4GS mega thread (UPDATED; preview drives, specs, more interior pics)
02-22-11 | 12:20 PM
#1381
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
You can't really argue with my perception that Lexus is not on a roll.
But separately, if they were doing everything so well, they wouldn't still be the number 4 luxury car manufacturer by global units sold. Constructive criticism is important here, and my contribution to that is that the designs of the CT, GX and HS are pretty uninspiring. I don't say wow, I ask if they ran out of imagination. Particularly in the context of the run from IS, GS, ES and LS which were all stunning at the time they were launched.
But separately, if they were doing everything so well, they wouldn't still be the number 4 luxury car manufacturer by global units sold. Constructive criticism is important here, and my contribution to that is that the designs of the CT, GX and HS are pretty uninspiring. I don't say wow, I ask if they ran out of imagination. Particularly in the context of the run from IS, GS, ES and LS which were all stunning at the time they were launched.
02-22-11 | 12:25 PM
#1383
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
02-22-11 | 12:48 PM
#1385
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 3
From: USA
I'm a good example. I had 4 BMWs in a row and then I bought a Lexus. I bought the Lexus because the 2008 GS460 had better styling and engineering than The E60 550i which would've been my default purchase. The styling was clearly better, the nicer interior, the 8 speed gearbox and electric steering were the other factors that caused me to switch brand.
Now as a swing voter, I see BMW with much more interesting designs (a departure from trend, much nicer interiors, and copying the electric steering feel, comfort mode, 8 speed box, and other luxuries of the Lexus. I also look at the recent suv launches and find the X5 much nicer than the new GX which looks to me the same as the old one. This os why if I were to choose again today, I would go the other way. Today there is not one Lexus model I would choose over a BMW (back in 2008 there were three).
But the good news is it looks like the recent launches will certainly keep happy those who have been buying Lexus cars for several years.
I wish they do step it up. The German car manufacturers lack product durability, and they are increasing prices rapidly. I would love for Lexus to be competitive like it was from 2005-2008.
02-22-11 | 03:17 PM
#1386
If Lexus launches the ES late next year, as was recently reported, that would only be within a few months of the GS launch.
While the IS and GS launches were too close together in '05, launching two midsize sedans (regardless of price point and what you want to classify them as) would be an even worse idea, IMO.
They need to drop the ES in late Q3 2011 and do the GS in late Q2 next year as a 2013 model, with the IS to follow in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2013. That would theoretically push the LS out until late 2013 or early 2014 for a redesign, but then again, Lexus does seem to favor very long model cycles lately.
While the IS and GS launches were too close together in '05, launching two midsize sedans (regardless of price point and what you want to classify them as) would be an even worse idea, IMO.
They need to drop the ES in late Q3 2011 and do the GS in late Q2 next year as a 2013 model, with the IS to follow in late Q2 or early Q3 of 2013. That would theoretically push the LS out until late 2013 or early 2014 for a redesign, but then again, Lexus does seem to favor very long model cycles lately.
02-22-11 | 09:05 PM
#1387
Guest
Posts: n/a
On the phone so I'll reply to more later. In regards to worldwide sales remember the majority of German sales are 4 cylinder diesels. The e class is a taxi. Most German cars sold in Germany are fleet sales. Etc etc.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
02-22-11 | 09:38 PM
#1388
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,277
Likes: 3
From: USA
On the phone so I'll reply to more later. In regards to worldwide sales remember the majority of German sales are 4 cylinder diesels. The e class is a taxi. Most German cars sold in Germany are fleet sales. Etc etc.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
02-25-11 | 12:17 AM
#1389
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: WA
On the phone so I'll reply to more later. In regards to worldwide sales remember the majority of German sales are 4 cylinder diesels. The e class is a taxi. Most German cars sold in Germany are fleet sales. Etc etc.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
All in all I cant wait to be part of the lexus family and hopefully join in with the GS-F!
02-27-11 | 01:47 AM
#1390
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
On the phone so I'll reply to more later. In regards to worldwide sales remember the majority of German sales are 4 cylinder diesels. The e class is a taxi. Most German cars sold in Germany are fleet sales. Etc etc.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
03-02-11 | 11:14 AM
#1391
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: NC
On the phone so I'll reply to more later. In regards to worldwide sales remember the majority of German sales are 4 cylinder diesels. The e class is a taxi. Most German cars sold in Germany are fleet sales. Etc etc.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
I have no real new info on the GS except it looks "dramatically" different and the dealers love the look. It will debut next spring.
It seems Lexus has indeed pushed back the Es and very likely the IS/LS to stagger the new releases and from my understanding to make them even more competitive. More wheel options were mentioned with bigger optional sizes.
The 4GS is supposed usher in the new era for Lexus with more emphasis on sport.
That's disappointing. I have a 2008 and bought it because of the way it looks.
03-02-11 | 06:21 PM
#1392
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area
F Troop - New and Future Cars
Hmm not sure on the styling but the engine sounds hot.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/lexus-f-troop
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/lexus-f-troop
Lexus’ F Troop - New and Future Cars
The GS F will represent the highest-performance trim level.
By Sam Mitani / Photo-Illustration by Best Car
November 22, 2010
Lexus has recently introduced the “F” line to the U.S. public in the form of the IS F, but now the company intends to make the brand flourish by adding a number of new models to the line. The big one that’s reportedly waiting in the wings is the GS F.
The GS F will represent the highest-performance trim level in a line that consist of the GS 350, GS 460 and GS 450h. What will set the GS F apart from the others will be its engine. Our sources tell us that it will come with a 5.0-liter V-8 that will produce about 465 bhp. Toyota predicts the car will run from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds, making it a serious rival for both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. The secret to its performance will not only be engine power, but also weight, or lack thereof. Toyota engineers want to pare the weight down to about 3700 lb. by incorporating aluminum and carbon-fiber parts. The GS F will probably cost around $90,000 to $100,000 and may make an appearance as early as 2012.
The GS F will represent the highest-performance trim level.
By Sam Mitani / Photo-Illustration by Best Car
November 22, 2010
Lexus has recently introduced the “F” line to the U.S. public in the form of the IS F, but now the company intends to make the brand flourish by adding a number of new models to the line. The big one that’s reportedly waiting in the wings is the GS F.
The GS F will represent the highest-performance trim level in a line that consist of the GS 350, GS 460 and GS 450h. What will set the GS F apart from the others will be its engine. Our sources tell us that it will come with a 5.0-liter V-8 that will produce about 465 bhp. Toyota predicts the car will run from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds, making it a serious rival for both the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. The secret to its performance will not only be engine power, but also weight, or lack thereof. Toyota engineers want to pare the weight down to about 3700 lb. by incorporating aluminum and carbon-fiber parts. The GS F will probably cost around $90,000 to $100,000 and may make an appearance as early as 2012.
03-02-11 | 06:23 PM
#1393
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,119
Likes: 226
From: Canada
03-02-11 | 06:25 PM
#1394
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,119
Likes: 226
From: Canada
Hmm not sure on the styling but the engine sounds hot.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/lexus-f-troop
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/lexus-f-troop
03-02-11 | 06:37 PM
#1395
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,518
Likes: 0
From: MD
While a GS-F would be cool, I commented elsewhere that I never EVER see GS 460s or GS 450hs. And I live in what has been rated as the wealthiest county in PA for the last 15 years running. I just don't think that a GS-F would sell well. Prove me wrong Lexus.