Lexus is touring the new 2013 GS. Though the Hybrid isn't all that finished, the GS350 and the GS F-Sport are on tour to former/current/potential GS customers through invitations. I'm guessing that I got my invite after speaking to a product specialist at the LA Auto Show.

It's my understanding that they kicked off the tour in Las Vegas two weeks ago, last week it was here in Southern California at the Auto Club Speedway.

It's a multifaceted event, starting out with a brief introduction to the new GS, followed by three driving opportunities:
- a follow-along in a short road course with an instructor.
- a technical autocross with competitors (BMW 535i and the E350)
- a timed autocross with the GS F-Sport.

The fastest time of the session group got a hot lap in the LFA (037/500) on the road course.

All of the BMW 535i's in attendance were equipped with the Sport Package and other goodies, the one I drove had the Navigation and Premium Packages as well. The GS350s pitted against the BMW and MB were NOT of the F-Sport variant.

As I briefly mentioned, both my friend and I drove the 535i back-to-back against a non F-Sport GS350, equipped with stock 17" wheels and tires.

The Lexus feels very high-tech. With the handling, and how the traction control works progressively in Sport S+, it's clear that Lexus really tried to address the shortcomings of the 3rd generation GS. It rides fantastically, it feels very nimble and agile--even for such a big car. I wish my GS400 handled half as well as the new GS does. The smile-bringer on the new GS is the noise. Throaty, gutteral, deep. I can't imagine what an aftermarket intake or let alone the F-Sport intake will do for the noise.

The BMW 535i by comparison felt rather tame and old-fashioned. It understeered more, the traction control cut power very quickly and the engine felt confused, even in Sport Mode. I first thought it was turbo lag--but it's just the traction control clamping down at the slightest whiff of tire. Even speaking with other drivers (both older and younger), the consensus overall was that the BMW 535i was a big letdown.

The interior is built beautifully. The 3rd generation GS, I wasn't a very big fan of the material quality on the interior. Even compared to my GS, it felt cheaper and rushed. Not so on the new model. Everything feels great. Everything fits great. It looks great and the screen is daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn big.



1. Auto Club Speedway


2.


3. Made-to-Order for arriving guests. Lunch was two pastas and sandwiches.


4. The incentive.


5. Instructor's IS-F


6. shoo-ing people along away from the IS-F


7.


8.


9.


10. The Competition


11. Fire Agate Pearl (first shown on the CT200h)


12. Timed autocross.


13. My buddy got the fastest time in our group....so he got the lap.


14. Can't keep up with the flyby.


15.


16.


17. Nebula Gray Pearl GS F-Sport AWD.


18. F


19.


20. "Standard" F-Sport 19" Wheels.


21. Dat Screen


22. and the LFA just because LFA.


23.

 

I thought Lexus had done away with these types of events due to the economy. THIS IS GREAT NEWS. How does one sign up??? The last event I went to was for the then new ISF and it was a great experience.

 

It was an invitation-only thing. I tried to send out the registration link to few people and it wouldn't take....

 

cool event! kudos to Lexus!

 

go pro ftw! nice pics!

 

Nice coverage. Good seeing you at the event whoster!

The New GS is a great turning point in Lexus history.

 

Awesome coverage, thanks so much for sharing these pictures and especially your driving impressions!

They had a new GS F-Sport at the car show here a few weeks ago, I must say I was quite impressed. I look forward to taking one out for a spin the next time I'm in for an oil change.

Oh and an LFA at the event too seeing one in person is still on my bucket list. Although I think picture #14 sums up the LFA nicely

 

Nice pics!

Just curious, how does Lexus (and other makers) choose people to invite? It's just one of those things I've always wondered.

 

From what I gathered at the event, it looked like the group that was invited was mostly current or past owners of the GS, and also serious contenders for the new upcoming model. I heard more than one person saying "yes" to the question "Is this going to be your next car?"

JoeZ and Flipside were also in attendance, as well as a few other people I don't know the usernames of so I'm also assuming a close relationship with Lexus also is a factor.


I'm thinking I got invited because I spoke to a guy sitting in the GS with me at the Auto Show and he punched in my details into his iPad.... and I told him I'm a GS owner (albeit old).

 

Sweet pics!

 

Mahn awesome write-up!! I wish I could attend something like this on the East Coast. Great pics too

Your sentiments (well the group) is just like mine and many peoples, it is far from the agile, sporty car like past 5 series cars.