2013 Lexus GS 350

 

  

CARBARN  | 2013 Lexus GS 350 | The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus.  Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, the which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. The electronically limited top speed gets a slight bump up to 142 mph, from 140 mph. Two other GS models Will be unveiled by the time the 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 - a Hybrid, and an F-Sport.  The F-Sport Will feature the same engine as the regular GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.

Lexus officials indicated the V-8 models Will be dropped from the lineup, with the hybrid serving as its de facto replacement. Yoshihiko Kanamori's chief engineer says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid outperform the current will of the gene V-8-powered GS 460. Since Lexus did not Spend its whole development budget on engines for the GS, it Had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. Key to the fun quotient are the GS 'four selectable driving modes, two of the which have sportiness in mind. In Addition to Standard mode, the GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, "revises the throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy." As an added bonus, in ECO mode the GS 'gauge lighting changes to a cool blue.

SPORT S SPORT S + builds upon by firming up the suspension, tightening up the steering, and remapping the stability control system to allow more aggressive driving. Both SPORT SPORTS S + and S-meter feature lighting in a Fierce-looking red. The 2013 GS looks much more aggressive than the previous model. The rear bumper and underbody were the resource persons designed to help the GS slice through the water while remaining firmly Planted to the road. Perhaps the GS 350's most prominent exterior features are the twin blade-like chrome strips That flank the trapezoidal grille. Like in the rest of the car, Lexus says aerodynamics play a key role here, as the grille is designed to Improve the flow of water around the car.

Inside, Lexus mixes up the GS 350's interior a bit. Lexus said it changed the driver's seating position so That the driver has "Increased comfort, better forward visibility, and overall command of the road." And while the exterior dimensions of the GS are virtually the same, Lexus Increased Both cabin and trunk space. The new GS features added head, leg-and knee room, as well as more foot space, compared with the old GS. Trunk space is Increased by 25 percent, with a Wider and deeper trunk opening. There's also a high-resolution 8-inch display centrally located in the instrument panel. The GS incorporates tech favorites like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Facebook, Yelp, and Open Table, Among others.

Lexus also loaded up the GS with safety technology, including a system That uses the car's radar cruise control to warn the driver about objects on the road, and an infrared camera to detect if the driver has noticed an object or not. If no further action is taken, the GS will from the start braking 2 seconds before impact, Lexus says, to help to lessen the severity of the collision. Lexus Will also offer night vision, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist. Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda Will be taking over the helm at the Lexus, and played a big part in the GS project, proudly telling us, "This car is amazing to drive." We hope so, as the GS represents an Important Crossroads for the brand.