BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Yes technically on paper, the B7 is a M7. But still technically it is not a genuine M vehicle. From BMW, you can only go as far as getting a M-sport package on the 7-series, which is similar to what Lexus is doing with the LS460 Sport, just a sport package, but no genuine full on F model.

That is true, and Lexus does model after MB more then BMW.

I do hope there is a really good LS-F in the future, it is a car that fit my needs and preferences. The current LS460 sport is not impressive to me.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i think Li-ion is still some way to go, maybe still a bit early for cars like gsh.

i agree with BNR34, b7 is still just aftermarket tuning, until i see m7... but regardless, i think lexus needs more cars in the lineup before doing a f car in the ls

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

More cars? It already got more then it needs. I hope Lexus don't become like the European brands, have way too many models and variations......making it too crowded and confusing.

jruhi4

I'll respectfully disagree with you there, citing the upcoming Toyota Prius v / Prius+. In Japan (the only market thus far confirmed to receive both versions), the 7-seater with lithium-ion batteries is about $8000 more than the 5-seater with nickel-metal hydride batteries. Granted, that jump kept Toyota from offering the third-row seat in the North American Prius v, but I think it's one that the Lexus GS can manage.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

of course hyundai has done it with sonata, but that's certainly no GS!

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

^And the results/performance are pretty lackluster

RXSF

I highly doubt the GS will get LI-ion. Im pretty sure those new batteries will debut on a more important vehicle like the LS or the Prius

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

That's exactly my point, the issue here is cost. So the additional cost to put lithium-ion in a Prius is $8k, I could be wrong, but common sense tells me the electric motor in the GSh is more powerful, thus requiring more batteries then the Prius, so let's say $10k additional cost.

The current GSh is $64k~$68k depending on options, very few people buy it the way it is. Make it $10k more, they lose more buyers. It is getting into the S400 territory.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

The technologies is there, the question is cost.

It is easier to put it into a lower price economy cars like a Prius and Sonata, adding $6k~$8k onto a $19k car is still manageable for some people. And those are weak Hybrid, don't need a whole lot of batteries.

You add $10k~$12k onto a $68k luxury car due to batteries, it will drive buyers away. Few people want a $80k GSh. And a $80k GSh type vehicle is on it's way, is call a Testa Model S......and it is aim for low volume.

Look at the Volt, it is a $41k econobox since it got a whole lot of lithium-ion batteries.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lexus doesn't have any coupe yet. the isc is convertible, not simple closed top coupe. there is no larger coupe like the sc430. those are all holes to fill before they do anything like the lsf imho

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

That's true, it definitely need a SC430 replacement, would be nice to have a mid size coupe too like a E-class coupe.

I think the idea of just having one hardtop convertible model is good though, so it keep the production cost down from having fewer variations. I mean with the top up, it is as quiet and solid as a fixed top coupe, people that don't like top down motoring can just never put it down, nothing wrong with that.

LexusMan77

In my opinion, a hardtop will never compare to a fixed top coupe. A fixed top coupe looks better than a convertible regardless. For example, the IS sedan looks great but the lines were screwed up on the IS convertible. It has the big rear overhang to accomodate the top and decent rear seating. BMW has managed to make the 3 series convertible look almost as good as the fixed top coupe though. Also, the fixed top coupe will be lighter too without all of the complications of a convertible.

pbm317

I just met a guy at the company i'm currently consulting for. He worked for 15 years with Toyota Motorsport and spent his time developing and setting up their F1 test development center. Since the F1 program is no longer around, they did a lot of work on other Toyota development products. He said they're currently finishing up work on a Lexus V8 that has been fitted with a twin turbo system. I would hope that's for a GS-F

raptor22

i think Lexus needs coupes (fixed top variety). i love coupes more than sedans, but would choose a sedan over a convertible. To me, a convertible with the top up does not equal to a coupe.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

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