TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION - The bold new Lexus GS 350, GS 450h and GS 350 F SPORT make their first North American auto show appearance this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The vehicles will be on display in the Lexus exhibit from November 18-27, 2011.
"We are excited to bring the GS family to the Los Angeles Auto Show, the first major auto show of the season," said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "The bold design of the new GS signals the advanced technology, performance and driving dynamics that combine with a roomier passenger cabin to deliver the complete package in a luxury sport sedan."
Distinguished by the elegant beauty of its aerodynamic body, the precisely sculpted exterior of the all-new Lexus GS luxury sport sedan glows with aggressive performance and precision handling. Powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, putting 306 horsepower to the pavement, the four-cam, four valve per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) propels the 2013 GS 350 from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, equipped with paddle shifters, offers four driving modes: Normal, ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+. An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions.
The cockpit of the new GS 350 continues the motif of design for the driver. A horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes spaciousness through its wide layout. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, with generous headroom, legroom, knee room and foot space.
With the optional navigation system, GS owners get an industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media display.
The 2013 Lexus GS features a class-leading 10 airbags, along with new Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats. Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a pre-collision system, featuring a first-in-class infrared camera to monitor the driver's eyes to check on driver status. Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display (HUD); a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots.
GS 450h
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the hybrid version of the 2013 GS 350 incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system. GS 450h engineers have aimed for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, while providing exhilarating performance.
With a total system power output of 338 hp, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 30 percent. The GS 450h is targeting certification as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (SULEV II). The new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using ECO, SPORT S, SPORT S+ and EV modes.
GS 350 F SPORT Package
Introduced this month at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT package takes performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition, rear-wheel drive models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Inside, the all-new package also features a sporty attitude with a new 16-way power driver's sport seat, unique interior design treatment and available F SPORT exclusive Cabernet Red leather interior.
Following the inspirational design cues of the IS line-up and CT 200h, the F SPORT package separates itself from the GS line-up with distinctive exterior details. To display its aggressive attitude, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be outfitted with a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging.
The Lexus exhibit will also feature the latest Lexus models, including plenty of performance vehicles such as the inspirational and aspirational 552-horsepower V10 LFA supercar and special edition models of the 2012 LS 460 Sport, ES 350 Touring Edition and the CT 200h F SPORT Special Edition. An F SPORT accessories display will be featured as well.