4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
07-29-11, 10:17 AM
#3181
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Speaking of transmissions, and returning to 4GS, at least one of the pre-production cars identified as a GS 450h appears to have paddle shifters. So, what do you all think? Has Lexus finally developed a proper hybrid CVT powertrain with paddle shifters after being disappointed with CT (which offers the paddles only in Japan after engineers were disappointed with the paddles' feel)? Or is this just more pre-production prototype component mishmash?
I guess we won't know for sure until Frankfurt...
I guess we won't know for sure until Frankfurt...
Currently at least 4 of the Test mule interiors shown, seem to have working "Paddle Shifters" on the steering wheels..
US & Europe photos show them.
Lexus has been listening.
In my opinion, so far we haven't seen clear or full interior shots of the proposed Base GS250 in Europe.
Which seems to have a light cream interior.
ALSO, it very much appears Europe is showing off 2 Hybrid Test Mules..
One in basic exterior trim & wheels..
While the other seems to dispay "F-Sport Package" on a Hybrid
Which is exciting news if it makes it to production!!!
~ Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-29-11 at 12:22 PM.
07-29-11, 10:23 AM
#3182
paddle shifters are always nice, though i really don't see the point of that in cvt setup. technology is advance enough these days to do blipping nicely even on automatic. drove 335 with that and i was very impressed (not impressed with the sports shift on my gs350 at all). so if lexus makes it right, it can increase the fun factor a lot
07-29-11, 10:56 AM
#3183
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I'm disappointed to learn from the reviews that paddle shifters or not, the "manual" shifting mode still doesn't actually lock the gear and the car will still downshift for you when it feels like to. Why can't they put the IS-F's transmission, the best manumatic ever, in the new GS, even if it's a 6-speed version?
07-29-11, 11:22 AM
#3184
Pole Position
About time you showed up in here my friend..!!!!
Currently at least 4 of the Test mule interiors shown, seem to have working "Paddle Shifters" on the steering wheels..
US & Europe photos show them.
Lexus has been listening.
In my opinion, so far we haven't seen clear or full interior shots of the proposed Base GS250 in Europe (which could be a hidden diesel)..
Which seems to have a light cream interior.
ALSO, it very much appears Europe is showing off 2 Hybrid Test Mules..
One in basic exterior trim & wheels..
While the other seems to dispay "F-Sport Package" on a Hybrid
Which is exciting news if it makes it to production!!!
~ Joe Z
Currently at least 4 of the Test mule interiors shown, seem to have working "Paddle Shifters" on the steering wheels..
US & Europe photos show them.
Lexus has been listening.
In my opinion, so far we haven't seen clear or full interior shots of the proposed Base GS250 in Europe (which could be a hidden diesel)..
Which seems to have a light cream interior.
ALSO, it very much appears Europe is showing off 2 Hybrid Test Mules..
One in basic exterior trim & wheels..
While the other seems to dispay "F-Sport Package" on a Hybrid
Which is exciting news if it makes it to production!!!
~ Joe Z
Leather wheel is F-Sport and the other one with wood trimmed wheel is Premier with Advanced pre-crash safety & driver assistance. We will find out if LDH is part of Premier trim or package add on.
07-29-11, 12:40 PM
#3185
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Another fun article.... 
LEXUS NEWS
07/22/2011
I admit it. It’s kind of fun to have secret knowledge even though I’m bursting to tell it to Lexus fans.
I’m referring, of course, to what I now know about how the next Lexus GS actually drives. (Lexus will unveil the vehicle at Pebble Beach Resort on August 18.)
I owe this secret info to Lexus magazine’s global auto editor, Doug Knox (below), who recently returned from Japan after a long visit with both the vehicle and its design team, including Lexus GS Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori.
That makes Doug one of the first auto journalists to examine the vehicle first-hand, as well as one of the first auto writers to cruise around in the new GS, thanks to some track time with Lexus “Drive Meister” Yoshiaki Ito.
It also makes him a great source, and after hearing everything he had to say about the car, I can tell you this:
1. Doug, a veteran auto journalist who thoroughly knows his way around the world’s luxury cars, is definitely impressed.
2. This next Lexus is going to be a departure—a new design direction of huge importance for Lexus.
“The GS team uses words like ‘epoch making,’” Doug reports. “One even calls it ‘the dawn of a new era for Lexus.’”
And? And? What was it like to drive?
“It’s a driving machine,” he says, referring to his GS track-time with Mr. Ito. “It’s got a wonderful G-force-like feeling that puts you in the back of your seat.”
Of course, Doug also clued us in to a ton of GS-driving-experience details that will soon come to light—again, it’s all stuff we’re bursting to tell Lexus fans but can’t quite yet.
But watch Lexus magazine, the Lexus Facebook page, and the Lexus website in the weeks to come. After listening to Doug, I can guarantee August 18 will be an intriguing day for the world’s Lexus fans.
—BRIAN GILL, MANAGING EDITOR
Originally Posted by Lexus Magazine
LEXUS NEWS
07/22/2011
I admit it. It’s kind of fun to have secret knowledge even though I’m bursting to tell it to Lexus fans.
I’m referring, of course, to what I now know about how the next Lexus GS actually drives. (Lexus will unveil the vehicle at Pebble Beach Resort on August 18.)
I owe this secret info to Lexus magazine’s global auto editor, Doug Knox (below), who recently returned from Japan after a long visit with both the vehicle and its design team, including Lexus GS Chief Engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori.
That makes Doug one of the first auto journalists to examine the vehicle first-hand, as well as one of the first auto writers to cruise around in the new GS, thanks to some track time with Lexus “Drive Meister” Yoshiaki Ito.
It also makes him a great source, and after hearing everything he had to say about the car, I can tell you this:
1. Doug, a veteran auto journalist who thoroughly knows his way around the world’s luxury cars, is definitely impressed.
2. This next Lexus is going to be a departure—a new design direction of huge importance for Lexus.
“The GS team uses words like ‘epoch making,’” Doug reports. “One even calls it ‘the dawn of a new era for Lexus.’”
And? And? What was it like to drive?
“It’s a driving machine,” he says, referring to his GS track-time with Mr. Ito. “It’s got a wonderful G-force-like feeling that puts you in the back of your seat.”
Of course, Doug also clued us in to a ton of GS-driving-experience details that will soon come to light—again, it’s all stuff we’re bursting to tell Lexus fans but can’t quite yet.
But watch Lexus magazine, the Lexus Facebook page, and the Lexus website in the weeks to come. After listening to Doug, I can guarantee August 18 will be an intriguing day for the world’s Lexus fans.
—BRIAN GILL, MANAGING EDITOR
07-29-11, 01:50 PM
#3187
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As far as the diesel GS for Europe, take it with a grain of salt and as an iffy maybe. Yes, I know it was reported by Vicki Parrott of Autocar, but my gut feeling all along is that it was a false rumor. The Lexus Enthusiast claims it's false as well, yet doesn't link to a specific denial article.
Anyone heard anything one way or the other?
Anyone heard anything one way or the other?
07-29-11, 03:29 PM
#3190
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07-29-11, 04:20 PM
#3191
Lexus Champion
I can make it any color you like, but it wouldn't match the steering wheel.
Indeed it will, I was just too lazy to do it. Here it is added in:
Last edited by Mr. Burns; 07-29-11 at 04:33 PM.
07-29-11, 04:45 PM
#3194
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Finally some audio & video to go along with the 2013 GS prototype test mules (USA) !!!
Thank You AutoBlog !!
Location: Santa Anita Horse Race Track - Arcadia, CA 7/16/11
~ Joe Z
Thank You AutoBlog !!
Location: Santa Anita Horse Race Track - Arcadia, CA 7/16/11
~ Joe Z
Last edited by Joe Z; 07-29-11 at 04:58 PM.
07-29-11, 06:29 PM
#3195
Lexus Connoisseur
Here's official video from Lexus from that secret event they had at Santa Anita Mall here in SoCal not too long ago. The newGS looks pretty nimble and athletic!
Courtesy of Lexus USA
The newGS looks pretty nimble and athletic!All-New 2013 Lexus GS Sneak Peak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKDf9dhK-II
Join us for the World Premier of the Lexus GS
Thursday August 18, 2011 4:15PM PDT
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKDf9dhK-II
- All-New Aggressive Styling (the mask comes off August 18)
- All-New Interior
- All-New Platform
- Lexus Dynamic Handling System
Join us for the World Premier of the Lexus GS
Thursday August 18, 2011 4:15PM PDT
Courtesy of Lexus USA
Last edited by flipside909; 07-29-11 at 06:46 PM.