princed

The following thread has pics of the new GS330/430 unveiled at the NAIAS... I'll be curious to see how the GS330 compares to the TL (and the GS430 to the RL) when specs are released.

Kinda looks like a cross between a G35, the new 5-series and the old GS. I like the interior...

http://www.vtec.net/forums/one-messa...sage_id=189205

princed

Well -- I guess some info has been released... And surprisingly, the new GS won't debut until early 2005 (as a 2006 model year). I thought I read somewhere months back that Lexus was going to make the new GS a hybrid and introduce it in September of this year?

Oh well, it's still a nice car. I'm just hoping Toyota adds some goodies (and extra HP) before its release. I can't wait until April to see how the new RL will compare...

From Edmunds.com:
----------------
What Is It?

2006 Lexus GS

What's Special About It?

Its sleek, new shape is the most noticeable change in what is now the third generation of GS sedans, but there are plenty of other upgrades sprinkled throughout this new luxury sedan that should help boost its chances of competing against the Europeans. When it goes on sale in early 2005, the GS will be available with either a 245-horsepower, 3.0-liter V6 or a 300-hp, 4.3-liter V8. All V8 models will be rear-wheel drive, but cars equipped with the V6 will offer both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive setups. A six-speed automatic is the standard transmission while a new Adaptive Variable Suspension offers four different settings for comfort or performance.

New technological elements include an advanced stability control system dubbed Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDC) that reacts quicker and with less intrusiveness than the previous VSC system. All GS models will also include a full complement of front, side and knee airbags along with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) that prepares the car for an impending crash to reduce severity. The GS will also offer standard features like a keyless ignition, adaptive headlights and a rear backup camera integrated with the optional navigation system.

What's Edmunds' Take?

The new shape is a definite step up from the current version, but the real test will be in the way it drives. If it can deliver some measure of driving excitement to go along with its luxurious interior and extensive safety equipment, it will have a much better chance of competing with the European sedans that dominate the category. — Ed Hellwig

Teh Jatt

looks a bit like new maxima from rear

bollywood21

The body of the car looks like a Maxima!!!

I am glad I didn't hold out for the new lexus.

ndabunka

If it didn't look like a Maxima I would be interested. I guess that they have 1.75 years to "get it right" though so maybe the actual production version will look different when it comes out (October of 2005)?

need4spd

OK, with such a short deck lid for the trunk, I guess golf clubs and other big items go in from the rear, not the top?

I like the shape, but the new 2005 subie legacy has a better value, AWD, 240HP (from either V-6 or turbo 4), and 27K, TSX and TL watch out!

Monte TLS,MAX

That car looks way to much like the 04 Maxima especially from the side and rear, not a good thing to me but to others who knows!

vtechbrain

Looks like an enema to me!!!!

Majorhouse

Looks like they tried to create a 7 series lookalike but got a Camry on steroids instead.

need4spd

It is kind of funny how everyone disliked the 7, but now, many are compairing cars, gee it looks like the 7.

People even say it about the TL, not sure why, but they do

rets

princed. Thanks for the info.

I should be ready to upgrade my 99 GS300 at that time. When giving it a glance, it's not very impressive. But it looks ok after a while.

The final car at the time will say everything.

princed

Figuring out what to replace it with is going to be a tough decision -- one I wish I had to make (maybe in a few more years). I think the showdown between the RL, GS330/430 and M35/45 is going to be very, very interesting.

When is the E-class due for its next redesign??

1SICKLEX

You are have less eyesight than Ray Charles bub.

acuraddict

I agree that this next GS looks a lot like the Maxima. Wow, what a disappointment. The interior looks kind of uninspired too. Considering how long it took for a new GS, this is a let down.

acuraddict

I agree that this next GS looks a lot like the Maxima. Wow, what a disappointment. The interior looks kind of uninspired too. Considering how long it took for a new GS, this is a let down.

Majorhouse

I figure you are a Lexus fan. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, in my opinion, Lexus missed the mark with this GS. OK young Jedi?

goofy md

I'm dissapoined in the looks. the initial drowings and a model show in tokyo (I think) looked much better. it had very sleek lines, and a low roof line. I was concidering waiting for it if it was going to be the 05 out in spring.
Of course the big question is HOW DOES IT DRIVE??? are you still floating over the road or is there some feed back. of course Lexus still isn't going after the truely serious drivers because there is no manual avalible.

rets

The current E-class is new from 2003. The old one was between 1996-2002. MB likes to modify the car instead of redesigning the car as Honda does it almost every four-years.

I guess it will be 2007, 08, or 09. Long way to go.

Donte99TL

That car is bad ass. I like it.

04REDTL

Looks sharp.

Perhaps it is just the angle of the exterior shot - but the long rear overhang looks way overdone compared to the very short front overhang.

I am sure it will be a great car - but I bet it is $45k.

greenseed

I was gonna pipe in and say, hey thats my wife's 04 Maxima. But I digress because its black and not Champange Silver colored that that Maxima at the top of this post!

greenseed

Nice to see that Subaru is also making TL's for Acura as well. I might get my 6MT Navi sooner I guess!

neuronbob

Me like. Though it does remind me somewhat of a recent BMW 7-series (that's the only Bangled design I like).

automophile

I wonder if they still have the same short, unsupportive crappy seats that are a Toyota trademark?

Also - Saying that a car "looks like the 7-Series" is not necessarily a compliment!

jimthegreek

Nice Nissan...

ColdFusionTL

that thing is ugly except for the interior. Lexus still fails to impress me except for the LS430...at least that car is nice.

Sherlock

It looks like a cross between the Maxima and the nasty-arse new Solara. And what is up with putting curved lines around the Nav inside of a sharp cornered rectangle. I WISH someone could give Toyota some lessons about fluidity and making a car's lines have some coherency, they always look just so disconnected, it doesn't flow nicely to the eyes.

Then again I'm getting a Calvin pissing on a Lexus emblem put on my TL..

Monte TLS,MAX

Also is looks like it barely has a trunk, man the current looks better and still looks good!

TsunamiDC2R

a 3.0 V6 for the base model ...that blows ......

csrx

I'm somewhat dissapointed with the next gen GS. I hope the handling and performance makes up for it. I thought Lexus would go at the 545i more aggresively.

It's going to face some competition from Infiniti's next M45:







M45 Article link

greenseed

The new M45 looks like a maxima from the arse as well. Must be a popular design I guess!

acuraddict

The Fuga has been around in Japan, right? I like the current M45 in many ways, but just not sure about the lines. This new one looks pretty cool. Still, it will be a $47,000 car, but I guess if you compare it to the higher priced 7 series, S class and LS Lexus, its a very good value. As long as your ego can handle NOT being in a BMW or Benz.

kinggeorge

I like the new direction lexus is taking....looks aggressive & interesting...i just hope they increase HP substantially.

detroi_TL

GS330??? Why would Toyota change their inline 6 to the V6 ?? I've always been a fan of the JZ engine.

ulangca

I kinda like the new GS... Just wished there was more power.

vandy786

I used to like Jay Z. He sucks now and seems to have fallen off the face of the earth.

Sherlock

I loved the first M45, and started to like that pic until I saw the arse.. i HATE round tails in a really hotly shaped car, just hate them rounds in the G-coupe, I like the stripes in the other one better.

Love the front of the M45 tho.

csrx

The current M45's front reminds me of a Crown Victoria.

rets

I like how Fuga looks like, but do worry its interior is as bad as G35... Let's see.




Also, I don't think Fuga is on sale now in Japan. Teana is only listing model similar to Fuga, but still different.

HondaOnly

Those taillights look terrible. What's with all these weird shapes people are using these days? I liked the shape of the lights on the first generation GS. And the doors look really plain. They need to add side moldings. I guess those have gone out of style.