No need to compare a 2L engine to a highly modded car but compared to a 350 it holds up very well. You are looking at the numbers in only one dimension. Tuning on this engine (without a turbo swap) does not affect peak hp much although the tune does increase hp mathematically in the range where the torque increases (2000-5000rpm). The real benefit is the torque which can hit about 270-280 at the wheels and level off to 260ish through about 5,000rpm.

When I looked at the numbers compared to the GS350 which hits about 280 peak torque at the crank, and much lower in the sub 4,000rpm range (50-60 ft. lb. delta at the wheels on a dyno), where I spend 99% of the time, it made sense to go with the 200t. With an 8 speed, you can stay in that peak torque range during acceleration.

In addition, the tune increases the sensitivity of downshifts to easily gain thrust when needed. Also the differential gear is a bit steeper than on the GS350 so there is a bit of a torque multiplication benefit from that alone, 6% IIRC.

Considering the price difference of about $10K it made sense since I am a cash buyer and that really added up quick. I bought the car to drive to work and back, so I love the gas mileage. My last three cars were 500+hp and I got sick of them for daily driving. Hit the gas too hard, you spin, stay in it too long, you are exceeding 100mph, all while getting 12-14mpg. I ended up driving them like a normal so what was the point of the power.

 

Look I understand your 200T purchase and happiness with it. Its a good Lexus for what one wants. Sounds like it checked all the boxes for you. I think the thread kinda curved from the original ES350 Loaner thrown under the bus every month. Just as the GS200T is you cup of Tea, some here I think picked up somethings they didn't know that exist very special with the ES350.

I just knida roll my eyes at some post downing the ES350 as if the GS350 is a BMW M or AMG compared to the ES. As a Owner of both the GS and ES for a long time. Like your feelings about you 200T, my ES350 was more of my Personal Favorite Car to drive. I had more room, the Seats were better, it was smoother, the Body seemed tighter, could get 35mpg, and was easier to Drive. In my case having Both to drive daily I wonder every time I see these ES loaner post like - what the hell? I just Sold my Modded 490hp Lincoln MKS TT 3.0 EcoBoostV-6, for the reason you sold your Performance cars exactly.

My Wife has a 2015 Kia Optima SXL 2.0T that puts out 274hp and 280 ft of Torque that's slightly Modded and pulls like a Rocket. Don't know why Lexus tuned the 200T like they did? Again I say the GS sells well and would have lived on as a Special Lexus car that it was, if they had only Offered it in a GS460 and GS450H only. With that, when I finish getting my 4th GS350 closer to about 50hp more I'll be just a little happier with it. But IMO it's Borderline Cheerleading to claim a real Enthusiast car right now.

 

I had 2018 Camy SE Hybrid, it is a fine car. Go get a Camry.
The new ES300h is a very comfortable ride, very quiet interior and I'm getting 44 MPG real mileage.
Owned Audi Q7 and A4 both not comfortable ride. Road noise irritating (maybe because of Run-flat tires).

"...Sales of the ES have always far outpaced those of the GS in the States. In 2019, the ES sold 48,484 units to the GS's 6604 units" (7:1).
Why is that so? https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a3...-gs-dead-2020/

 

Just over 7:1, not 73:1.

 

Greetings. Would like to get sportier wheels for 2020 GS 350 f sport. No luck at dealership.
Anyone in Austin that might help with new wheels. Pinstriping. Caliper paint.

what’s consensus on best way to get a better stance on GS. a little more aggressive. Without compromising ride. 20’s for instance. Any experience and advice is helpful.
thx

Don

 

It's suppose to be 7.3:1. Thanks for correcting that typo.

 

I currently own a 2013 GS 350 with the Luxury package and my boyfriend owns a 2013 ES 350 with the Ultra Luxury package. He annoys the **** out of me. The ES has a lot of plastic- everywhere. You can not escape the plastic, yeah it has 2 sunroofs, but that's the biggest difference. The ride quality is different and that's because the GS is meant to be sportier and fun to drive, whereas the ES is quieter and plush but the interior feels cheap. I don't dislike the ES, and would rather have one if I had a family. If you have young kids- I'd recommend the ES over the GS.

 

In our family. We have a GS and RX. Same colour and same badge (450h). RX is getting whole family out. With the GS I drive that to work and take my son to school.

 

In Japan they offer the 4wd Es300h. Puts down power much better.