How would you design/build a GS-F?
#16
Lexotic Concepts
iTrader: (1)
I thought we were talkin about a GS-F & Performance here? Ever here of the BMW M3 Lightweight? Limited edition run of E36 M3 highly sought after brand new, you cant even find them for sale used. Lexus needs a car like that to break ground in the performance market.
Lexus needs to define its performance market. Understand that unless it trims the fat out of a GS-F no one will EVER and I mean EVER buy it over an M5 or E63 or RS6. Lexus has to offer the performance and under cut its competitors with a significant weight difference and price difference to generate sales.
I have already spoken to some Lexus Corporate staff and they are considering that in the release of future F cars (if any) Im sure you may have heard of the FR cars...... FR cars are just conceptual option package of F cars that cut the fluff out of a luxury car turned performance car.
IF you want a Lexus with Luxury and Elegance, buy a GS350. if you want a Lexus that hand other performance cars in its class their asses... buy a GS-F. IF you want to mix the two.... You will have a failure. (which is... a car that is sporty and not so luxurious, and sporty but not quick enough to be noticed)
Performance cars are a dime a dozen.... Lexus has to do something to differentiate their performance from the field. As we can see they are hurting. With the demise of TEAM LEXUS, there really isnt anything or anyone supporting the LEXUS racing brand. Other Car manufacturers have presence in racing.
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
good point. i forgot how expensive the F GS would have to be.
It would cost $76000 at least.
knowing lexus, by that time, the GTR will probably still kick the GS' ***, and be sold with some discount after the fascination wears off
#18
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This should be an easy task for Toyota/Lexus crews...
Just put whatever they are going to put in our granddaddy (SUPRA IV), stuff them in our GS and add two more doors to it...that it!!!
P.S. dunnojack; since you are REALLY good with photoshop, can you try to extend the SUPRA and add two more doors to it and see how it looks, thanks.
Just put whatever they are going to put in our granddaddy (SUPRA IV), stuff them in our GS and add two more doors to it...that it!!!
P.S. dunnojack; since you are REALLY good with photoshop, can you try to extend the SUPRA and add two more doors to it and see how it looks, thanks.
Last edited by slk_dds; 07-20-08 at 10:46 AM.
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#22
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
I don't care for big gobs of power....you can only go so fast on the streets anyway. Somewhere around 350-450 hp is all I care for.
For me, the biggest issue would be the handling. I want a GSF to handle like a Bimmer....or better. The GS350 handles nothing like a sport sedan should. A halo GS should have all the suspension toys necessary to handle like it's on rails.
I'd also like to see some weight cutting. Use of carbon fibre, maybe use some super light seating, use a doughnut spare, etc.
For me, the biggest issue would be the handling. I want a GSF to handle like a Bimmer....or better. The GS350 handles nothing like a sport sedan should. A halo GS should have all the suspension toys necessary to handle like it's on rails.
I'd also like to see some weight cutting. Use of carbon fibre, maybe use some super light seating, use a doughnut spare, etc.
#23
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#24
I, for one, believe that Lexus should emulate Mercedes AMG rather than BMW "M" divisions for their performance cars. That would continue the traditional luxury cars but with a serious dose of additional horsepower. Trying to make a sports car out of a luxury sedan doesn't seem to make good business sense. How much of a sport sedan can be made from the luxury sedan is the question. BMW has always been noted for performance and handling rather than luxury, so the M3 and M5 were just an extension of that image. Mercedes kept the luxury, but added performance in the AMG cars which have been very profitable for both the factory and dealer even when sold in rather small quantities.
With the high price of gasoline likely to continue for some time, big V8 engines are not likely to be very well received. The IS-F is already being sold at big discounts in many markets.
If I were going to design a GS-F, I would use a twin turbo version of the 3.5 V-6 engine tuned to produce around 400 hp. The 8 speed auto from the IS-F coupled to an advanced AWD system. A computer controlled air suspension which would allow a selection between comfort and handling so the driver could select the best match for any driving situation.
If I could start from scratch, I would build a sedan which emulates the GTR. I find it interesting that Infiniti has decided not to proceed with this concept although they apparently looked pretty hard at it. That will leave them with the M50 sedan with 390 hp from a big V8 while gasoline costs $4.00 a gallon. I'll bet they don't sell many.
Steve
With the high price of gasoline likely to continue for some time, big V8 engines are not likely to be very well received. The IS-F is already being sold at big discounts in many markets.
If I were going to design a GS-F, I would use a twin turbo version of the 3.5 V-6 engine tuned to produce around 400 hp. The 8 speed auto from the IS-F coupled to an advanced AWD system. A computer controlled air suspension which would allow a selection between comfort and handling so the driver could select the best match for any driving situation.
If I could start from scratch, I would build a sedan which emulates the GTR. I find it interesting that Infiniti has decided not to proceed with this concept although they apparently looked pretty hard at it. That will leave them with the M50 sedan with 390 hp from a big V8 while gasoline costs $4.00 a gallon. I'll bet they don't sell many.
Steve
#25
GS-F
Turbo charged hydrogen powered V8 (575 hp)
Standard true 6-speed close reatio manual transmission
staggered 19 inch wheels/tires
an exhaust note
HID/LED lights all the way around
More heavily bolstered seats
Standard real carbon fiber interior trim or optional black birds eye maple
Semi-squared off steering wheel like in AMG models
Real leather covered dash pad
Standard Alcantera inserts throughout cabin
Agressive styling but without the ricer look as on the IS-F
Turbo charged hydrogen powered V8 (575 hp)
Standard true 6-speed close reatio manual transmission
staggered 19 inch wheels/tires
an exhaust note
HID/LED lights all the way around
More heavily bolstered seats
Standard real carbon fiber interior trim or optional black birds eye maple
Semi-squared off steering wheel like in AMG models
Real leather covered dash pad
Standard Alcantera inserts throughout cabin
Agressive styling but without the ricer look as on the IS-F
#26
I just want something that is doable by Lexus. I am sure in these economic times Lexus, if they build the GS-F at all, will be pretty conservative:
400- 450HP Twin Turbo or Supercharged V6
Sport Tuned Suspension
Body Kit
19" Wheels
Dual Color Interior
400- 450HP Twin Turbo or Supercharged V6
Sport Tuned Suspension
Body Kit
19" Wheels
Dual Color Interior
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xravexboix
Car Chat
22
05-13-05 12:54 PM