I really hope they don't replace the GS with the ES. The GS is a sports sedan. The ES is anything but.

 

Check out this thread (next gen Avalon)
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...ta-avalon.html

 

7ES Twin Turbo AWD will be a different type of car to current 4GS.

TT AWD 7ES will have great linear acceleration to burst out of corners.
However, because of all the extra mass, and in particular, the distance of the engine from the yaw center/center of gravity, the 7ES AWD will have a high polar moment of inertia which compromizes its agility just like the heavyweight Tesla Model S on the Nurburgring.

The traditional 4GS is more Mazda MX-5 Miata-like, with lightweight agility and handling, but only modest linear power.

If I were President Akio Toyoda, for now, I would sell both 7ES AWD alongside 5GS, and see how the market responds, before actually killing off the 5GS line; I think it is still too early to kill off the GS line.
This is especially true if the 7ES does NOT have the GS's front double wishbone, rear multilink suspension, and aluminium components like suspension arms, and aluminium bonnet and trunk lid etc.

 

7ES twin tubo AWD??? LOL where did you hear that?

AWD wouldn't surprise me but if I were to bet I'd put money on the 2GR-FKS.

 

Only an educated guess.
A 7ES AWD with the a detuned version of 4GS's 3.5 atmos & 8 sp auto will barely need AWD, especially along the lines of those who suspect 7ES AWD will replace GS line.

 

I doubt they'd "detune" the 4GS engine. They'll just use the same version of it that is in the new Camry, at 301 hp or thereabouts.

 

Say goodbye to GS.

 

Doesn't the refreshed Toyota Highlander SUV already used a detuned version of the 4GS350 engine with direct injection, and the 4GS's 8 speed auto as well?
The next ES would at least use this engine, if not better.
If this business of replacing the GS line with 7ES AWD goes, then they would probably use 3.5 TT, and that would make good sense with all-paw AWD...

 

Yes, the Highlander, Sienna, RX etc are all using versions of that engine. I just didn't realize you'd consider 10 fewer hp than the GS version to be "de-tuned". (301 in Camry vs 311 in GS).

 

brand suicide if they kill off their RWD platform. If they are planning to replace it with an AWD Lux Camry (ES) then i'll take the E class or 5 series any day.

 

True.
A FWD-based AWD combined with 3.5 TT would have explosive linear power utilizing AWD to blast out of corners, but all that weight would compromize the agility like a Tesla Model S.

I hope they keep GS line as a lighter weight midsize handling champ, and also because the GS would also help share the development costs of their middize rear drive Toyota Crown.

 

The words you're looking for are "understated elegance"

 

No, the Highlander and Camry do not use the GS' 8-speed automatic transmission. Transverse engine FWD vehicles use a very compact transaxle (transmission, differential and final drive in compact unit). A RWD transmission is far too large (too long) to fit sideways beside the engine in a FWD car.

 

Good to know.

 

lexus is not a premium brand if they have no legit competitor to the E and 5