Damn great point about the weight, I sure did use the wrong car.

 

Handling can be affected by anything. There are sports cars out today which handle like crap because they are not properly designed.

Lexus will place components carefully (with the assistance of computers) to determine exactly how much they intend to affect balance and thereby handling. Anything that is done will be done with advanced notice by the computers which give them an excellent picture before the first piece of steel is cut.

Also remember they don't have to simply add components and leave the rest of the vehicle intact. Lexus will be in a position to move some components around to place batteries and motors without negatively impacting balance. I agree with you Xero in that some additional low placed weight can actually improve things and make the car stick to the ground better with less lean.

Regarding braking, the RX400H still uses disc brakes with regenerative function of the electric motors simple work in conjuction to reclaim energy which would otherwise be lost. Tuning the brakes to use more of the disc and less of the electric generator is something that will be carefully taken into consideration to ensure safe braking for a fast heavy vehicle.

 

I apologize if i have offened any of my fellow members, and thank for correcting me about what i said when i said that i spock for everyone just the ones that agree with how i felt about lexus not being up to date with there 06 GS430 thats all. I do hope that the 460 will have 350 hp or better 400hp, and would be more reasonable with infinte,bmw, and mercedes. The reason i choose lexus over bmw m series or mercedes amg is because i am not comfodient that reliablility, quality ,and brand is up to lexus sure i'm alittle hp crazy but lexus is the choice for me.

 

I'm in the same boat with you.

I bought my 2GS because it was the type of car winning the enthusiasts’ magazine comparos back in '98 and '99 (and I'm not talking about Consumer Reports, etc.) I'm "that" type of driver. The capability for speed - whether I use it or not - matters to me. $ for $ I'll trade luxury for speed.

The 2GS was winning those contests, awards, etc, because it was "the" world's fastest sedan with an automatic tranny. The 3GS is a wonderful car but Lexus made the distinct decision regarding their withdrawal from the Hp wars (after beginning it with the 2GS).

I'm hoping the 4.6 brings the performance edge back to Lexus. Until that occurs, I'm having a difficult time parting with $30K-$40K for a 3GS4 (assuming I get $20K for my '99 GS4 trade)

Here's what currently appeals to me...
Jag S-Type R: 396hp - 2004s for low $40s
300C SRT-8: 425hp - New for low $40s
Upcoming STS-V: 430hp - $75est (I'll wait for the depreciation)
CTS-V: 400hp - 2004s for mid to high 30s

Eric

 

Thanks for the support,and as of right now the cts-v is looking pretty good.

 

p.s. just to point out - that mag article that was pointed out is COMPLETLY wrong in a sense that only 100hp electric will be used. That is actually so freaking funny to see since obviously author has not clue about wtf he is writing in major magazine. It also makes you wonder about all those reviews.

First of all, so far we know 2 facts about HSD:

- Gasoline engine is optimized, its weight has been reduced by removing things not longer needed (like VVTi in 3.3l MZ engine), so it will be detuned for maximum fuel efficiency. Both 1.5l in Prius and 3.3l in RX have been detuned power wise.

- Toyota is relying more and more to electric engines for speed and efficiency - Prius is using 67hp, while RX400h is using 3 engines, 2 of which providing power (167hp & 67hp) to the wheels.

So, there is no way in hell that LSh will be making 500hp from 400hp in gas engine (since it will be detuned from whatever it ends up being in 4.6l) and 100hp will mean huge step backwards from RX400h in electric engines.

Just wanted to point that out.



Another thing to point would be an response.jp cover with next gen Supra, with 4.6l V8 390hp engine. Thats sounds actually quite ok for worked up 4.6l V8, so "normal" version might be anywhere from 350hp-390hp.

Now, while I understand US obsession with HP, I really do not know what would 95% of people do with 400hp ONLY LS460. That makes NO sense to me at all, it seems like a lot more than what most people might be able to handle - is it going to have an "slow" button?

If they make LS460 with 390 or 400hp, then for sure they will also make LS350 with 310hp, which will be more than enough for everyone, and in this day and age, people will appreciate fuel savings.

I also find it interesting how people have learned to appreciate qualities for GS300 such awesome MPG, and how some are now questioning GS350 (and I think 99% of people, previously, have though that GS300 is underpowered, for whatever reason 245hp might be "underpowered").

You also have to take a look at targetted demographics - 95% of Lexus GS, LS and even targetted IS buyers are NOT 16-20yr old magazine racers. Good example are BMW buyers, where >70% of 3 series sold are sold with 2.5l engine. Now imagine new IS250, with awesome fuel consumption and you will see why it has "only" 200hp.

 

jeez, I just like the sound of a V8 engine. Is that so wrong?

 

Nope and I do too. I suspect it won't be long before someone creates a synthesizer kit complete with weatherproof exterior mounted sub to create this V8 sound for hybrids. Excuse me while I go down to the basement to work

 

Seems I was only 20hp off

 

5.0 V8 plus electric motors that sends torque to both ends at once and launches to 60 in under 5 seconds! What a chine that will be...

Rock

 

well we can only wait and see if lexus gs460/ls460 will have 380hp or above...all this speculation is just funny....but ppl like to imagine...hehe ...i hope 400hp or more!!! with 25mpg combined!!!! lol