*Batman*

Actually the Gen 3 was launched in early 2005 as a 2006 model, so Gen 2 really ran 7 years, and Gen 3 is in its 6th year. This is why they are predicting the new car will launch in 1H 2011 as a 2012 model.

Bushwack

Fact or Fiction - we'll find out soon enough.

Per a Lexus dealership sales, the monthly meeting between Southern California dealership sales staff and the corporate sales manager will occur tomorrow (Wednesday, June 2). Sales staff anticipates the corporate sales manager will tell the dealerships the date of the press release of the new GS refresh and the date of first availability. Sales staff also anticipates news of a model to replace the SC.

Should the corporate sales manager NOT disclose the (GS) information, news will not be forthcoming until July 7 at the earliest (monthly meetings are held first Wednesday of each month).

mikesm

So, any news from this meeting??? Inquiring minds want to know!

LexFather

You could buy a 2005 2GS Lexus in 2004 (you could buy a 1998 GS in fall 97). The 2006 3GS started to be sold Feb 2005.

I prefer long model cycles for luxury brands. Leave the 3/5 year cycles to non luxury brands. I also am happy Lexus doesn't resort to ridiculous styling some generations so when another generation comes out it is obvious your model is old. They also do a great job evolving the vehicles so you can see the lineage.

That is what I like about the Germans, their history and lineage and they proudly show the pics. Lexus has done the same with a gradual evolution. The other Japanese brands have completely struggled with this fairly easy concept.

jtrue28

so that would put it in line for a early/mid 2012 release as a 2013 model. I'd be cool with that.

Bushwack

The Lexus corporate rep didn't show up for the meeting. So...who knows.

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

Reguardless, i dont think you should be leaking corporate information from internal meetings... no matter how much the forums want it.

steverhode

What the heck is "remote touch?" I tried in context to guess what it does, but I could not figure it out.

twylie

iTrader: (3)

remote mouse/joystick used to navigate the infonaviclimatainment screen.



I got to try one of for a few days with an RX as a loaner. The screen is sheltered higher up on the dash in a recessed well. It prevented glare washout and keep the screen more in line with sight. Looks gadgety, but seemed to work pretty well. I prefer the simplicity of the direct touch screen, but understand the advantages of the remote touch. Lexus is very good about keeping interior design theme and controls consistent across the vehicle range, so I'd expect to see this on the next gen GS.

*Batman*

I am driving a 2010 Lexus HS250h loaner while my GS460 is in for the sways upgrade and 12 month service.

Personally I hate this mouse. I find the whole new infomatics system to pretty poor and disappointing. Not much different to the old one except for the hard drive and the better MP3 capabilities.

Also the HS250h is a terrible car. I keep wearing the battery out, and the car is so noisy. I've never had a GS450h on an extended drive, and I'm sure it's different. But every hybrid I have rented, HS250h, Altima hybrid and RX400h, I have hated.

I certainly won't take one of these as a loaner again! Interestingly they replaced the IS250s completely with HS250h in the loaner fleet which tells me the car is a total flop. They should have just made an IS hybrid instead.

mikesm

I agree with you about the mouse. It's much more distracting that being able to use the touchscreen. It's funny that touchscreens and tablets are now all the range in the PC and phone industry (moving away from a keyboard and mouse model), and here lexus is going exactly the other way. Dumb dumb dumb... I guess they think the iPad is sure to be a loser like the iPhone was...

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i personally like the remote touch a lot. i am so used to the mouse, i tried using the remote touch and i found myself doing things just as fast as touch screen overall. and i love the fact that the screen is higher and also inward, that helps to reduce a lot of glare issue on the touch screen, and also the finger print problem of course. the snap into feature makes it easier to use too compare to a "free running" setup

SNiiP3R

iTrader: (3)

I think the mouse is great for the younger generation, people that use PC's / Mac's daily. On the other hand, a sixty year old person may find it harder to navigate using the mouse.

Bushwack

Listen up, Perry Mason.

If a corporate rep will discuss a new model to a dealership, don't you think there's an underlying reason??? A corporate rep knows just a little bit more information then a dealership's sales staff. What a corporate rep shares with a dealership...he/she has been authorized to do so; knowing word will get down to the buying public. Leaks at this level don't happen by accident.

steverhode

I've been using a mouse continuously and daily since 1983, but it is very clear to me that for me as well as the vast majority of the public it is MUCH, MUCH easier to use touch (think iPhone, iPad, etc.) and also a whole lot safer. Putting a mouse in a car has been and continues to be a huge step backwards.