Here are my predictions (not my hopes, but my predictions) on powertrain:
1) High fuel economy smaller base engine (either a GS250 or a GS300h combining 2.5 V6 with hybrid drive) - I predict 90% chance this will happen at launch of 4GS

2) More powerful V6 (either GS370 or use 3.0v6 plus hybrid to create GS400h with 350hp) - I predict 30% chance this happens at launch of 4GS but 100% chance of this happening by 2013

3) GS450h and GS460 combined into one GS500h model (400hp V6 hybrid vehicle) - I predict 50% chance at 4GS launch, 100% chance by 2013

4) GSFh and a much higher price point (use a highly tuned LS600h powertrain). I don't think they will put V10 or upgraded ISF engine in GSF. I think GSFh will try to differentiate from M5 and E63 by using advanced hybrid tech. They will try to own hybrid high performance. This will be the halo car and it will have 500hp. I predict this won't be launched 1-2 years after 4GS launch.

I would love if they went all hybrid with GS300h, GS400h, GS500h and GSFh. That would be a line-up to win market leadership in this segment and leapfrog all the competitors.

 

Since we are speculating again....
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ml#post5061694

 

definitely right. my 2006 started its service on feb 2005.

 

I think we should see a concept first, no? There was the HPS concept before the 2GS and the LF-S concept before 3GS.

 

not a fan of hybrid idea on the F car against m5 and e63. way too much weight addition. of all the choices probably turbo v8 is the best solution. at least 500hp to make sense, and weight is major enemy

 

my magic 8 ball says you are all wrong.

 

Seems to be a lot of chatter about a new GS product. Doesn't this come up quite a bit? Is it because you all are unhappy with the 3GS?

 

it is because were bored at work and all we ever talk about are wheels and offsets and what damn bulb goes where or how to turn off the CEL from the loose gas cap

It is a rare day when someone posts help, my superflux capacitor went bad, how do I fix it....

 

Best reply in a while.

 

That's what I would normally think too. But I read that Ferrari, who are soon to launch a hybrid car, are designing to a weight target of 220lbs for the hybrid system with a power output of 100hp. If Ferrari can pull that off, Toyota with its superior engineering resources must be able to pull it off. So direct injection V8 plus 220lb 100hp hybrid drive gets you a 480hp car. Plus they can save weight in other areas to offset the weight.

 

I think NO on all counts:

1) Lexus has the ES so a cheap GS250/300h wouldn't make sense and would overlap with the ES (which itself is going to be redesigned soon likely with a V6 hybrid model).

2) Ok yes I agree there will be a more powerful V6 base model. It likely won't be a hybrid (at least in the US). The problem with hybrids is the batteries take up too much needed space. Non-hybrid model need to still be offered for buyers that want a full trunk to fit golfbags and groceries. The base model will probably be juiced up GS350 that produces 320~hp.

3) Lexus needs to have a V8 avaliable in this class of vehicle. Nothing beats a V8's smoothness, and not everyone wants to upgrade to a larger LS in order to get a V8. I do think the next hybrid model should be more substantial and more powerful (GS500h), but it should be positioned above the V8 model in price and performance. Hypothetically they can have a 380hp GS460 at $55~K, and an upmarket 400+hp GS500h slotting between the V8 and the F at $60-65K.

4) As rominl said, the F shouldn't be a hybrid. A twin turbo 5.0L V8 or a V10 would suffice for the GS-F.

So to sum up my predictions for the GS:

320hp GS350 $45K
380hp GS460 $55K
400hp GS500h $65K
500hp GS-F $75K

 

damn..always get fooled by this title. grrrr

 

A super hybrid V8 works for a super luxury sedan like the LS but not for a performance car, because once all the power from the batteries is sapped they're just dead weight sucking power from the engine in order to recharge.

I'd love to see a 500+hp V8 hybrid LS600hL for it's next generation, but I wouldn't want to see that for the GS-F. The GS-F needs to be lightweight, nimble, and POWERFUL. In the vein of the LFA (which is NOT a hybrid).

 

I think you have some good points. But on 2 things I would push back strongly:

1) They do need to build a smaller displacement GS. The existence of the ES is not a reason to not build a cheaper smaller displacement GS. Remember the ES is a North America only model and is not sold in any other region - not even Japan. In Europe, the best selling BMW 5 series model is the 184hp BMW 520d. The second best selling is the BMW 525i. GS needs a smaller displacement engine to be competitive in international markets. And just like "some people don't want to buy an LS to buy a V8" it is also true in these markets that some people don't want to buy a 320hp V6 to buy a GS.

2) If they keep a V8, I don't think a 380hp GS460 will suffice. Sales of the GS460 are anemic. Most smaller US Lexus dealers don't even carry the GS460, and in Europe the model is discontinued. At the end of 2008 they had a massive excess stock that they sold at huge discounts in early 2009. I am not saying its not a nice car - I bought one and I love it. However I don't think they will continue to make it unless they can sell a meaningful volume. To do that it will have to be better than a 380hp V8 when Infiniti and BMW are offering 420hp models.

3) While I agree with what you are saying that petrol models will persist longer due to packaging reasons, I do think at some point this will cease. Ferrari is developing a compact 220lb hybrid drive. Lexus has more advanced tech than the. In addition they sell hybrid only RX, GS and LS models in the UK market. The model available with a standard powertrain in the UK is the IS. The US market is different, but this to me is an indicator of their thinking.

 

What about a brand new thread on resetting the oil change indicator??