Lexus "L-Tuned" GS 300

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07-10-06, 10:45 PM

LexFather

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Lexus "L-Tuned" GS 300

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring.../8_10_toy1.htm

"Muscular" is also a good description of the Lexus GS 300 L-Tuned, sitting prominently on the Lexus stand. The car is a prototype of a limited edition GS 300 planned for sale in Australia next year.

The prototype will feature stiffer sports suspension, wider 18-inch Oz racing wheels and a free-flow sports exhaust system to enhance the sporting character of the standard model.

A unique sports grille and other body enhancements, including exclusive "L-Tuned" badging will further distinguish the prototype.

According to the Lexus marketing people, the "L-Tuned" badge could return for yet more outings on a wider range of Lexus models if the "L-Tuned" GS 300 model is well received. Could this be the start of Lexus' answer to Mercedes' performance partner AMG and BMW's legendary M-series?

The 'L-Tuned' name came about after Lexus and Toyota Racing Development (TRD) decided the one thing the Lexus line-up lacked was an hard-edged sporting character, providing the look and sound of a tuned sportscar.

In the States, an L-Tuned GS400 is also available and we expect the whole range to get the "L" treatment if the new options are popular.

The L-Tuned GS 300 will be on sale in the first quarter of 2003 at most Lexus dealerships, with an initial run of just 25-30 units - a sure sign that Lexus is testing the water. While no price point has been released, expect to pay maybe $7500 over the standard asking price of just under $105,000.

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07-10-06, 10:47 PM

LexFather

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http://autoweb.drive.com.au/cms/A_55...wsarticle.html

Lexus Plans Limited Edition GS 300

17 January, 2003
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Lexus has announced plans to sell a limited edition, performance-enhanced version of its GS 300 luxury sport sedan in April.

The GS 300 L-tuned will be sold as a dealer-fitted package featuring sports suspension, steering and exhaust systems, a larger wheel and tyre package and unique exterior styling enhancements.

A prototype GS 300 L-tuned was unveiled at the recent Sydney Motor Show and received a positive response from show-goers, with several orders taken for the limited edition vehicle.

Lexus Australia will sell just 20 examples of the GS 300 L-tuned, for a recommended retail price of $125,000, not including dealer delivery and on road costs.

“The GS 300 L-Tuned project pioneers the local installation of performance accessories by Lexus Australia,” said Lexus Australia’s senior manager, John Roca.

“The success of the GS 300 L-Tuned will be evaluated with a view to the possibility of producing other Australian-developed and manufacturer-authorised modified editions of Lexus models.”

All the modifications to the base GS 300 L-tuned prototype were performed by Lexus Australia using components developed by Lexus engineers in the United States.

The GS L-tuned’s sports suspension modification consists of high pressure, nitrogen-charged dampers and stiffer springs.

The revised suspension gives the prototype lower ride height, more immediate steering response and flatter cornering. The suspension is mated with unique 18-inch alloy wheels manufactured for Lexus by O.Z in Italy.

The car wears 235/40ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on the front and 265/35ZR18 tyres on the rear.

GS L-tuned also features a recalibrated steering ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to further improve the precision and responsiveness of the steering.

The prototype is fitted with a stainless steel sports exhaust system designed to produce a slight increase in horsepower and a deeper exhaust note.

The standard GS L-tuned 3.0 litre VVT-i straight-six cylinder engine produces 166kW.

Styling enhancements include a sports mesh grille, clear side indicators and special L-tuned limited edition badging on the front guards.

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