The 2016 Lexus GS is Coming to Europe with a New Model and More Power

When the new Lexus GS line of sedans lands in European dealerships, customers will have the ability to choose from four variants of the mid-sizer.

Each one will feature new standard Bi-LED headlights. According to Lexus, “A new front bumper and rocker panel design further sharpen the coupe-inspired profile, with the makeover extending to revised taillights, revised rear trim and new 18- and 19-inch machine-finish wheel designs.”

The rear-wheel-drive GS 200t will feature an engine new to the model: a 2.0-liter turbo four with 245 PS (242 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. That engine will come mated to an eight-speed automatic. Lexus expects fuel economy of 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 mpg).

Although the GS 350 will still pack the familiar 3.5-liter V6, it will also pack a little more power. Buyers will now benefit from 317 PS (313 hp) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque. That output is also transmitted through an eight-speed auto and the rear wheels, unless the box for all-wheel drive is ticked. That system will split power 30:70 front:rear by default and 50:50 in conditions which require additional traction. Car buyers in Europe as well as Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Caucasus will be able to purchase the GS 350.

Two hybrid models, the GS 300h and the GS 450h, will also be available across the pond in Europe. The former is equipped with an Atkinson cycle 2.5-liter I4 gas engine combined with a water-cooled electric motor. That combination’s good for 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg). Total system power reaches 345 PS (340 hp) in the 3.5-liter-V6/electric-motor-powered GS 450h and hitting 100 km/h (62 mph) only takes 5.9 seconds, but gas mileage goes down to 5.9 l/100 km (39.8 mpg). Both hybrids will put their green power to the pavement with the help of a CVT.

The Lexus Safety System +, a combination of the company’s Pre-Crash System, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive High Beam System, and All-Speed Active Cruise Control, will be a new option for the Euro-spec 2016 GS. All four GS offerings will be available with an F Sport package.

In addition to its safety technology, the GS’s multimedia has been upgraded. Its 12.3-inch screen comes with full-screen map capability on cars with navigation and the voice recognition and graphics have been improved, among other things.

* US model pictured

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via [Carscoops] and [Lexus of Europe]

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Derek Shiekhi

Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.

After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.

While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.

Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.

In addition to writing for a variety of Internet Brands sites, including JK Forum and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Derek also contributes to other outlets. He started There Will Be Cars on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to get even more automotive content out to fellow enthusiasts.

He can be reached at autoeditors@internetbrands.com.

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