Is this a correct release strategy?
01-19-06, 03:02 PM
#1
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Is this a correct release strategy?
Lexus released new GS 300 and GS 430 last year, but just few months later, it announces a Hybrid and possible a GS 350, 460 release. This is very sad and discourage to the current buyers. They could just pay very liitle to get more powerful one. 
01-19-06, 03:42 PM
#2
This is only my opinion and I don't claim to have any insight ot knowledge of what goes on in the heads of the Lexus execs. Anyway, My feeling is the GS needed an upgrade ASAP as that body style had been out since 1998. That is an 8 year cycle which IMHO is way too long. Many things that are found on the new IS like the 3.5L 306 HP engine, the 5th generation navigation were not ready to be released at the time the new GS was released so we got the GS that we got. Nothing wrong with that at all as I still think the 4.3L engine is still great. However, now that nearly every Toyota and Lexus V6 is coming out with a stronger engine than the GS300 they have no choice but to release the larger engine (At least for the GS300) ASAP. The Avelon with the non DI 3.5L makes 268 HP along with the Rav4. The Camry, RX350, E350 are all coming out with either the DI 3.5L V6 making 306 HP like the IS350, or at the very least the 268 HP verion like the Avelon. I think the 2006 GS was a gap filler to buy time for Leuxs to bring out the cars they really wanted. We have to remember the GS430 engine while still great has been around for many years. It is a variation of the original 1UZ FE engine found in the early 90s SC and LS. Sure, in 1998 it was reworked with VVT and such and also bumped in displacement in 2002 to 4.3L, but compared to the new Toyota/Lexus engines with Direct Injection, improved HP, torque, and economy, it really is kind of ancient. I would have no problem buying a GS430 right now, but given the release of the GS350 which should have more power, virtually the same performance, and better economy the GS350 is looking like the perfect car.
Last edited by CK6Speed; 01-19-06 at 03:47 PM.
01-19-06, 03:50 PM
#3
Originally Posted by love_lexus
Lexus released new GS 300 and GS 430 last year, but just few months later, it announces a Hybrid and possible a GS 350, 460 release. This is very sad and discourage to the current buyers. They could just pay very liitle to get more powerful one.
My GS430 wasn't cutting it in the snow, so I had very little choice. On the other hand,
I agree with you that there will be quite a few buyers who will be very upset. It was
a business decision that may or may not backfire, but we will see when we get
there. They sold 30K plus cars, so assuming 50K a pop that's 1.5billion
01-19-06, 03:59 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by love_lexus
Lexus released new GS 300 and GS 430 last year, but just few months later, it announces a Hybrid and possible a GS 350, 460 release. This is very sad and discourage to the current buyers. They could just pay very liitle to get more powerful one.
It's all still speculative at this point as to when they're coming & all we hear is from unofficial sources.BTW, this aren't un-heard of before in other brands . For example, the S55 & S600 were launched 2001 with NA V8 & V12 engines, just one year later, they added supercharger & twin turbo to significantly increase power of those models.
645ci was introduced spring 2004, & was upgraded to 650ci last fall, only 1 1/2 years later . . .
01-19-06, 04:58 PM
#5
Lexus has said they will be making changes/additions more frequently in the future. Over the model run, most luxury manufacturers make minor changes to the exterior and upgrades to engines and equipment. This process keeps customers interested in coming to their showrooms. It also makes owners of current models want to trade more often.
01-19-06, 05:56 PM
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I like this change 
I really want to change my GS soon, 
I just don't like to way that Lexus upgrades engine on brand new model within one year. If I bought new GS 300 (most guys with full list price), I'll be really unhappy.
Anyway, no negtive feeling any more.
I really want to change my GS soon, I just don't like to way that Lexus upgrades engine on brand new model within one year. If I bought new GS 300 (most guys with full list price), I'll be really unhappy.
Anyway, no negtive feeling any more.
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01-20-06, 02:28 PM
#9
Below is a quote from Rockville. It sheds some interesting light on the subject from a Lexus dealer position. it sounds like the GS350 will indeed come out later this year as an 07 model, and the GS450H (Hybrid) will come out soon as well. It sounds like the 3.0L in the GS300 and the old 4.3L in the GS340 will be retired at least in the GS line. Too me this is all good news 
Originally Posted by Rockville
The new GS450h will make the GS430 obsolete at a slightly higher price. It will have VDIM etc. I am hearing 335 HP with the new dual stage electronic continuously variable transmission. It should have great passing power whenever it's called upon. The GS350 in Japan is rated at a higher horsepower anyway so I wouldn't expect to see more than 306 that is available in the IS350 US Spec. The GS450h is a rear wheel drive and the GS350 will offer an AWD and RWD. It will use the 6 speed that is a direct descendant of the LS430 transmission. The big question now is whether or not there will be a need for the GS460 in the future. Lexus has paused production on all but special orders of the GS430 already. We are having difficulty filling orders. This of course creates a vacuum that the GS450h can fill in April. I would expect the GS350 to make it here by August or September. Lexus has stated that there will be 7 new model introductions in the next 15 months. RX350, GS450h, ES350, GS350, LS460 & LS460L would make six. The AWD LS600h could be the seventh or a new JX470 Sport Ute. The IS coupe convertible should be on deck and then of course the production version of the LF-A would garner a lot of press.....I am not seeing a GS460 clearly in my crystal ball....
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