2013 Lexus GS 350 World Premiere at Pebble Beach!
Lexus today unveiled the all-new GS 350 at a press conference inconjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new 2013 GS
combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology,
and a spacious interior.
In addition to the GS 350, other 2013 GS
models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport
versions, with further details to be announced later this year.
“Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging
driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier
interior package,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and
general manager. “With the all-new GS, we’re giving them what they asked
for, and more.”
Along with a new Lexus signature spindle grille, the GS is a car
that conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a redesigned
chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver
participation with crisp and precise handling.
GS engineers challenged themselves to develop a more spacious
interior environment. While leaving exterior dimensions virtually
unchanged, they dramatically increased cabin and trunk space to create
an interior that can easily transport passengers and their luggage in
luxury and style regardless of distance.
Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new
GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that
makes it more than just a luxury car. The driver and front passenger will enjoy the clean appearance of the new high-resolution central control display.
A New Personality and An Invitation To Drive
Designing the new GS 350 to be both strong and agile was a key focus of
the engineering team. They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for
inspiration and carried over some key elements to provide a more
engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body; a
completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure; a
transmission with quicker shifts; distinctive engine sound and exhaust
notes; and better seat support.
The new platform is more rigid compared to the current model.
Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing
the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific
locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination
with a revised suspension design to assure a more solid stance and
superior cornering performance.
The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS
through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control
arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear
subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new
multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that
retains tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer
platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity
oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly.
The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung
weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll
damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the
suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver
input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. Ventilated disc
brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers are endowed with
the latest electronic enhancements to help provide braking balance and
control.
Customized Driving Experience
The new GS is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four
valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence
(VVT-i). At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines
in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct
injection. It propels the GS from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the
same time, fuel economy has been improved.
Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and
improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more
energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift
automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions
as standard equipment.
The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high–performance sedan,
including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift
throttle blips, to support four driving modes that can be operated by
toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal
mode, the following settings let the driver customize the driving
experience: * ECO mode revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and
climate control systems for better fuel economy. In ECO mode, meter
lighting changes to blue. * SPORT S mode revises throttle mapping and
transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of
the powertrain. In SPORT S mode, meter lighting changes to red. * SPORT
S+ mode (available on some models) engages handling enhancements via a
sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and vehicle stability control (VSC) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode.
An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is
designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The
system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as
30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.
Innovative Lexus Design
The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with
its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in
an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized
the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized
aerodynamic efficiency for class-leading coefficient of drag.
The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. Fins
incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk
area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper
underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the
car firmly planted on the ground. Finally, air inlets located on the
outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts.
The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours evolved
from current Lexus styling and fully integrates into the aggressive
front bumper allowing for efficient
airflow. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the
deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps
further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character. The
headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled
appearance and excellent illumination.
From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan
with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and
the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion.
Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches adds an athletic stance
enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.
The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered
aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped
LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a
high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a
significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the
core of all Lexus product design.
The GS 350 will feature three colors that are new to the Lexus color
palette: Riviera Red, Meteor Blue Metallic and Liquid Platinum. Vehicles
in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the
coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus
engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum
exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating
technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more
radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and
defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined
bodylines more noticeable and the surface appear finely polished.
Spacious Interior with Premium Upgrades
The GS provides more overall space for all occupants. With these
changes, the new GS offers comfortable space for front and rear
passengers.
Upgraded accommodations start with the driver. The entire cabin was
created around the driver and the driving experience. A
horizontal-themed instrument panel emphasizes the spaciousness through
its wide layout. A redesigned seat frame and changes to steering column
architecture enable an improved driver seating position for increased
comfort, better forward visibility and overall command of the road.
Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers,
adding headroom, legroom, knee room and improved foot space compared to
the current generation GS.
Door openings have also been revised for easier ingress and egress.
Trunk space has been increased by almost 25 percent, and trunk access is
improved with a wider, deeper opening.
Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well
to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and
emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the
driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center
stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep
near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls
such as audio and climate were relocated to provide a cleaner and more
sophisticated dash layout.
The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as
standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system
called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only
to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class
technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation
is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations
control.
The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone
controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are
selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote
touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with
reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add
security and convenience.
The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient
lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the
vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights
are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center
console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved
from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional.
Cabin materials include three types of wood specially chosen to
highlight the unique flavors of the model variations. Meticulously
detailed contrast stitching is used as a visual accent on the instrument
panel, door trim, center console, shift knob and steering wheel to
create a rich, tailored interior space.
Seamless Connectivity
Next-generation Lexus multimedia brings a host of standard entertainment
and connectivity enhancements, including enhanced Bluetooth capability
with automatic phonebook download and streaming audio.
GS buyers will get DVD audio and video compatibility, MP3 sound
enhancement, 5.1 Surround Sound, and a high-resolution eight-inch
central control display centrally located high up in the instrument
panel. An SMS text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text
messages and send preset responses with a compatible smart phone. HD
Radio with iTunes tagging and a three-month trial subscription to
SiriusXM Satellite Radio are standard. The Gracenote Media management
system creates dynamic music playlists and a voice recognition solution
recognizes nicknames for music artists and even some mispronunciations.
By adding the optional navigation system, GS owners can get an
industry-first 12.3-inch, split-screen, high-resolution multi-media
display. The split-screen ultra-large display enhances visibility
through the use of advanced, high-definition graphics that are easy to
read and easy to use. The 12.3-inch screen is large enough to support
simultaneous, split-screen viewing of a large map display, plus audio,
climate or other vehicle information.
GS buyers will also have access to next-generation Lexus Enform, the
system that leverages mobile phone technology to provide a new level of
connectivity and information management. Local searches can be conducted
through Bing, or use voice-enabled apps to make restaurant reservations
through OpenTable, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com or tap into
internet radio, including Pandora or iHeartRadio.
They will also appreciate the ability to check-in on Facebook, and
search for restaurant reviews on Yelp. SiriusXM data services offer
information on stocks, traffic, weather, sports and fuel prices. The
system is updatable and upgradeable through over-the-air downloads, so
new apps and content can be readily added.
For audiophiles who insist on the ultimate in audio performance, an
835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available. The system
provides 7.1 Surround Sound through 10 channels using a new class D
Digital amplifier and luxury-first Green Edge speakers that are lighter,
more energy-efficient and have less distortion. The new system produces
almost three times as many watts per channel over the previous
generation.
Integrated Safety Systems
In addition to enhanced braking systems and an impact-absorbing body
structure, the new GS offers significant advances in both passive and
active safety systems as standard equipment.
There are a class-leading 10 airbags in the new GS, including a knee
airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have
seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped
with side curtain airbags.
New Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats increases the
likelihood that occupants will be in optimum position at the moment of
impact, enhancing the protective effect of the seatbelt system. Standard
seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and
outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.
Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a
pre-collision system, which uses the dynamic radar cruise control system
to provide early warning of upcoming objects that might result in a
collision. The system also uses a first-in-class infrared camera to
monitor the driver’s eyes to check on driver status. In the event that
the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision
appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier
threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate
maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to two
seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the
collision.
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; and
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the
first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide
a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature
alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to
drift out of the lane.
“The new GS 350 combines luxury, outstanding driving dynamics and
world-class technology features in a new and bold design,” said Templin.
“We expect this car to occupy a key position both at the core of the
Lexus brand and at the heart of the mid-luxury sedan segment.”
