Lexus GS: 3rd Generation

Checking out the latest offerings from Tom's, the Japanese tuning company specializing in Lexus, I came across these fantastic VP17 wheels:

I tend to be very picky when it comes to wheel designs, but this staggered look is fantastic. The spokes could stand to be a bit thicker, but would probably wreck the entire look.

As for specifics, these are 19" forged alloy wheels that will fit all current IS and GS models and are currently available from Carson Lexus for $1200. Top-notch.

Mostly due to their similar exterior, I've been very curious to see how the new Jaguar XF would compare to the Lexus GS on the road, and Motor Trend has done just that, pitting the XF and GS up against the BMW 550i and the Mercedes E550.

With the Jaguar being the only truly new model of the bunch, and considering how much is riding on its tires, a first place finish was expected from the XF, and that's how it played out. How did the Lexus GS perform? Fourth place:

Paddle shifters? "Too bad there are none as in the Jag and Benz," observes Reynolds, while Mortara takes it one step further: "Paddles would transform this car," adding, "as would 19-inch wheels with more aggressive tires." Unfortunately, our GS has come with 18s wearing run-flats, stiff shoes that do little to offset the already firm suspension.

Our connoisseurs judge its interior as the most user-friendly, its back seat the most comfortable for two, and its EPA fuel economy and as-tested price the most appealing. With the votes in, though, the Lexus is akin to bringing sake to a cabernet competition. Sure, it's technically wine, but it doesn't really match up, lacking the requisite flavor, color, and vivacity to stir the judges.

Even with the fourth place finish, it seems that the GS excelled in Lexus' usual areas, with the interior, fuel economy and price being the best of test. Still, it's about time for a redesign of the GS, though I think the introduction of a GS-F might significantly push Lexus up the rankings.

(Be sure to check out the videos of the comparison, they're quite enjoyable and buried in a sidebar within the content.)

I have a great love for the Japanese Lexus GS with the Passionate Black interior, so I was excited to discover its commercial on Youtube today. Too bad it's just recycled footage from a previous advert:

This is a stark reminder of the cultural differences between Japan and North America, no way this commercial would fly stateside. The Passionate Black interior, though, is a different story altogether, and I'm continuing to cross my fingers that it makes a North American appearance.

Here's an absolutely brilliant commercial from Lexus Australia introducing the 2006 GS redesign:

I wasn't all that sure what was going on in the first ten seconds, but once the car started bleeding and sweating, it all came together. The thing that impressed me the most, though, was that although it's a fantastic concept, the implementation is even better. Just perfect.

Sure, the Japanese Elegant White Interior edition of the Lexus IS was nice, but this new special edition of the GS with its "Passionate Black Interior" almost rocked my socks right off:

This interior is a limited run of 500, and there's a choice of any GS, including the 450h. THe upgrade costs ¥780,000 ($7,300 USD) more than the regular GS, but in my mind, it's a price fully justified. This is simply stunning, from the two wood trims to the blood-red carpeting.

(I wonder why these special editions are limited to such a low number?)

[Source: Lexus Japan]

Having only seen bits and pieces of the TV show 24, I didn't know Jack Bauer drove a Lexus GS 430, but that doesn't stop me from wanting this RC version of his car:

After posting about the die-cast GS 430 last month, I've toyed with buying some 1:18 replicas, but better sense has prevailed. But for how long?

[Source: Otherland Toys]