The issue is horsepower vs. torque.

Everyone is expecting the increased HP to cause more of the "push back in the seat feeling"--HP has little effect on that. Where the HP will make a noticable difference is going down the interstate at 65 and accelerating up to 90 to pass the 18 wheeler in front of you while climbing an hill. I suspect you will notice a big improvement in 60 mph to 90 mph, or "highway passing power".

Torque, not HP, is what results in the push in the back from a standing start. You get a lot more torque with the 430 even though the HP is similar (V8 v V6). Of course the 450h probably has the most torque of all due to the electric motor.

All who have been expecting a more dramatic standing start to 30 mph such as when pulling out into traffic are destined to be disappointed, but it is an issue of lack of reasonable expecations, not something lacking with the car.

 

Exactly.

Personally, I looked into that and did notice a difference in the 300 and 350. I'm used to the torque of my GS400, but I went in knowing this was a V6. It is faster than the GS400, yes. But the GS400 still pulls you better in low end acceleration.

A previous Gen Mustang GT pulls your head back more than a GS400. A Chrysler 300C does too. But (stock for stock) it won't beat the GS400, not from a roll and especially not on the highway and higher speeds. That's how I compare the GS V8 and the GS 350.

 

Good summation. The GS350 is a high-performance luxury sedan, not a sports car, so I guess sports car performance enthusiasts need to save their money for a GS450h instead. (since they won't care about the missing trunk space, anyway...)

 

Hmm, I need to test drive a GS350. I didn't expect all these lukewarm reviews

 

Keep in mind this IS a family sedan. Not a Camaro or Viper.

 

Torque specs :

GS300 - 230 lb-ft @3600 rpm
GS350 - 274 lb-ft @3600 rpm
GS430 - 319 lb-ft @3400 rpm

Off the line the difference is probably not that great between a
GS350 and GS300. IMHO if you currently have a GS300 it's not
worth trading in for a GS350. The only Lexus cars I would trade
in my GS300 for would be a GS460, GS450h or an LS460.

 

I'll say lack of enthusiasm after a few months of looking at sales. Looking at our huge modification thread, there is TONS of it for the GS 300 and 430, I am sure hte 350 will fare well.

Remember the GS 350 is a "soft" release, not much if any marketing for it

 

Hello Hello Lexus Fans.

Here's my situation:

I currently own a 99 Accord V6 with 200+HP, I think this car has great pick up for an Accord. I'm wondering if this gs350 with 300HP+ is going to "WOW" me. I haven't test drove the new GS350 just waiting for the tasteoflexus to get a real idea on what the car can do.

 

Someone else might be able to answer the question better, but here's my take

The GS 350 will noticably be faster than your Accord at all speeds. I don't know if you will be "wowed" by the initial acceleration from stop, but you will notice a difference. What you will notice most is the passing power (i.e. 35-70 MPH freeway entrance). This is where the GS 350 will really shine compared to your Accord.

But then again, there seems to be a difference of opinion on this car from pretty much everyone. Some say that initial acceleration between the GS300 and GS350 is barely noticable. But for me personally, I did notice a difference. I've driven pretty much all of the new $25-$50k Japanese sedans that have just recently come out in the past 3 years and with that in mind, the GS 350 DOES stand out from the crowd of V6's. It is faster than the 240 HP Accord, the 268 HP Camry/Avalon, the 265 HP Maxima & Altima and of course the GS300. Just my $0.02

Unless you have been spoiled by driving around in a V8, I think you'll be happy.

 

Hello and welcome to CL!

I had a 98 Accord V6 and it is a nice car. IMHO the GS300 is
vastly superior in construction, handling and smoothness to the
Accord, so I imagine the GS350 will make an excellent impression.
The fifth gen Nav looks great!

Only you can decide for yourself of course. The problem is some of
us have driven the 320lb-ft torque of the GS430 and have unrealistic
expectations for this car.

Have fun at Taste Of Lexus and let us know of your impressions.

 

model year so maybe the '06 GS300 owner will not see the value in making this drastic a financial decision. From a performance perspective a full second better 0-60 is huge. That is Night/Day change in acceleration. Now the GS450h is better by a half second than the GS430 and GS350 and that is also significant but not as much jump as the GS300/350 comparison. The only reason to produce a GS460 is if they can up the performance ante again to sub 5 sec. 0-60. Once disappointed I can understand why the GS300 owner would want to jump to the GS450h or 460. Since these are RWD only sedans the GS350 stands out in the Lexus lineup as the only high performance AWD. This unique combination of engine and AWD make it a buy IMO here in the East...

Rock

 

I'm glad there is a difference in performance as expected. My
feeling is that the GS350 will be very competitive in this segment
now that it has a proper engine.

The perfect car for me would've been a GS450h AWD, but they
don't make one

 

I'm still glad that I bought my GS300 back in May even knowing that the GS350 was around the corner. Yes, I had buyer's remorse for a few days, but I love my car and anything beyond it is excessive at this point. The car already flies and I'd be asking for speeding tickets if I had more hp and torque. I do however would still like to get the shark fin antenna and gen5 navi. Nice to have, but not necessary.

 

Thanks Y'all for your feedback. I really have no interest on test driving the 2007 G35, Acura TL-Type S (Coming soon), or the BMW. I guess it's all a matter of time before I pick up my GS350. I've owned 3 Honda's and 4 Toyota's in my life time. I think I will always be a Toyota/Lexus follower.

 

Fujifuzz, somebody mentioned that the GS350 will NOT be available
at the Taste of Lexus event. I think they are right...

You might have to test drive it on your own. Good luck and post
pics if you do get it!