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Lexus GS 300/GS 430

3071 messages,  Last post on May 02, 2013 at 11:43 PM

You are in the Lexus GS Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus GS 300, Lexus GS 430, Sedan

Messages Page 270 of 308

#2688 of 3071 Re: Sat Antennas [bartalk3] by lenscap

Oct 12, 2005 (7:05 am)

Replying to: bartalk3 (Oct 11, 2005 6:33 pm)
bartalk3: I have heard from several Lexus officials that the GS 350 will be launched one year from now as a 2007 model. I first was told this a few months ago when one of the regional reps was at my dealer. Then, this past weekend I attended the Taste of Lexus driving event. In the morning I spoke to another regional rep who said the same thing. Later that day I spoke with Charles Hubbard, a Lexus official from California who makes presentations on new Lexus models to the press. He confirmed the new GS 350 will be out one year from now.
 
As I said, the engine is obviously ready now since it has been put in the new Avalon and new IS 350. Plus, it is already in the GS in Japan (check out www.lexus.jp). But one dealer rep told me that if the GS 350 were out with 300 hp, the GS 430 becomes meaningless since it also has 300 hp. So, Lexus is waiting until the new 4.6 V8 is available next year. Then, for 2007, the GS 300 will become the GS 350 and the GS 430 will become the GS 460.

#2689 of 3071 Lenscap: GS350 by bartalk3

Oct 12, 2005 (8:47 am)

Replying to: lenscap (Oct 12, 2005 7:05 am)
Thanks for the confirmation on the GS350. I don't suppose they will continue the GS300 when the 350 comes out. Meanwhile, the GS450h will be out next March, which will further complicate things. So, by next year will the GS be available as , a 350, a 450h, and a 460 (and possibly a 300)? Buyers might be confused by all this.

#2690 of 3071 Re: Lenscap: GS350 [bartalk3] by lenscap

Oct 12, 2005 (10:11 am)

Replying to: bartalk3 (Oct 12, 2005 8:47 am)
You are welcome for the GS 350 info. And yes, from what I know one year from now there will be a GS 350 (V6), GS 460 (V8) and GS 450h (V6 hybrid). The GS 300 will be gone when the GS 350 comes out. Lexus will no longer use that engine.

#2691 of 3071 BTW, I diagree with that idea by callmedrfill

Oct 12, 2005 (3:46 pm)

Why not keep the 300 around?
 
    BMW keeps the 525 around, right? They have had it for years, and has sold strong, right behind the 530. It is much more powerful than the 525, and even the 530.
 
    While having 4 engines in one line may SEEM excessive, Mercedes has the E55/65, plus offer a Touring model, and BME has the 525, 530, 550, and M5.
 
    Most GS buyers aren't power-hungry enthusiast, as this car in reality is a Lexus in a dressy wet suit. If 2000-2500 people a month are buying it, it must be good enough.
    
    Lexus hasn't embraced the enthusiast, and probably never will. Dropping the 300 just because the 350 is available is wasteful.
 
    And, I would like to add, this engine would be a nice addition to the IS line, replacing the 2.5 in 2007. That's assuming they can mate a MT to it.
 
    But I'm not expecting Lexus to add fun to their portfolio anytime soon. Power without control? Fascinating!
 
    DrFill

#2692 of 3071 Re: I want my BMW back (jo2) GS 18" wheels/tires by indiana97

Oct 12, 2005 (5:18 pm)

I have the 2006 GS300 but I know someone else who installed the OEM 18" 5 spoke 2006 GS430 wheels/tires on their 2006 GS300 AWD with no problems. All 2006 GS 430 and 300 18" style OEM wheel styles have the same 45 offset. Got my OEM 5 spokes from an out of state Lexus dealer as "take offs" for a very good price. I took my 2006 GS300 to my local toyota dealer where I bought a Tundra last year. I bought the new Michelin 18" tires from the toyota dealer (similar price what other local tire retailers quoted). Dealer took off GS300 wheels/tires/ and sensors then transferred sensors to the 5 spokes with the new tires. They did great job have had no trouble with sensors/tires/wheels. Drive and handling are very good. Like the look too. I was only charged $65 labor. Local Lexus dealer wanted $300 labor. Since toyota sells the new Avalon I think they are familiar with the GS and they sell a lot of new tires too. Hope this helps.

#2693 of 3071 Re: Lenscap: GS350 [lenscap] by sam_k

Oct 13, 2005 (10:59 am)

Replying to: lenscap (Oct 12, 2005 10:11 am)
lenscap, doesn't it seem odd that Lexus wouldn't develop a 3.0 litre V6 engine to only use for one (or two) model years? I'm asking that because I don't think that engine is used in any other models and I'm not saying I disagree with you, just asking a question. I think the GS model line will be exactly the way you described it because that's what several people on ClubLexus.com have also been saying.

#2694 of 3071 Re: Sat Antennas [sam_k] by drtravel

Oct 13, 2005 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: sam_k (Oct 11, 2005 10:10 am)
Another thing contributing is the huge difference in price between MSRP and invoice for the Lexus - more than the other brands. Suppose Car A (BMW) has a $50K MSRP and $47K invoice and Car B (Lexus) has a $50K MSRP and $42K invoice. If the actual selling price for both cars were invoice and both cars depreciated 40% from their selling price then Car A would be worth $28.2K (56% residual) and Car B would be worth $25.2K (50% residual) even though both cars essentailly depreciated the same amount. That's why you can get a much larger discount from MSRP on a Lexus if you wait a little.

#2695 of 3071 Re: BTW, I diagree with that idea [callmedrfill] by lenscap

Oct 14, 2005 (11:22 am)

Replying to: callmedrfill (Oct 12, 2005 3:46 pm)
Drfill - Dropping the 3.0 when the 3.5 is available is not wasteful. Just the opposite, it makes no sense to keep producing an engine that is not used in any other car. You mention that BMW has the 525, but that is because that engine is also used in the Z4 and, more importantly, the 325.

#2696 of 3071 Re: Lenscap: GS350 [sam_k] by lenscap

Oct 14, 2005 (11:27 am)

Replying to: sam_k (Oct 13, 2005 10:59 am)
Sam k - Lexus did not develop an all-new 3.0 V6 engine for the current GS 300 for only 1-1/2 years. I believe it was simply a modfied version of the 3.0 V6 used in the ES 300, RX 300 and others. My understanding is Lexus updated the engine to have more hp as a holdover until the 3.5 came along.

#2697 of 3071 As I said before by callmedrfill

Oct 15, 2005 (7:22 am)

If any car could use this engine, it is the New IS.
 
    How does having a 100HP chasm between models make any sense?
 
    I would keep the 3.0 in the GS, that is selling very well BTW, and put it into the IS as a base engine for 2008, replacing the underpowered 2.5.
 
    As I already stated, the 525 and 530 sell about the same amount, and the 3.0 is more powerful than either, so there is a market for this engine.
 
    Put it in the RX. It's more powerful than the 3.3.
 
    As the IS and ES creep slowly upmarket (good idea), use this engine as a bridge to the GS350. Not everyone, particularly the "Lexus buyer" wants or needs 275HP, or will have that be a factor in their purchase.
 
    All I'm saying is a 245HP engine works nicely into the Lexus portfolio at this time, and for the forseeable future. Lexus isn't going to chase Infiniti/BMW for HP honors. And buyers seem to like the engine.
 
    DrFill

Messages Page 270 of 308

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