4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
07-26-11, 12:45 PM
#3032
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http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/automo...tion-news.html
Take a look at this, not sure if its a repost as there is 100+ pages but just in case it is, sorry.
Take a look at this, not sure if its a repost as there is 100+ pages but just in case it is, sorry.
07-26-11, 12:50 PM
#3033
Lexus Champion
For example both the LS and GS came out and sold very well in their first year. After that it was a steady but consistent sales decline, some years significantly so, up until today.
The Lexus philosophy from the start seemed to have been about beating the German competition in all measurable areas (acceleration, handling, quietness, interior room, content) combined with top of the class reliability, materials and build quality all at a lower price. I think they began to ignore this a bit with the current crop of cars, which while good are not noticeably superior to the competition. Throw in sterile expressionless design and the cars lose out big time on the desirability factor, leaving only quality as a the real attraction in segments where people largely lease and ditch when the warranty is up anyway.
Will this new GS turn that around? We have to wait and see. But it seems like they've returned to that philosophy more so with this car than any of the cars in the lineup today. If this car will out handle, out accelerate, and out quiet the Germans while offering a more premium interior inside, more reliable mechanics under the skin, and have it all screwed together with the tightest panel gaps/tolerances in the segment remains to be seen. But that's what it will take or I suspect the decline will continue.
07-26-11, 01:40 PM
#3034
I have to agree with him there. I think with the current crop of vehicles Lexus lost its sheen a bit. These cars were less stellar compared to the competition than their predecessors. Sales have also been sliding for a while, not just from the earthquake.
For example both the LS and GS came out and sold very well in their first year. After that it was a steady but consistent sales decline, some years significantly so, up until today.
The Lexus philosophy from the start seemed to have been about beating the German competition in all measurable areas (acceleration, handling, quietness, interior room, content) combined with top of the class reliability, materials and build quality all at a lower price. I think they began to ignore this a bit with the current crop of cars, which while good are not noticeably superior to the competition. Throw in sterile expressionless design and the cars lose out big time on the desirability factor, leaving only quality as a the real attraction in segments where people largely lease and ditch when the warranty is up anyway.
Will this new GS turn that around? We have to wait and see. But it seems like they've returned to that philosophy more so with this car than any of the cars in the lineup today. If this car will out handle, out accelerate, and out quiet the Germans while offering a more premium interior inside, more reliable mechanics under the skin, and have it all screwed together with the tightest panel gaps/tolerances in the segment remains to be seen. But that's what it will take or I suspect the decline will continue.
For example both the LS and GS came out and sold very well in their first year. After that it was a steady but consistent sales decline, some years significantly so, up until today.
The Lexus philosophy from the start seemed to have been about beating the German competition in all measurable areas (acceleration, handling, quietness, interior room, content) combined with top of the class reliability, materials and build quality all at a lower price. I think they began to ignore this a bit with the current crop of cars, which while good are not noticeably superior to the competition. Throw in sterile expressionless design and the cars lose out big time on the desirability factor, leaving only quality as a the real attraction in segments where people largely lease and ditch when the warranty is up anyway.
Will this new GS turn that around? We have to wait and see. But it seems like they've returned to that philosophy more so with this car than any of the cars in the lineup today. If this car will out handle, out accelerate, and out quiet the Germans while offering a more premium interior inside, more reliable mechanics under the skin, and have it all screwed together with the tightest panel gaps/tolerances in the segment remains to be seen. But that's what it will take or I suspect the decline will continue.
Lexus's quality and design engineering in general have declined with the current generation, all models came out after 2006 are not outstanding like the previous generations.
And while Lexus is sliding down, all other competitions had improved significantly, all the latest MB, BMW, Audi, Jaguar and even Lincoln and Cadillac products are much better then the previous generations. Not to mention the very impressive effort from Hyundai with the Genesis sedan and Equus that offer tremendous value.
Lexus is being challenge from both directions, they are losing market share and they can feel the pressure.
07-26-11, 01:55 PM
#3035
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What do current GS owners think of the new interior as compared with the GS you are driving now? While I see this car taking a definite swing at BMW sportiness the interior lacks the inviting warmth of the current GS.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
07-26-11, 02:06 PM
#3036
What do current GS owners think of the new interior as compared with the GS you are driving now? While I see this car taking a definite swing at BMW sportiness the interior lacks the inviting warmth of the current GS.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
07-26-11, 03:15 PM
#3038
Wood
So far, I prefer the 3gs interior ... it has subtle design ques that I like, including the dropdown button box that a lot of people seem not be fond of.
07-26-11, 03:40 PM
#3039
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I think that once the tape is uncovered & the wood shows, the car will look more warm - unless that tape is covering metal accents.
So far, I prefer the 3gs interior ... it has subtle design ques that I like, including the dropdown button box that a lot of people seem not be fond of.
So far, I prefer the 3gs interior ... it has subtle design ques that I like, including the dropdown button box that a lot of people seem not be fond of.
You mean like this ???
2013 GS 450h Prototype in Europe with F-Sport upgrade
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-29-11 at 10:34 AM.
07-26-11, 03:57 PM
#3040
Former Sponsor
What do current GS owners think of the new interior as compared with the GS you are driving now? While I see this car taking a definite swing at BMW sportiness the interior lacks the inviting warmth of the current GS.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
To their magnificent credit Lexus is making the clear statement that this is a performance machine.
I love the sweeping wood, doors and the minimilistic interior in regards to a bunch of random colors and hues or squiggly lines or hard edges all over the place. I like the titanium gauges.
As I stated before, I am worried that this is a dramatic departure to something more Euro influenced with Japanese touches. No other Lexus interior has looked so Euro, not even the CT. It might worry Lexus purists but I don't think most anyone will care, they will see "OMG 12" screen" and buy it.
To me, I wish they would have went with a RX interior for the GS. That is a one of a kind interior that is only in a Lexus and can't be confused with anything else.
07-26-11, 04:04 PM
#3041
Lexus Test Driver
I never had an issue with the recent lexus interiors, gs\ls etc all seemed very plush and pleasing to the eye.
Will wait to see what the finish product looks like but not sure I am sold on the euro look.
Will wait to see what the finish product looks like but not sure I am sold on the euro look.
07-26-11, 04:15 PM
#3042
i never had an issue with the design of lexus interiors and i much like the 3gs interior. The issue was the switch to a harder plastic, which has aged magnificently over 7/8 years, it still looks fresh. It was more prone to rattles though and felt less high in quality than other models.
I love the sweeping wood, doors and the minimilistic interior in regards to a bunch of random colors and hues or squiggly lines or hard edges all over the place. I like the titanium gauges.
As i stated before, i am worried that this is a dramatic departure to something more euro influenced with japanese touches. No other lexus interior has looked so euro, not even the ct. It might worry lexus purists but i don't think most anyone will care, they will see "omg 12" screen" and buy it.
to me, i wish they would have went with a rx interior for the gs. That is a one of a kind interior that is only in a lexus and can't be confused with anything else.
I love the sweeping wood, doors and the minimilistic interior in regards to a bunch of random colors and hues or squiggly lines or hard edges all over the place. I like the titanium gauges.
As i stated before, i am worried that this is a dramatic departure to something more euro influenced with japanese touches. No other lexus interior has looked so euro, not even the ct. It might worry lexus purists but i don't think most anyone will care, they will see "omg 12" screen" and buy it.
to me, i wish they would have went with a rx interior for the gs. That is a one of a kind interior that is only in a lexus and can't be confused with anything else.
07-26-11, 04:35 PM
#3043
Lexus Champion
You can see the Lexus influence on the BMW, it's not Lexus copying the BMW, it's the opposite. Look at the little 'swoosh' from the right flowing downward-left. That's RX before the new BMW 6. Toyota has had that design element for it's cars for this generation. The main difference is that it flows further down and connects and has a different color to it. While the RX may not look as 'new' or as 'flashy' it IMO looks like a better flow. The dash looks like it belongs together, but the 6 series has a gap between the screen and the guage cluster. It doesn't 'flow' as well as the RX interior. The material looks better though in the 6. But in the new GS I think it's even a step above in finish and luxury 'feel'.
07-26-11, 04:39 PM
#3044
Pole Position
07-26-11, 05:11 PM
#3045
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The Eurospec GS450 h is showing off a lot more uncovered interior..
Yes, there is tape, but it is minimal... Clock, steering wheel, dash & upper door panels..
The US mules have a ton more tape... !!!
Basic GS 350 interior - USA Prototype
GS 350 inteior with F-Sport Pkg - USA Prototype
Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-26-11 at 05:16 PM.