New Lexus GS the sincerest form of flattery?

[medhat]

Am I alone in thinking that the new GS (as seen in Super Bowl commercials), is a Lexus-version of the Genesis? The overall proportions, the Hoffmeister kink, the rearview mirrors, even the sci-fi grill (Genesis=Klingon, GS=Predator). Still a lot more money, not quite the R-spec engine, but arguably a nicer interior.

 

[Mark_888]

Am I alone in thinking that the new GS (as seen in Super Bowl commercials), is a Lexus-version of the Genesis? The overall proportions, the Hoffmeister kink, the rearview mirrors, even the sci-fi grill (Genesis=Klingon, GS=Predator). Still a lot more money, not quite the R-spec engine, but arguably a nicer interior.

Let's not raise a stink about intellectual property, since many elements of the Genesis were blatantly stolen from BMW and MB. That doesn't even count the Aisin transmission used on the 2009-2011 V6 (Aisin is about 50% owned by Toyota and was originally started to build RWD automatic transmissions for Lexus).

 

[Cut-Throat]

I was parked next to a new BMW 5 series yesterday, and from the side both cars looked almost identical in shape.

BTW - I own a Lexus GS...2007

 

[TJPark01]

The new GS has one of the best interiors I've seen in the segment. The exterior styling is a bit odd but overall it's a much nicer car than the one it replaces. As far as all the cars looking the same, everyone steals from everyone else, it's a big pool of incestuous design cues.

 

[Ruissimo]

The interior of the new GS is mint. The rear of the car is actually pretty nice... but that front is just hideous. I'm sorry, but Toyota seems to be doing to Lexus what Honda did with Acura: they picked a funky, unusual design, called it "modern", and completely disregarded the fact that humans might consider it unappealing.

I'm talking about keeping the same basic body style as older models, and just adding weird edges and acute angles to various components, not to mention ugly front grill pieces (I'm looking at you, Acu-beak).

They think this is "progress" in car design.

I miss the times when I could cross-shop a TL or LS with whatever can I was looking to buy. I almost considered a TL back in 2001, but settled on a car with AWD instead. I don't think I'll even look at another Acura until that design team is long gone, and they go back to making attractive vehicles again. And Lexus is slowly going the same route as Acura.

 

[homeofstone]

2013 Lexus GS = Slower than R-spec, small back seat, front is too cluttered(IMO)

 

[STREETS]

I am sure the next gen Gen will include a nicer interior set up. 4 years is a long time in design & technology.

 

[Ruissimo]

Just compare the interior of the new Azera to the current Genesis. You know what's coming: a much nicer heated steering wheel, cooled seats, updated leather seats, newer, more modern dash, Blue Link, "mood lighting", and probably a bunch of other features that won't be available on the Azera itself (blind spot detection, front camera, AWD etc etc).

The question is... will Hyundai mimic the other carmakers I've mentioned above and just add a few tweaks to the exterior design, or will they completely revamp it (ala Sonata and Azera)? My guess is the latter, and that may not necessarily be a good thing. I *LOVE* the current lines, and like that it's a simple, classic design.

But we're talking about the GS - I will say this, their Hybrid engine is really REALLY impressive. 34MPG, 0-60 in 5 and a half seconds... eco and sport mode (and in-between), that's really nice. And available AWD.

But her face!

 

[STREETS]

At 34 MPG for the GS Hybrid is like that of Infiniti- more power than economy.
The Genesis 3.8 gets close to 30 mpg now. The cost, weight have to be weighed- no pun intended.

 

[YEH]

I don't see why the GS having the Hofmeister kink would be flattery for the Genesis since it's a BMW design signature (the GS also borrows BMW design cues for the dash).

As for design elements blatantly "stolen" from Mercedes, there's only really one (if can call it that) in that the grill has a center divider (don't think Mercedes can take credit for that), since the actual shape of the grill is diff. as well as certain details (overall, the Genesis is much more BMW in shape).

The Nissan President and Cima (Nissan's JDM luxury sedans) had a center divider as well and looked even more like a Mercedes grill; and put a center divider on the grill of the LS460 and presto... a Mercedes grill.

Regardless of whether that's something Mercedes can claim, the Genesis grill was the 1st to originate the grill slat "surfacing" which we know see Chrsyler putting on grills across their lineup.

There is no doubt that the next gen Genesis will get a serious interior upgrade, but the question is what will Hyundai do w/ regard to the sheetmetal?

Hyundai had stated in the past that they went w/ a conservative design since it made sense when introducing a new luxury entrant to not also bring a new design language to the market (potential buyers can only take so much "newness") and that eventually they will be utilizing their own distinct design language.

Basically I think Hyundai will keep certain things fairly traditional and just make certain areas/details distinctive; remember, Hyundai's biggest market for the Genesis (and Equus) is still Korea and those Korean CEOs tend to be pretty conservative.

Hyundai already toned down the grill for the refreshed Sonata - so I think they are not going to go to any extremes w/ the next gen Genesis.

I certainly hope they dial back the design on the next gen Genesis Coupe which is to be paired with the new RWD compact sedan; the refreshed coupe in no way looks like an entry level luxury coupe and is a bit of an eyesore.

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[medhat]

The relative design "conservatism" of the Genesis is what attracted me to it in the first place (plus the V8). Still prefer this overall look to the Equus in terms of overall cohesion with regards to design, which given the copying of styling cues between manufacturers (e.g. Hoffmeister kink, etc...), I think goes a long ways towards opinions on if a car is attractive (I strongly agree with the previous comments regarding the Acura TL).

With regards to the GS, I do like the new style, but not as much as the first (I think) edition, the one based off the Guigiaro showcar. That was a looker.

 

[Mark_888]

As for design elements blatantly "stolen" from Mercedes, there's only really one (if can call it that) in that the grill has a center divider (don't think Mercedes can take credit for that), since the actual shape of the grill is diff. as well as certain details (overall, the Genesis is much more BMW in shape).

The turn signals on the Genesis side view mirrors were identical to the Mercedes when introduced on the 2009 Genesis. The 2012 tail lights (with turn signals and backup light in the middle of the cluster) were taken right off the recently updated Mercedes E Class (and copied by a lot of other automakers also).

As you mentioned, there is a resemblance in the Genesis grill, to the point that many who say "what is it" often guess Mercedes at first glance from the front of the Genesis.

Personally, I don't have any problems with borrowing design or technology from other automakers. In fact, it makes sense to me to take the best from other cars. The idea that cars should be "distinctive" is mainly favored by professional automotive reviewers, and not the general public. The desire for a distinctive appearance nearly put Acura out of business.

These same professional automotive reviewers prefer cars that ride like a stage coach, mainly because they are usually bored and want something to wake them up, but such overly firm suspensions are usually not well received by the public (unless they are adjustable).

 

[CC4.6]

Lest we not forget, the concept of one wheel at each corner was borrowed from Henry Ford!

 

[Mark_888]

Lest we not forget, the concept of one wheel at each corner was borrowed from Henry Ford!

Ford invented the mass production line.

Benz, and Daimler are credited with the first automobiles with internal combustion engines:

"It is generally acknowledged that the first really practical automobiles with petrol/gasoline-powered internal combustion engines were completed almost simultaneously by several German inventors working independently:

Karl Benz built his first automobile in 1885 in Mannheim. Benz was granted a patent for his automobile on 29 January 1886, and began the first production of automobiles in 1888, after Bertha Benz, his wife, had proved - with the first long-distance trip in August 1888, from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back - that the horseless coach was absolutely suitable for daily use. Since 2008 a Bertha Benz Memorial Route commemorates this event.

Soon after, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Stuttgart in 1889 designed a vehicle from scratch to be an automobile, rather than a horse-drawn carriage fitted with an engine."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_automobile​

 

[RODDGENNY]

I think the rear of the new GS resembles the Sonata.

 

[Sal Collaziano]

I actually love the new front fascia design of Lexus vehicles. While the interior of the new GS feels very expensive, I've never been fond of BMW's interior designs. The "new" 5-Series and especially 7-Series are quite luxurious, however. Anyway, I think Lexus went a little too "BMW" with the GS's interior. I also do NOT like the rear end. Not a big fan there. Something just doesn't look right about it to me.

When all is said and done, I think it's a poor performer. Like the Acura TL, Cadillac CTS (I don't want a V-Series) and now Lexus GS - it doesn't have enough power for me. So it's pretty much permanently off my list until that changes. They should not have canceled the V8 model. I'd honestly take a Genesis R-Spec without hesitation over a new GS - and I'm currently a Lexus owner. I can only imagine how much nicer the second generation Genesis sedan is going to be. And considering it'll probably be released under the "Genesis" sub brand (still sold in Hyundai dealerships), I have a feeling it's going to eat up a LOT of Hyundai's sales.

To note, the next Cadillac CTS is getting a twin turbo V6 with over 400 horsepower. THAT's what I like. I don't need the 556 horsepower CTS-V. But the 300 horsepower 3.6 currently available (0-60 in reality - 6.1 or so) is not enough.

Anyway. I have a strong feeling Hyundai is going to start stealing a LOT of sales from Lexus, Infiniti and Acura with it's second generation of luxury cars. They're picking up an impressive amount of momentum selling these vehicles with the Hyundai badge.

 

[Gambler]

I get my car washed at a Lexus dealer by my office (same dealer chain from where I bought my Genesis). I looked at the new GS a couple of weeks ago, and I too liked the interior, and aspects of the exterior. Overall I think I probably like its looks over the Genesis. Something about the front isn't right, but then again, I don't really like the Genesis' grille. Also people are comparing it to the R-spec for some reason, it is also slower than the 4.6 Genesis, and close to the 3.8 Genesis too. Is it worth 7k more than the Genesis 4.6? I doubt it, but I'd have to drive one to find out.

 

[TJPark01]

Check out the Navigation in this car. Very slick.

[YOUTUBE]d-mlEAR3eDs&feature[/YOUTUBE]

 

[EXBMWGUY]

Check out the Navigation in this car. Very slick.

[YOUTUBE]d-mlEAR3eDs&feature[/YOUTUBE]

Likely the new benchmark interior interface. I almost want one!

 

[homeofstone]

Likely the new benchmark interior interface. I almost want one!

Lets see how good it does after spills and dust get under the pad. If it can be removed with ease for cleaning, then great; otherwise I see a problem.