I reallly like the power of the infininti m45. v-8. still do not like the loks of the car inside and out/ I do like the gs 300/430 look . Not crazy over run flats on gs. seems all avail able in NE. Would like power of gs430 but not willing to spend $6100 on required NAV/Levinson. Does gs 300 really have enough power. ? gs430 is much faster. but really only 1 sec 0-60/ . Any comments ? Advise?

 

I have had my GS300 for about a week now and I'm very pleased with it. I traded up from a 2001 GS300. I can tell you that the acceleration performance of the new model is a real big improvement over the last one. 0.3 to 0.5s in the 0-60 is quite a noticable difference in general. The 06 GS300 is a full second faster than the Gen 2. If the 2 were to race the Gen 3 would leave the Gen 2 in the dust. In terms of feeling the Gen 3 feels very adequately powered to me and when I accelerate the car feels like it is doing so effortlessly. I tend to drive aggressively and it gives me all that I would ever need or use. More than that and I'll probably end up in trouble.

With that said, you need to drive the car - and I recommend that you test it with the trans set to PWR mode. It does make a big difference in responsiveness. If you have an insatiable appetite for power then you won't be happy with 245 HP. The GS430 will leave the GS300 in the dust and if this matters to you then you need to consider this. And from what I have read the GS45, being about 0.5s faster to 60 (and also the same in the 1/4 mile) will leave the GS430 in the dust. So my input is that it depends of what is important to you: being as fast as you can practically use (safely) in real world traffic, or knowing that you can suck the headlights out of most anything that you meet at a stoplight. I'm more of the former but I have a few friends that are more like the latter (they spend a lot of money on cars!).

Regarding the run flats: you might want to check with your dealer and see if they are willing to work with the port to swap out the run flats for you. I'm in the southeast and my dealer was willing to have the port make some modifications for me. I had it written into the deal. If you have a non-refundable deposit a dealer may be willing to do this for you. Their concern may be that if you bail on the deal will they be stuck with a car that is more or less sellable in your area. (There are some Lexus Dealer employees on this site that work in the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast - maybe they can explain if they think this is a option in your area.)

 

I'd recommend you drive a 2006 GS300. I did and also found the power to be adequate. It was not suprisingly strong nor disappointing. What is it that you do not like/want with the run flats?

 

Hi, cheapest M45 that you will find runs around 55k. For purpose of another thread, I have looked through 3 dealer inventories, worth of 100 M35/M45's and there was not one single M45 (sport or not) that was less than 55k... So, like Lexus, base cars are not available. Infiniti just doesnt tell it straight as Lexus does...

 

Have your driven all three (GS3, GS4 & M45)? Veeee 8

 

I don't think the port (Newark, NJ) has any non run flats to swap for you. Conventional tires probably have a more compliant ride and the sidewalls aren't stiff like the new and "improved" Dunlop 5000 Sport run flats. That being said I have only driven the GS with the run flats so I don't have any comparison. The Port can upgrade the 17" to the 18" choice of two different wheels at a cost of $2450 retail. I do think the larger rims improve the handling and overall look. If you add the cost of the wheels you could instead get AWD which might come in handy where you live and then keep the stock wheels and tires. If you can in any way afford the GS430 you will get a significant upgrade in components. The Brakes, VDIM, Adjustable suspension, 325 lb. ft. of torque and the 18" wheels. The Mark Levinson Audio, Navigation with back up camera and cooled and heated seats make you want to live in the car. There is nothing bad about the RWD GS300 either because most of my customers perceive a performance improvement compared to the AWD. I only know about the Infintis from the posts on this forum and there are many. I will try to drive the M series this Friday for my edification.

 

gs 300, gs 430 infiniti m45. m45 sport has more power and better handling than gs 430. It just does not have the style. of the gs. both gs seem to be floatry compared to the m45 sport and my present ride bmw 528 5sp mt. /. gs 300 has same power as may bmw. because of mt advantage/. But bmw lack of reliabilty is getting to me, I will again drive all 3 this week end. I have yet to see mercury silver gs430 / ga 300. I'm also thinking about ls430 with a good discount it would cost same as gs430. but alas it is avery large car. thanks for comments

 

Even the vaunted LS430 is missing this crucial hardware. The only car in the world with this feature is the GS430, floaty or not. BMW, Mercedes don't have it either. Infiniti would probably like to buy it from Lexus. The Electronic steering with VGRS is another exclusive to the GS430. You can flick it through the twisties without breathing hard and it's easier to park too. The brakes are massive and come through for you in panic stop. The six speed transmission is so smooth that you can fill your latte to the top and not spill a drop. If you're looking for a full race machine try an M5 but if you like a little Merlot with your Cabernet get the Lexus. It won't leave you stranded........

Rock