This is a very good topic and thread.

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming graduation!!!

Safety-wise (especially during the winter months in the Northeast), I would go with the GS350 AWD.

 

Thank you for the congratulations ( two more months to go ). I think I'm going to wait for the 2007 GS 350 AWD due to the harsh winters here in NJ. Thanks to everyone for their inputs.

 

As much as I want the GS 450 h (I see this as an improved predecessor of the GS 430), I feel that the GS 350 would be more probable for me.

Why is that:
1)Hybrid cars don't seem to be practical yet in the Asian region (outside Japan).

Especially here in the Philippines, the Prius won't launch til 2008-2009 and it's only the Honda Civic Hybrid (FD) which will be our first Hybrid vehicle in the country.

2) There are still some roads that are not fully concrete/asphalted.

This hints dirt roads and this highlights the need for some 4 wheel drive power. Especially in off-road terrain (haha, it's like you take a luxury vehicle to the dirt)

3) Asian markets don't get the GS 430 (except for Korea & Japan)

This could mean that they won't bring in its predecessor. Especially in the case of our local market, the only way that this model would come is if it would act as our "GS 430" and use tax incentives to keep its price stable. Hopefully, that's the only way that the car would ever reach here locallu in 2008.

4) Price concerns

Luxury marques only represent less than 10% of the RP car market. On top of that, we are only a third-world nation so anything above 1 million pesos is already considered as "luxury" (ie. Chevrolet Lumina ).

So in this case, a GS 350 standard AWD is more suitable to our needs.

 

What engine will be placed in the GS350? Is it the 350 present in Japan's GS? What are the hp/tq ratings for that? Will it be the new ES's engine or the IS's? Thanks

Just wondering what the 0-60 mph times would be for the AWD version

 

It's going to be the new 3.5L V6 engine that's currently in the GS 350 in Japan. Horsepower and torque will probably be similiar to the 2006 IS 350.

 

I think it will be best to test drive the hybrid before buying one. I've driven the RX hybrid and even though it's quick it does not drive like a normal car. Personally I would get the 350 because it will be plenty powerful, AWD and save at least 5k.

Scott