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• F SPORT Package Features 19-Inch Staggered Width Wheels
• Dynamic Handling with F SPORT Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Stopping Power with New Larger Front Brakes with High Friction Pads

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 – Lexus will reveal the all-new 2013 GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan with F SPORT package at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

The Lexus press conference to reveal the 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT package will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. PDT at the outdoor Lexus exhibit tent, located between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Following the press conference, media will have an opportunity to experience track rides in the all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package.

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will be on display at the Lexus tent from Nov. 1 – 4.
JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 Team driver, Joe Bacal and race car driver, Scott Pruett will be on hand signing autographs on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m., respectively, at the Lexus tent. Joe Bacal will also be available to sign autographs throughout the day on Nov. 2.

Building on the excitement of the fourth-generation GS 350 which was revealed at Pebble Beach in August, the GS 350 with F SPORT package was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with factory engineering and the ability to take performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition, rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS). 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.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The
racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance
As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, with four cams, and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. 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 car 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, and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

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.

Chasis/Body/Susension/Tires/Brakes
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, Lexus engineers looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration.

The new platform has been designed to be more rigid. 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 help ensure 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 helps retain 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.

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer an optional newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for those seeking more agility. This leading edge platform technology offers Lexus’ first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. LDH helps to optimize the vehicle slip angle. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The latest generation of Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates Lexus Dynamic Handling; the Anti-lock Braking System; Traction Control; Vehicle Stability Control; and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Adaptive Variable Suspension helps front and rear wheel control and provides agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver’s actions. The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input, to a maximum DRS angle of 2.0 degrees. At most speeds below 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. In certain conditions at speeds over 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction.

Further coordinating DRS with VGRS and AVS, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically customize the adaptive suspension tuning and active safety systems to suit road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style, giving drivers the confidence to fully utilize the exceptional driving performance of the GS with F SPORT package.

The GS 350 RWD with F SPORT package will be exclusively equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels paired with 235/40/19 front and 265/35/19 rear tires, the widest rear tires ever on a Lexus sedan. The wider width wheels allow for a sportier look, and will also help provide added traction. All-wheel drive (AWD) models will be paired with 235/40/19 all-season tires in the front and rear.

Safety/Security Features
As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, 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. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats designed to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of rear-end collisions. 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 certain objects traveling directly ahead that might result in a front-end collision. The system also uses a Lexus-first infrared camera with new scanning technology to monitor the driver’s eyes. 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 1.2 seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision. With available Lexus Dynamic Handling, PCS will help further mitigate the occurrence of a collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display; 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.

Exterior 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 low coefficient of drag.

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 GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts. 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. 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.

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 add 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 with F SPORT package will feature two new colors: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum, and also be available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian. 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 appears finely polished.

Interior Design
To complement the aggressive-looking exterior of the F SPORT package, the interior will feature an exclusive design treatment with smooth striated aluminum trim, unique perforated leather trim, black headliner and aluminum pedals. Distinctive F SPORT badging will be showcased on the steering wheel. Focusing on the driver, the F SPORT package will feature a new 16-way power sport seat for increased lateral support. The driver’s seat will include a Lexus-first with power side bolsters, thigh support, adjustable seatback and four-way lumbar. To complete the uniqueness of the F SPORT package, a striking Cabernet Red leather interior will also be available.

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 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.

“The GS 350 with F SPORT Package will be a distinctive offering of luxury and excitement,” said Templin. “With its dynamic handling, stopping power and true sporty feel this
F SPORT package will be sure to please our enthusiasts.”

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 350 WITH F SPORT PACKAGE

Horsepower

306 hp @ 6,400rpm
Torque
277 lb-ft @ 4,800rpm
Transmission
Six-speed sequential-shift with paddle shifters
Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)
Seating Capacity
5
Overall Length (in.)
190.9
Width (in.)
72.4
Height (in.)
57.3
Wheelbase (in.)
112.2
Driven Wheels
Rear or All-Wheel Drive
Curb weight (lbs.)
3,715 (RWD)
3,890 (AWD)
Brake type
Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)
Wheel size
RWD
19” x 8” (Front), 19” x 9” (Rear)

AWD
19” x 8”
Tire size
RWD
235/40/19 (Front)
265/35/19 (Rear)

AWD
235/40/19 (Front and Rear)
0 – 60 mph
Estimated 5.7 seconds
Top Track Speed
Estimated 142 mph (electronically limited)
MPG
(City/Hwy/Comb.)
20/27/23 (RWD) 18/25/20 (AWD)

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Photos courtesy of Lexus USA

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LEXUS REVEALS THE NEW GS F SPORT

KEY POINTS

• F Sport version of the new GS to be unveiled at the SEMA auto show
• Bolder exterior design elements
• 19-inch alloy wheels, with wider rear tyres
• Sports-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension
• Lexus Dynamic Handling, integrating steering systems for improved handling agility
• First hybrid to feature integrated four-wheel steering
• Lighter, heat-resistant sports braking system with larger front discs
• Lexus will reveal the new GS F Sport at the SEMA show in Las Vegas on 1 November.

Design
The F Sport will be available in the UK and across Europe next year, featuring a new front bumper design with larger side grilles. Together with a dedicated mesh design for the upper and lower grilles, this gives the GS a stronger appearance, reinforcing its wider track and sportier stance.

At the rear, the F Sport is distinguished by a grey metallic finish to the bumper diffuser. On the GS 450h F Sport there is an additional chrome moulding on the bumper’s lower section, adding extra dash to the car’s road presence.

The F Sport package also includes a rear spoiler and – exclusive to the grade – dark metallic finish 19-inch alloy wheels which have a staggered width: at the front 235/40/19 tyres are used, while the rear wheels are fitted with 265/35/19 tyres. This not only adds to the sportier look, it also improves the car’s traction.

The interior features matching door and seat upholstery that will be available in a new Garnet (deep red) shade that is exclusive to the F Sport. Other features include aluminium trim elements, 16-way adjustable F Sport front seats, a black headliner and pillar finish, dimple perforated leather steering wheel and gear **** covers and aluminium pedals. The scuff plates bear the Lexus logo in black and the F Sport badge is also featured on the steering wheel.

Suspension
The GS F Sport has retuned front and rear suspension, supported by Adaptive Variable Suspension to maximise body control and steering response, so improving overall vehicle agility.

The front and rear shock absorbers have been modified to optimise AVS damping control, and the use of low viscosity oil improves their efficiency by reducing friction. In addition the rear shock absorbers have been inclined further to the rear, and the lower bushings have been made larger and stiffer.

Together these modifications maximise the AVS’s control of body roll and, hence, improve response to steering inputs for a more engaging drive.

AVS allows the driver to fine tune the GS’s ride with a choice of two damper settings: Normal, for everyday driving, and Sport S+, for greater body control and precise responses to steering when cornering.

AVS reacts to driver inputs, movement of the vehicle body and road surface conditions, activating the adjustable damping force of the shock absorbers to automatically adapt suspension performance at all four wheels independently.

Switching to Sport S+ mode automatically increases the difference between inner and outer shock absorber damping when driving through corners, further reducing vehicle roll. At the same time, the Variable Gear Ratio Steering automatically reduces the steering gear ratio by about 10 per cent, while the Electric Power Steering increases steering assist torque by about four per cent. These measures combine to minimise body roll, sharpen handling and optimise steering feel.

Drive mode select system
The new GS features a drive mode select function that lets the driver choose between Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+ driving modes, designed to maximise the car’s environmental efficiency or its dynamic performance.

In Eco mode, engine output, the degree of throttle opening and gear selection are all automatically modulated to achieve the best fuel efficiency in all driving conditions. The air conditioning temperature, airflow volume and activation of the seat heaters are also controlled, further reducing fuel consumption.

In Sport S mode, engine speed and throttle responses are adjusted to give a more engaging driving experience. Switching to Sport S+ combines the enhanced powertrain output of Sport S with co-ordinated control of the GS’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system. This includes the AVS and Electric Power Steering, plus, where fitted, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Dynamic Rear Steering, to give a complete package of sports driving dynamics.

Lexus Dynamic Handling
The GS 450h F Sport is equipped with the Lexus Dynamic Handling system, making it the world’s first hybrid vehicle to feature an integrated four-wheel steering system.

The leading-edge platform technology enables integration of the Dynamic Rear Steering, Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Electric Power Steering to co-ordinate every aspect of front and rear wheel control, giving agile, sharp and confident driving behaviour with more direct response to the driver’s actions.

The handling system monitors vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, and calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. Using Variable Gear Ratio Steering at the front, and Dynamic Rear Steering at the rear, the system can independently control front and rear wheel steering angles to greatly improve turn-in response, rear grip, stability and overall agility when cornering.

Dynamic Rear Steering monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G force to determine the required rear wheel steering input, up to a maximum two degrees. At most speeds below 50mph (80km/h) the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions; in certain conditions above that speed, they turn in the same direction.

Further coordinating the Dynamic Rear Steering with the Variable Gear Ratio Steering and Electric Power Steering, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically adjust the tuning of the adaptive suspension and the active safety systems to suit the road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style.

All GS F Sport models are fitted with larger, 356 x 30mm ventilated front disc brakes. In a world-first design, the hat section of the braking system’s two-piece rotor is made of aluminium, which reduces weight and suppresses heat deformation.

Courtesy: Lexus UK

Brian@Vossen

Wow if that is the new lowered stock stance that is pretty good! I do miss the fogs and want LED headlights...otherwise, not bad at all! The paint sounds incredible.

I likey!

flipside909

Looking great in Nebula Gray Pearl. No fogs? No likey.

flipside909

More photos:

Neo

iTrader: (3)

F Logo on calipers and larger brakes/discs in the rear would have accented the upgrades nicely. Not sure I like the no fogs either.

ydooby

From the reflections the interior panels look to be of plastic and not real aluminum. I hope I'm wrong.

Looks great otherwise though.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

I'm in love!!!

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i really like the fsport front bumper more than the normal. more aggressive. looking at the first picture, it has a lot of isf feel to it!

so is that the actual lowering, or is this the "enhanced" version again? if this is the actual lowering, i think it looks really good

the only one thing though is still how they work so hard on the front (this one even more aggressive) but the side and rear by comparison become even "more" bland.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

So, from the look of it, U.S. gets F Sport on GS 350 RWD or AWD, but not on the hybrid?

UK gets it on the hybrid only?

I really hope GS 450h F Sport is planned for the States...

Mr. Burns

It looks like a fighter jet. Love it.

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

From the looks of it....

Doesn't seem there will be a GS450 h with F-Sport trim in the USA.....

At least they managed to package it into the RWD & AWD models ..


~ Joe Z

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Overall I think it was executed very nicely..!!!


Welcome to the world of cost cutting.....

I'm very sure we will be able to retro fit 1sick pair of LED's into the Fog grill areas..

Also, I don't think the production versions will sit that low.....

~ Joe Z

Justin2JZ

It looks good in and out, thats about all I like.