge batteries and run the rear wheels and the electric motor powering the front wheels. Total hp will add up to something like C&D says, over 400, but I'll bet the performance edge over a GS500 won't be much but it has to get better fuel economy (how much better? - could be a CL poll in the making) to justify the price premium and maybe worse handling dynamics which could preclude a GS500GT.

All we have to do is wait a while to find out. I just have this feeling that with (1) a complete redesign and (2) ever increasing hp figures for sport sedans from the germans and japanese competitors, the GS will not have the 430 carry over. At least not for very long, maybe a model year or two at most. If I am right and the new GS does bow with the 430, it would be worth waiting to see how the powertrains evolve.

If C&D is right, there is something up with powertrains for Lexus in the future. This notion that the 4.3 will carry over is just getting hard to believe. And Toyota has staked its future on the hybrid for better fuel efficiency. The germans will probably go diesel.

Hameed

Needless to say this whole new world of "hybrid performance/econo luxury cars " will be very interesting to watch as it evolves and gets better.

The bottom line is that Lexus is now taking the AMG and M folk seriously and I am sure knowing Lexus, they will do their research on suspension, added weight and of course the all-important performance gains of hybrid technology.

I would definitely consider getting an AWD 400+ hp sedan from Lexus that is made to compete with the AMG's and M's. I am sure a lot of us will be blown away just like back in 1998 when the GS400 was launched.

Hermosa

While I am not someone to take my car to the track and race other than 1/4 mile, remember that the electric power is instantly available and does not require spool up. The power band could be shaped perfectly by augmenting the power from the internal combustion engine with a little from the electric. As for everyday drivabililty and also gas mileage these cars will be great. I like that fact that they are thinking about hybrids in the manner in which they currently are, since it is geared for performance. If they come out with a SC500GT with the 400hp 5l and the 200hp electric component like the LS I would really want one.

Ditto

Lexus LS500 GT


Lexus IS350 GT


They look almost identical.