All 2006 Lexus GS REVIEWS here (updated 3/23/05)
04-15-05, 03:30 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by charley
Lexus has decided to make the best of this by appealing to people who prefer a car that says nothing about them.
The Seinfeld car!
04-15-05, 05:42 PM
#32
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Not to get too off topic, but has anyone else noticed that the European press has been bashing the GS for poor ride quality? Is the suspension tuned differently than the U.S. version?
05-01-05, 07:45 AM
#33
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Another UK review
Here's another UK-based review of both the GS300 and GS430.
http://www.testdriven.co.uk/roadtest...s300_and_gs430
Snippet:
"I can't be the only one tired with the current German pre-occupation with rock-hard suspension, unfathomable control systems and poor-quality materials. What we need is a real alternative, something of a Johnny-come-lately to the car industry, to remind the sausage-sampling thigh-slappers that what their executive customers really want is reliable, usable, comfortable and entertaining transport to soothe their furrowed brows after a hard day in the boardroom.
Toyota, the world's most successful car manufacturer, has been listening. They've been busily punting Lexus, their luxury offshoot, through something of a renaissance of late, with a new visual identity and a raft of new models scheduled to glide gently onto the market over the next few years. The first of which, the new GS, arrives in the UK this month (April) in two guises - the 3.0-litre V6 GS300 and 4.3-litre V8 GS430. We've tried them both."
Conclusion:
"New L-Finesse design language gets its first outing in the new GS. It's handsome, muscular even, but not necessarily beautiful from all angles. That aside, it's a quality package, high on ergonomics, with a surprisingly competent chassis, good performance and quite incredible fuel economy from the GS300 for a car of its size. The GS300 is the better balanced of the two variants, with the SE model offering the best value for money. With outstanding reliability and a touchy-feely dealer network, you'd need a pathological dislike of Japanese cars to not put the new Lexus GS somewhere near the top of your list."
Rating: 4.5 / 5
http://www.testdriven.co.uk/roadtest...s300_and_gs430
Snippet:
"I can't be the only one tired with the current German pre-occupation with rock-hard suspension, unfathomable control systems and poor-quality materials. What we need is a real alternative, something of a Johnny-come-lately to the car industry, to remind the sausage-sampling thigh-slappers that what their executive customers really want is reliable, usable, comfortable and entertaining transport to soothe their furrowed brows after a hard day in the boardroom.
Toyota, the world's most successful car manufacturer, has been listening. They've been busily punting Lexus, their luxury offshoot, through something of a renaissance of late, with a new visual identity and a raft of new models scheduled to glide gently onto the market over the next few years. The first of which, the new GS, arrives in the UK this month (April) in two guises - the 3.0-litre V6 GS300 and 4.3-litre V8 GS430. We've tried them both."
Conclusion:
"New L-Finesse design language gets its first outing in the new GS. It's handsome, muscular even, but not necessarily beautiful from all angles. That aside, it's a quality package, high on ergonomics, with a surprisingly competent chassis, good performance and quite incredible fuel economy from the GS300 for a car of its size. The GS300 is the better balanced of the two variants, with the SE model offering the best value for money. With outstanding reliability and a touchy-feely dealer network, you'd need a pathological dislike of Japanese cars to not put the new Lexus GS somewhere near the top of your list."
Rating: 4.5 / 5
05-01-05, 11:57 PM
#34
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Originally Posted by Alex K
Here's another UK-based review of both the GS300 and GS430.
http://www.testdriven.co.uk/roadtest...s300_and_gs430
Snippet:
"I can't be the only one tired with the current German pre-occupation with rock-hard suspension, unfathomable control systems and poor-quality materials. What we need is a real alternative, something of a Johnny-come-lately to the car industry, to remind the sausage-sampling thigh-slappers that what their executive customers really want is reliable, usable, comfortable and entertaining transport to soothe their furrowed brows after a hard day in the boardroom.
Toyota, the world's most successful car manufacturer, has been listening. They've been busily punting Lexus, their luxury offshoot, through something of a renaissance of late, with a new visual identity and a raft of new models scheduled to glide gently onto the market over the next few years. The first of which, the new GS, arrives in the UK this month (April) in two guises - the 3.0-litre V6 GS300 and 4.3-litre V8 GS430. We've tried them both."
Conclusion:
"New L-Finesse design language gets its first outing in the new GS. It's handsome, muscular even, but not necessarily beautiful from all angles. That aside, it's a quality package, high on ergonomics, with a surprisingly competent chassis, good performance and quite incredible fuel economy from the GS300 for a car of its size. The GS300 is the better balanced of the two variants, with the SE model offering the best value for money. With outstanding reliability and a touchy-feely dealer network, you'd need a pathological dislike of Japanese cars to not put the new Lexus GS somewhere near the top of your list."
Rating: 4.5 / 5
http://www.testdriven.co.uk/roadtest...s300_and_gs430
Snippet:
"I can't be the only one tired with the current German pre-occupation with rock-hard suspension, unfathomable control systems and poor-quality materials. What we need is a real alternative, something of a Johnny-come-lately to the car industry, to remind the sausage-sampling thigh-slappers that what their executive customers really want is reliable, usable, comfortable and entertaining transport to soothe their furrowed brows after a hard day in the boardroom.
Toyota, the world's most successful car manufacturer, has been listening. They've been busily punting Lexus, their luxury offshoot, through something of a renaissance of late, with a new visual identity and a raft of new models scheduled to glide gently onto the market over the next few years. The first of which, the new GS, arrives in the UK this month (April) in two guises - the 3.0-litre V6 GS300 and 4.3-litre V8 GS430. We've tried them both."
Conclusion:
"New L-Finesse design language gets its first outing in the new GS. It's handsome, muscular even, but not necessarily beautiful from all angles. That aside, it's a quality package, high on ergonomics, with a surprisingly competent chassis, good performance and quite incredible fuel economy from the GS300 for a car of its size. The GS300 is the better balanced of the two variants, with the SE model offering the best value for money. With outstanding reliability and a touchy-feely dealer network, you'd need a pathological dislike of Japanese cars to not put the new Lexus GS somewhere near the top of your list."
Rating: 4.5 / 5
From the same article:
"Maintenance is set to be extremely competitive, with the life of many service items such as spark plugs and filters extended. Intervals are once a year or 10,000 miles for a 'Health and Safety check' with a service every two years or 20,000 miles. Service labour times have been reduced, with the 60,000 mile service reduced, for example, from 9.7 hours to 4.9. Many other parts have been carefully designed so they can be replaced separately and cheaply in the event of an accident, leading to a group 16E rating for the boggo GS300 rising to 18E for the GS430."
Is this valid for the US/other markets? if not , why?
05-02-05, 01:51 AM
#35
Originally Posted by ferix
From the same article:
"Maintenance is set to be extremely competitive, with the life of many service items such as spark plugs and filters extended. Intervals are once a year or 10,000 miles for a 'Health and Safety check' with a service every two years or 20,000 miles. Service labour times have been reduced, with the 60,000 mile service reduced, for example, from 9.7 hours to 4.9. Many other parts have been carefully designed so they can be replaced separately and cheaply in the event of an accident, leading to a group 16E rating for the boggo GS300 rising to 18E for the GS430."
Is this valid for the US/other markets? if not , why?
"Maintenance is set to be extremely competitive, with the life of many service items such as spark plugs and filters extended. Intervals are once a year or 10,000 miles for a 'Health and Safety check' with a service every two years or 20,000 miles. Service labour times have been reduced, with the 60,000 mile service reduced, for example, from 9.7 hours to 4.9. Many other parts have been carefully designed so they can be replaced separately and cheaply in the event of an accident, leading to a group 16E rating for the boggo GS300 rising to 18E for the GS430."
Is this valid for the US/other markets? if not , why?
Mostly yes, but for US market I think oil changes are more frequent. Does anyone know what is the service interval of new GS in the US?
Keep in mind that poor fuel quality requires more oil changes...
05-02-05, 04:12 PM
#36
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05-09-05, 10:21 PM
#37
Lexus GS 300 & GS 430 -- Sexy Lexy
Stuff.co.nz
The Lexus brand garnishes its other qualities with sex-appeal for the very first time.
I n North America, Lexus took just 16 years to earn its place on the luxury car market's top shelf next to Audi, Benz, BMW, and to a lesser extent Jaguar. Truth be known, it has dominated that top slot to the Germans' expense for some years and has become a default choice among many young successful Americans, having won more annual J. D. Power satisfaction surveys than the other brands put together.
Despite some sales gains over the past few years, the brand hasn't managed to emulate that top-shelf appeal here, where some have even been known to regard them as tarted Toyotas. Those in the know don't, of course.
A new Lexus that could help move New Zealanders into the US mindset, is the luxury brand's new GS range. It has a beauty absent from previous offerings, with muscular styling, simple detailing and a frontal treatment that its makers say will become the corporate template for future models.
The new GS has visual cues to connect it with its first two generations, but the 2005 model has lost their awkwardness. This is a sexy car.
The range fronts up with a GS430 range- topper that uses a lusty 208kW 4.3-litre V8 which gurgles quietly under the nose in a sort of zen-meets-Nascar sort of way, with enough of a neck-snap in its refined, ethereal repertoire to keep big Aussie V8s at bay. There'll be two GS300s in the line- up too, using a 183kW direct-injected 3-litre V6 to do almost as well as the V8 does, but with quite remarkable fuel efficiency and, if anything, even better refinement levels.
At $103,000, the entry-point GS300 includes an all-leather interior, smart keyless entry system, Vehicle Stability Control, handsfree Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, parking sonar, adaptive front headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The $116,000 GS300 Limited adds a pre- crash safety system, reversing camera, radar-controlled active cruise control and parking sonar.
The $147,000 GS430 tops the line-up with its V8 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) , on top of the GS300 Limited's specification.
Despite the acronyms, the most useful of the GS's tools must surely be the radar- controlled active cruise control. Quietness and refinement can conspire with our wide roads and distractingly spectacular scenery to allow velocities to creep well beyond legal and socially acceptable levels. Fortunately, Lexus has contrived a cruise control system that can be used around corners and among other, sometimes slower traffic. The system uses radar sensors to pick up vehicles in front and adjust the car's speed to maintain a set following distance.
If necessary, the cruise control system will close the throttle and lightly apply the brakes to maintain the pre-set distance, and if more braking is required it will sound an audible alarm, signalling the driver to brake. Once the vehicle ahead has moved out of radar range, the car will slowly accelerate to the pre-set speed.
I tried the system by heading south out of Queenstown on a deliberately meandering route to Lumsden, Gore and eventually Alexandra. Even with necessary stops on the way, I only had to select "resume" on the cruise lever to maintain a safe space between the GS and any traffic ahead.
A bonus to the safety and stressless progress available was the amazing fuel consumption levels possible from such gentle, computer-controlled throttle movements. More than 452km with the cruise control set to match the open road legal limit, plus its accepted "cushion", the GS300 managed an overall reading of 8.6L/100km (32.7mpg).
Somewhere under the curvy bonnet, the new direct-injection V6 appears to do no work at all at New Zealand speeds, vacuuming-up the highway with no wind noise and little from the tyres.
Rear passengers will find the new car's increased wheelbase has liberated much more room for legs and heads than the previous model. For instance a 1.90m rear passenger can sit behind a similarly- sized driver with space to spare.
While the GS's boot is large enough, its lid and aperture shape mean that bulky cases need to be loaded carefully if you're not to bruise the paintwork.
Up front, the only sour note was the shiny wood used to decorate the driving environment. The GS would benefit from some alloy or faux carbon fibre options as offered by BMW and Benz as the layout, switch placement and quality is exquisite and the wood detracts from it. The dash console's touch pad screen for air-con, trip computer and in car entertainment is much less distracting and doesn't need a handbook for almost instant mastery. The screen doubles as a parking TV and there'll be no excuse for rearward parking scapes with the sonar sensors helping as well. Unfortunately, Sat-Nav is not available yet, although all the hardware is ready.
The driver and front passenger seats are wide, well-shaped and beautifully contrived for long distance travel. Side location is good and the levels of adjustment possible for both the wheel and seat should provide an ideal possie for flyweights to super heavies.
The wood-leather wheel rim mix is lovely, and it proves to be a tactile "reader" of the GS's steering, which is accurate and well-weighted – not always a Lexus strong-point.
Some overseas reports say the GS's ride quality is on the firm side. I don't think so. It's taut, sure, but this is a sports luxury sedan and if a tiny touch of bump-thump is the price you pay for a sharp, communicative chassis, then so be it. On rain-slicked Southland switchbacks, the GS300 is quite a surprise. The same solid car that wafts quietly mile upon mile under the aegis of cruise control, can respond with 5-series and E-class challenging incisiveness when asked to, coursing through bends with knife-like accuracy, displaying sufficient body discipline not to disturb nervous passengers. Impressive.
Braking is good. The classic random wandering dog test (thanks, Rover) proves that you can stop in a heartbeat and steer at the same time, while even in response to gentle dabs, the all-round vented discs feel as if they could stop the world if they wanted to.
The top GS430 V8 model has a standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDM) system. It's less obtrusive and more effective than a conventional Vehicle Stability Control, (VSC), and anticipates and corrects the onset of a vehicle skid or slide with a combination of braking and throttle control. I never felt the GS300 needed such a device and indeed it isn't part of either V6 Lexus's package.
Lexus New Zealand says its new range of GS models will "redefine the luxury car market in this country". I'm not sure it will do quite that, but the new GS is so much of a sea-change compared with previous versions that it may well redefine the New Zealand public's perception of the Lexus marque in general.
By adding delightful styling and commendable nimbleness to the usual Lexus givens of unimpeachable build quality and reliability, the GS turns out to be the best Lexus range yet. But which to buy?
Considering the three GSs are very close in terms of home comforts and luxury and the new V6s so smooth and consummately capable, it's almost as if the V8 is redundant in the range. Its engine note and all-out energy are addictive, but the number of times you'll 'need' such extra urge will be rare.
No, the Sexy Lexy I'd choose would be the $116,000 GS300 Limited. It looks terrific, goes almost as quickly as the V8 and with its upper echelon specification, throws in that radar cruise control, which once tried is a genuine must have. Tarted- up Toyotas? Don't think so.
09 May 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,...4a2021,00.html
Stuff.co.nz
The Lexus brand garnishes its other qualities with sex-appeal for the very first time.
I n North America, Lexus took just 16 years to earn its place on the luxury car market's top shelf next to Audi, Benz, BMW, and to a lesser extent Jaguar. Truth be known, it has dominated that top slot to the Germans' expense for some years and has become a default choice among many young successful Americans, having won more annual J. D. Power satisfaction surveys than the other brands put together.
Despite some sales gains over the past few years, the brand hasn't managed to emulate that top-shelf appeal here, where some have even been known to regard them as tarted Toyotas. Those in the know don't, of course.
A new Lexus that could help move New Zealanders into the US mindset, is the luxury brand's new GS range. It has a beauty absent from previous offerings, with muscular styling, simple detailing and a frontal treatment that its makers say will become the corporate template for future models.
The new GS has visual cues to connect it with its first two generations, but the 2005 model has lost their awkwardness. This is a sexy car.
The range fronts up with a GS430 range- topper that uses a lusty 208kW 4.3-litre V8 which gurgles quietly under the nose in a sort of zen-meets-Nascar sort of way, with enough of a neck-snap in its refined, ethereal repertoire to keep big Aussie V8s at bay. There'll be two GS300s in the line- up too, using a 183kW direct-injected 3-litre V6 to do almost as well as the V8 does, but with quite remarkable fuel efficiency and, if anything, even better refinement levels.
At $103,000, the entry-point GS300 includes an all-leather interior, smart keyless entry system, Vehicle Stability Control, handsfree Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, parking sonar, adaptive front headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The $116,000 GS300 Limited adds a pre- crash safety system, reversing camera, radar-controlled active cruise control and parking sonar.
The $147,000 GS430 tops the line-up with its V8 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) , on top of the GS300 Limited's specification.
Despite the acronyms, the most useful of the GS's tools must surely be the radar- controlled active cruise control. Quietness and refinement can conspire with our wide roads and distractingly spectacular scenery to allow velocities to creep well beyond legal and socially acceptable levels. Fortunately, Lexus has contrived a cruise control system that can be used around corners and among other, sometimes slower traffic. The system uses radar sensors to pick up vehicles in front and adjust the car's speed to maintain a set following distance.
If necessary, the cruise control system will close the throttle and lightly apply the brakes to maintain the pre-set distance, and if more braking is required it will sound an audible alarm, signalling the driver to brake. Once the vehicle ahead has moved out of radar range, the car will slowly accelerate to the pre-set speed.
I tried the system by heading south out of Queenstown on a deliberately meandering route to Lumsden, Gore and eventually Alexandra. Even with necessary stops on the way, I only had to select "resume" on the cruise lever to maintain a safe space between the GS and any traffic ahead.
A bonus to the safety and stressless progress available was the amazing fuel consumption levels possible from such gentle, computer-controlled throttle movements. More than 452km with the cruise control set to match the open road legal limit, plus its accepted "cushion", the GS300 managed an overall reading of 8.6L/100km (32.7mpg).
Somewhere under the curvy bonnet, the new direct-injection V6 appears to do no work at all at New Zealand speeds, vacuuming-up the highway with no wind noise and little from the tyres.
Rear passengers will find the new car's increased wheelbase has liberated much more room for legs and heads than the previous model. For instance a 1.90m rear passenger can sit behind a similarly- sized driver with space to spare.
While the GS's boot is large enough, its lid and aperture shape mean that bulky cases need to be loaded carefully if you're not to bruise the paintwork.
Up front, the only sour note was the shiny wood used to decorate the driving environment. The GS would benefit from some alloy or faux carbon fibre options as offered by BMW and Benz as the layout, switch placement and quality is exquisite and the wood detracts from it. The dash console's touch pad screen for air-con, trip computer and in car entertainment is much less distracting and doesn't need a handbook for almost instant mastery. The screen doubles as a parking TV and there'll be no excuse for rearward parking scapes with the sonar sensors helping as well. Unfortunately, Sat-Nav is not available yet, although all the hardware is ready.
The driver and front passenger seats are wide, well-shaped and beautifully contrived for long distance travel. Side location is good and the levels of adjustment possible for both the wheel and seat should provide an ideal possie for flyweights to super heavies.
The wood-leather wheel rim mix is lovely, and it proves to be a tactile "reader" of the GS's steering, which is accurate and well-weighted – not always a Lexus strong-point.
Some overseas reports say the GS's ride quality is on the firm side. I don't think so. It's taut, sure, but this is a sports luxury sedan and if a tiny touch of bump-thump is the price you pay for a sharp, communicative chassis, then so be it. On rain-slicked Southland switchbacks, the GS300 is quite a surprise. The same solid car that wafts quietly mile upon mile under the aegis of cruise control, can respond with 5-series and E-class challenging incisiveness when asked to, coursing through bends with knife-like accuracy, displaying sufficient body discipline not to disturb nervous passengers. Impressive.
Braking is good. The classic random wandering dog test (thanks, Rover) proves that you can stop in a heartbeat and steer at the same time, while even in response to gentle dabs, the all-round vented discs feel as if they could stop the world if they wanted to.
The top GS430 V8 model has a standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDM) system. It's less obtrusive and more effective than a conventional Vehicle Stability Control, (VSC), and anticipates and corrects the onset of a vehicle skid or slide with a combination of braking and throttle control. I never felt the GS300 needed such a device and indeed it isn't part of either V6 Lexus's package.
Lexus New Zealand says its new range of GS models will "redefine the luxury car market in this country". I'm not sure it will do quite that, but the new GS is so much of a sea-change compared with previous versions that it may well redefine the New Zealand public's perception of the Lexus marque in general.
By adding delightful styling and commendable nimbleness to the usual Lexus givens of unimpeachable build quality and reliability, the GS turns out to be the best Lexus range yet. But which to buy?
Considering the three GSs are very close in terms of home comforts and luxury and the new V6s so smooth and consummately capable, it's almost as if the V8 is redundant in the range. Its engine note and all-out energy are addictive, but the number of times you'll 'need' such extra urge will be rare.
No, the Sexy Lexy I'd choose would be the $116,000 GS300 Limited. It looks terrific, goes almost as quickly as the V8 and with its upper echelon specification, throws in that radar cruise control, which once tried is a genuine must have. Tarted- up Toyotas? Don't think so.
09 May 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,...4a2021,00.html
05-10-05, 10:16 PM
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this must be one of the best reviews ive read so far!
Originally Posted by enigma354
Lexus GS 300 & GS 430 -- Sexy Lexy
Stuff.co.nz
The Lexus brand garnishes its other qualities with sex-appeal for the very first time.
I n North America, Lexus took just 16 years to earn its place on the luxury car market's top shelf next to Audi, Benz, BMW, and to a lesser extent Jaguar. Truth be known, it has dominated that top slot to the Germans' expense for some years and has become a default choice among many young successful Americans, having won more annual J. D. Power satisfaction surveys than the other brands put together.
Despite some sales gains over the past few years, the brand hasn't managed to emulate that top-shelf appeal here, where some have even been known to regard them as tarted Toyotas. Those in the know don't, of course.
A new Lexus that could help move New Zealanders into the US mindset, is the luxury brand's new GS range. It has a beauty absent from previous offerings, with muscular styling, simple detailing and a frontal treatment that its makers say will become the corporate template for future models.
The new GS has visual cues to connect it with its first two generations, but the 2005 model has lost their awkwardness. This is a sexy car.
The range fronts up with a GS430 range- topper that uses a lusty 208kW 4.3-litre V8 which gurgles quietly under the nose in a sort of zen-meets-Nascar sort of way, with enough of a neck-snap in its refined, ethereal repertoire to keep big Aussie V8s at bay. There'll be two GS300s in the line- up too, using a 183kW direct-injected 3-litre V6 to do almost as well as the V8 does, but with quite remarkable fuel efficiency and, if anything, even better refinement levels.
At $103,000, the entry-point GS300 includes an all-leather interior, smart keyless entry system, Vehicle Stability Control, handsfree Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, parking sonar, adaptive front headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The $116,000 GS300 Limited adds a pre- crash safety system, reversing camera, radar-controlled active cruise control and parking sonar.
The $147,000 GS430 tops the line-up with its V8 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) , on top of the GS300 Limited's specification.
Despite the acronyms, the most useful of the GS's tools must surely be the radar- controlled active cruise control. Quietness and refinement can conspire with our wide roads and distractingly spectacular scenery to allow velocities to creep well beyond legal and socially acceptable levels. Fortunately, Lexus has contrived a cruise control system that can be used around corners and among other, sometimes slower traffic. The system uses radar sensors to pick up vehicles in front and adjust the car's speed to maintain a set following distance.
If necessary, the cruise control system will close the throttle and lightly apply the brakes to maintain the pre-set distance, and if more braking is required it will sound an audible alarm, signalling the driver to brake. Once the vehicle ahead has moved out of radar range, the car will slowly accelerate to the pre-set speed.
I tried the system by heading south out of Queenstown on a deliberately meandering route to Lumsden, Gore and eventually Alexandra. Even with necessary stops on the way, I only had to select "resume" on the cruise lever to maintain a safe space between the GS and any traffic ahead.
A bonus to the safety and stressless progress available was the amazing fuel consumption levels possible from such gentle, computer-controlled throttle movements. More than 452km with the cruise control set to match the open road legal limit, plus its accepted "cushion", the GS300 managed an overall reading of 8.6L/100km (32.7mpg).
Somewhere under the curvy bonnet, the new direct-injection V6 appears to do no work at all at New Zealand speeds, vacuuming-up the highway with no wind noise and little from the tyres.
Rear passengers will find the new car's increased wheelbase has liberated much more room for legs and heads than the previous model. For instance a 1.90m rear passenger can sit behind a similarly- sized driver with space to spare.
While the GS's boot is large enough, its lid and aperture shape mean that bulky cases need to be loaded carefully if you're not to bruise the paintwork.
Up front, the only sour note was the shiny wood used to decorate the driving environment. The GS would benefit from some alloy or faux carbon fibre options as offered by BMW and Benz as the layout, switch placement and quality is exquisite and the wood detracts from it. The dash console's touch pad screen for air-con, trip computer and in car entertainment is much less distracting and doesn't need a handbook for almost instant mastery. The screen doubles as a parking TV and there'll be no excuse for rearward parking scapes with the sonar sensors helping as well. Unfortunately, Sat-Nav is not available yet, although all the hardware is ready.
The driver and front passenger seats are wide, well-shaped and beautifully contrived for long distance travel. Side location is good and the levels of adjustment possible for both the wheel and seat should provide an ideal possie for flyweights to super heavies.
The wood-leather wheel rim mix is lovely, and it proves to be a tactile "reader" of the GS's steering, which is accurate and well-weighted – not always a Lexus strong-point.
Some overseas reports say the GS's ride quality is on the firm side. I don't think so. It's taut, sure, but this is a sports luxury sedan and if a tiny touch of bump-thump is the price you pay for a sharp, communicative chassis, then so be it. On rain-slicked Southland switchbacks, the GS300 is quite a surprise. The same solid car that wafts quietly mile upon mile under the aegis of cruise control, can respond with 5-series and E-class challenging incisiveness when asked to, coursing through bends with knife-like accuracy, displaying sufficient body discipline not to disturb nervous passengers. Impressive.
Braking is good. The classic random wandering dog test (thanks, Rover) proves that you can stop in a heartbeat and steer at the same time, while even in response to gentle dabs, the all-round vented discs feel as if they could stop the world if they wanted to.
The top GS430 V8 model has a standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDM) system. It's less obtrusive and more effective than a conventional Vehicle Stability Control, (VSC), and anticipates and corrects the onset of a vehicle skid or slide with a combination of braking and throttle control. I never felt the GS300 needed such a device and indeed it isn't part of either V6 Lexus's package.
Lexus New Zealand says its new range of GS models will "redefine the luxury car market in this country". I'm not sure it will do quite that, but the new GS is so much of a sea-change compared with previous versions that it may well redefine the New Zealand public's perception of the Lexus marque in general.
By adding delightful styling and commendable nimbleness to the usual Lexus givens of unimpeachable build quality and reliability, the GS turns out to be the best Lexus range yet. But which to buy?
Considering the three GSs are very close in terms of home comforts and luxury and the new V6s so smooth and consummately capable, it's almost as if the V8 is redundant in the range. Its engine note and all-out energy are addictive, but the number of times you'll 'need' such extra urge will be rare.
No, the Sexy Lexy I'd choose would be the $116,000 GS300 Limited. It looks terrific, goes almost as quickly as the V8 and with its upper echelon specification, throws in that radar cruise control, which once tried is a genuine must have. Tarted- up Toyotas? Don't think so.
09 May 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,...4a2021,00.html
Stuff.co.nz
The Lexus brand garnishes its other qualities with sex-appeal for the very first time.
I n North America, Lexus took just 16 years to earn its place on the luxury car market's top shelf next to Audi, Benz, BMW, and to a lesser extent Jaguar. Truth be known, it has dominated that top slot to the Germans' expense for some years and has become a default choice among many young successful Americans, having won more annual J. D. Power satisfaction surveys than the other brands put together.
Despite some sales gains over the past few years, the brand hasn't managed to emulate that top-shelf appeal here, where some have even been known to regard them as tarted Toyotas. Those in the know don't, of course.
A new Lexus that could help move New Zealanders into the US mindset, is the luxury brand's new GS range. It has a beauty absent from previous offerings, with muscular styling, simple detailing and a frontal treatment that its makers say will become the corporate template for future models.
The new GS has visual cues to connect it with its first two generations, but the 2005 model has lost their awkwardness. This is a sexy car.
The range fronts up with a GS430 range- topper that uses a lusty 208kW 4.3-litre V8 which gurgles quietly under the nose in a sort of zen-meets-Nascar sort of way, with enough of a neck-snap in its refined, ethereal repertoire to keep big Aussie V8s at bay. There'll be two GS300s in the line- up too, using a 183kW direct-injected 3-litre V6 to do almost as well as the V8 does, but with quite remarkable fuel efficiency and, if anything, even better refinement levels.
At $103,000, the entry-point GS300 includes an all-leather interior, smart keyless entry system, Vehicle Stability Control, handsfree Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10 airbags, parking sonar, adaptive front headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
The $116,000 GS300 Limited adds a pre- crash safety system, reversing camera, radar-controlled active cruise control and parking sonar.
The $147,000 GS430 tops the line-up with its V8 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) , on top of the GS300 Limited's specification.
Despite the acronyms, the most useful of the GS's tools must surely be the radar- controlled active cruise control. Quietness and refinement can conspire with our wide roads and distractingly spectacular scenery to allow velocities to creep well beyond legal and socially acceptable levels. Fortunately, Lexus has contrived a cruise control system that can be used around corners and among other, sometimes slower traffic. The system uses radar sensors to pick up vehicles in front and adjust the car's speed to maintain a set following distance.
If necessary, the cruise control system will close the throttle and lightly apply the brakes to maintain the pre-set distance, and if more braking is required it will sound an audible alarm, signalling the driver to brake. Once the vehicle ahead has moved out of radar range, the car will slowly accelerate to the pre-set speed.
I tried the system by heading south out of Queenstown on a deliberately meandering route to Lumsden, Gore and eventually Alexandra. Even with necessary stops on the way, I only had to select "resume" on the cruise lever to maintain a safe space between the GS and any traffic ahead.
A bonus to the safety and stressless progress available was the amazing fuel consumption levels possible from such gentle, computer-controlled throttle movements. More than 452km with the cruise control set to match the open road legal limit, plus its accepted "cushion", the GS300 managed an overall reading of 8.6L/100km (32.7mpg).
Somewhere under the curvy bonnet, the new direct-injection V6 appears to do no work at all at New Zealand speeds, vacuuming-up the highway with no wind noise and little from the tyres.
Rear passengers will find the new car's increased wheelbase has liberated much more room for legs and heads than the previous model. For instance a 1.90m rear passenger can sit behind a similarly- sized driver with space to spare.
While the GS's boot is large enough, its lid and aperture shape mean that bulky cases need to be loaded carefully if you're not to bruise the paintwork.
Up front, the only sour note was the shiny wood used to decorate the driving environment. The GS would benefit from some alloy or faux carbon fibre options as offered by BMW and Benz as the layout, switch placement and quality is exquisite and the wood detracts from it. The dash console's touch pad screen for air-con, trip computer and in car entertainment is much less distracting and doesn't need a handbook for almost instant mastery. The screen doubles as a parking TV and there'll be no excuse for rearward parking scapes with the sonar sensors helping as well. Unfortunately, Sat-Nav is not available yet, although all the hardware is ready.
The driver and front passenger seats are wide, well-shaped and beautifully contrived for long distance travel. Side location is good and the levels of adjustment possible for both the wheel and seat should provide an ideal possie for flyweights to super heavies.
The wood-leather wheel rim mix is lovely, and it proves to be a tactile "reader" of the GS's steering, which is accurate and well-weighted – not always a Lexus strong-point.
Some overseas reports say the GS's ride quality is on the firm side. I don't think so. It's taut, sure, but this is a sports luxury sedan and if a tiny touch of bump-thump is the price you pay for a sharp, communicative chassis, then so be it. On rain-slicked Southland switchbacks, the GS300 is quite a surprise. The same solid car that wafts quietly mile upon mile under the aegis of cruise control, can respond with 5-series and E-class challenging incisiveness when asked to, coursing through bends with knife-like accuracy, displaying sufficient body discipline not to disturb nervous passengers. Impressive.
Braking is good. The classic random wandering dog test (thanks, Rover) proves that you can stop in a heartbeat and steer at the same time, while even in response to gentle dabs, the all-round vented discs feel as if they could stop the world if they wanted to.
The top GS430 V8 model has a standard Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDM) system. It's less obtrusive and more effective than a conventional Vehicle Stability Control, (VSC), and anticipates and corrects the onset of a vehicle skid or slide with a combination of braking and throttle control. I never felt the GS300 needed such a device and indeed it isn't part of either V6 Lexus's package.
Lexus New Zealand says its new range of GS models will "redefine the luxury car market in this country". I'm not sure it will do quite that, but the new GS is so much of a sea-change compared with previous versions that it may well redefine the New Zealand public's perception of the Lexus marque in general.
By adding delightful styling and commendable nimbleness to the usual Lexus givens of unimpeachable build quality and reliability, the GS turns out to be the best Lexus range yet. But which to buy?
Considering the three GSs are very close in terms of home comforts and luxury and the new V6s so smooth and consummately capable, it's almost as if the V8 is redundant in the range. Its engine note and all-out energy are addictive, but the number of times you'll 'need' such extra urge will be rare.
No, the Sexy Lexy I'd choose would be the $116,000 GS300 Limited. It looks terrific, goes almost as quickly as the V8 and with its upper echelon specification, throws in that radar cruise control, which once tried is a genuine must have. Tarted- up Toyotas? Don't think so.
09 May 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,...4a2021,00.html
05-14-05, 11:11 AM
#40
Lexus GS 430 - Executive Test Drive
AME Info
Buying a Lexus has been about putting practicality ahead of panache, with most buyers in the prestige market opting for Mercedes, BMW and Audi. The reason behind this trend was that Lexus lacked the style to really compete... that is, until now!
To augment its superb engineering, Lexus is now moving towards beautifying its image and the new GS is a proof that the company is now taking a long hard look at how its products should be portrayed. There are two GS versions - the six-cylinder GS300 and the V8-engined GS430 (which we test here). The latter's 279bhp unit is carried over from the previous line-up, whereas the former now boasts a smooth 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 instead.
While the different power plants cater for different audiences, what one sees is what one gets and on the outside the GS now comes wrapped in a body whose elegant lines are much more attractive than its predecessor's.
A Lexus should have a special interior and the inside of the new GS fits the bill. There is a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for comfort with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.
The GS incorporates a lot of intuitive features. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. The GS430 comes with a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.
The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system. The GS430 also comes with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres.
The output from the V8 isn't vast but it's easily exploited, with a fine spread of torque and a six-speed automatic box to make good use of it. The 279 horses do their job with a zest and exuberance that is quite refreshing, thanks to the wide spread of torque available.
Power is transferred to the road via the rear wheels, with the 6-speed automatic transmission with its wide range of ratios doing a great job of channeling the energy produced up front. The automatic has a multi-mode feature, wherein manual shifts can be actuated to provide a sportier driving feel.
On the road we found the downshifts to be jerky at times but the chassis has such good balance and fluency, having great front-end grip and near precise rear-drive handling. The suspension definitely has a sporty bias, delivering a hard ride on poor surfaces - in many ways thanks to the 18-inch alloys.
But on smooth black top, the GS430 is a joy to drive and drive hard. It tracks straight and handling is absolutely fluent. There is tautness to this car that is so inspiring, and with all that hi-tech working unseen for the driver; the GS430 can raise your ego by several notches. But notwithstanding, the GS430 is still some way behind its competition in terms of pure driving pleasure (read that as sporty) and Lexus has to work a bit harder in this respect to make converts out of its detractors.
Now that it has got the looks, it needs some more pep and excitement to truly emerge as a global car. Knowing Lexus, this shouldn't be a problem.
Key Technical Specifications:
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6/ 4.3 Liter V8
Power: 239 bhp/ 279 bhp
Torque: 312Nm/ 416Nm
Body Type: Sedan
Transmission: Automatic - Tiptronic
This story was posted by Pankaj Dev, Managing Editor, Auto Emirates
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 14 - 2005
http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/60001.html
AME Info
Buying a Lexus has been about putting practicality ahead of panache, with most buyers in the prestige market opting for Mercedes, BMW and Audi. The reason behind this trend was that Lexus lacked the style to really compete... that is, until now!
To augment its superb engineering, Lexus is now moving towards beautifying its image and the new GS is a proof that the company is now taking a long hard look at how its products should be portrayed. There are two GS versions - the six-cylinder GS300 and the V8-engined GS430 (which we test here). The latter's 279bhp unit is carried over from the previous line-up, whereas the former now boasts a smooth 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 instead.
While the different power plants cater for different audiences, what one sees is what one gets and on the outside the GS now comes wrapped in a body whose elegant lines are much more attractive than its predecessor's.
A Lexus should have a special interior and the inside of the new GS fits the bill. There is a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for comfort with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.
The GS incorporates a lot of intuitive features. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. The GS430 comes with a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.
The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system. The GS430 also comes with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres.
The output from the V8 isn't vast but it's easily exploited, with a fine spread of torque and a six-speed automatic box to make good use of it. The 279 horses do their job with a zest and exuberance that is quite refreshing, thanks to the wide spread of torque available.
Power is transferred to the road via the rear wheels, with the 6-speed automatic transmission with its wide range of ratios doing a great job of channeling the energy produced up front. The automatic has a multi-mode feature, wherein manual shifts can be actuated to provide a sportier driving feel.
On the road we found the downshifts to be jerky at times but the chassis has such good balance and fluency, having great front-end grip and near precise rear-drive handling. The suspension definitely has a sporty bias, delivering a hard ride on poor surfaces - in many ways thanks to the 18-inch alloys.
But on smooth black top, the GS430 is a joy to drive and drive hard. It tracks straight and handling is absolutely fluent. There is tautness to this car that is so inspiring, and with all that hi-tech working unseen for the driver; the GS430 can raise your ego by several notches. But notwithstanding, the GS430 is still some way behind its competition in terms of pure driving pleasure (read that as sporty) and Lexus has to work a bit harder in this respect to make converts out of its detractors.
Now that it has got the looks, it needs some more pep and excitement to truly emerge as a global car. Knowing Lexus, this shouldn't be a problem.
Key Technical Specifications:
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6/ 4.3 Liter V8
Power: 239 bhp/ 279 bhp
Torque: 312Nm/ 416Nm
Body Type: Sedan
Transmission: Automatic - Tiptronic
This story was posted by Pankaj Dev, Managing Editor, Auto Emirates
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 14 - 2005
http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/60001.html
05-14-05, 11:27 AM
#41
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knowing where this article is based, it comes as no surprise.
Lexus is a very much respected brand in the middle east, especially the gulf states including but not limited to the united arab emirates, bahrain, kuwait, etc.
Lexus is looked upon as an equal to mercedes, bmw and far superior than audi, infiniti
What has earned lexus this respect is its high durability and reliability is adverse summer conditions (we are talking about 50C+), as u would imagine - the reliance on the airconditioning is very heavy and for the car to not overheat is of paramount importance
Sadly, all german brands have failed to perform in such conditions (this is undebateable in this part of the world) while lexus has continued to be a great performer and clear winner
Lexus is a very much respected brand in the middle east, especially the gulf states including but not limited to the united arab emirates, bahrain, kuwait, etc.
Lexus is looked upon as an equal to mercedes, bmw and far superior than audi, infiniti
What has earned lexus this respect is its high durability and reliability is adverse summer conditions (we are talking about 50C+), as u would imagine - the reliance on the airconditioning is very heavy and for the car to not overheat is of paramount importance
Sadly, all german brands have failed to perform in such conditions (this is undebateable in this part of the world) while lexus has continued to be a great performer and clear winner
Originally Posted by enigma354
Lexus GS 430 - Executive Test Drive
AME Info
Buying a Lexus has been about putting practicality ahead of panache, with most buyers in the prestige market opting for Mercedes, BMW and Audi. The reason behind this trend was that Lexus lacked the style to really compete... that is, until now!
To augment its superb engineering, Lexus is now moving towards beautifying its image and the new GS is a proof that the company is now taking a long hard look at how its products should be portrayed. There are two GS versions - the six-cylinder GS300 and the V8-engined GS430 (which we test here). The latter's 279bhp unit is carried over from the previous line-up, whereas the former now boasts a smooth 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 instead.
While the different power plants cater for different audiences, what one sees is what one gets and on the outside the GS now comes wrapped in a body whose elegant lines are much more attractive than its predecessor's.
A Lexus should have a special interior and the inside of the new GS fits the bill. There is a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for comfort with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.
The GS incorporates a lot of intuitive features. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. The GS430 comes with a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.
The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system. The GS430 also comes with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres.
The output from the V8 isn't vast but it's easily exploited, with a fine spread of torque and a six-speed automatic box to make good use of it. The 279 horses do their job with a zest and exuberance that is quite refreshing, thanks to the wide spread of torque available.
Power is transferred to the road via the rear wheels, with the 6-speed automatic transmission with its wide range of ratios doing a great job of channeling the energy produced up front. The automatic has a multi-mode feature, wherein manual shifts can be actuated to provide a sportier driving feel.
On the road we found the downshifts to be jerky at times but the chassis has such good balance and fluency, having great front-end grip and near precise rear-drive handling. The suspension definitely has a sporty bias, delivering a hard ride on poor surfaces - in many ways thanks to the 18-inch alloys.
But on smooth black top, the GS430 is a joy to drive and drive hard. It tracks straight and handling is absolutely fluent. There is tautness to this car that is so inspiring, and with all that hi-tech working unseen for the driver; the GS430 can raise your ego by several notches. But notwithstanding, the GS430 is still some way behind its competition in terms of pure driving pleasure (read that as sporty) and Lexus has to work a bit harder in this respect to make converts out of its detractors.
Now that it has got the looks, it needs some more pep and excitement to truly emerge as a global car. Knowing Lexus, this shouldn't be a problem.
Key Technical Specifications:
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6/ 4.3 Liter V8
Power: 239 bhp/ 279 bhp
Torque: 312Nm/ 416Nm
Body Type: Sedan
Transmission: Automatic - Tiptronic
This story was posted by Pankaj Dev, Managing Editor, Auto Emirates
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 14 - 2005
http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/60001.html
AME Info
Buying a Lexus has been about putting practicality ahead of panache, with most buyers in the prestige market opting for Mercedes, BMW and Audi. The reason behind this trend was that Lexus lacked the style to really compete... that is, until now!
To augment its superb engineering, Lexus is now moving towards beautifying its image and the new GS is a proof that the company is now taking a long hard look at how its products should be portrayed. There are two GS versions - the six-cylinder GS300 and the V8-engined GS430 (which we test here). The latter's 279bhp unit is carried over from the previous line-up, whereas the former now boasts a smooth 228bhp 3.0-litre V6 instead.
While the different power plants cater for different audiences, what one sees is what one gets and on the outside the GS now comes wrapped in a body whose elegant lines are much more attractive than its predecessor's.
A Lexus should have a special interior and the inside of the new GS fits the bill. There is a precision, luxury feel with ultra-premium wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for comfort with touch points that convey quality and controls that respond with confidence.
The GS incorporates a lot of intuitive features. It begins with the Smart Access keyless entry and new push-to-start ignition system that allows the driver to keep the access fob in their pocket or purse. A new gauge cluster was developed that features machined aluminum facings. The GS430 comes with a Mark Levinson designed hi-fi, unique to Lexus.
The Lexus DVD-based satellite navigation system is offered with a simple touch-screen operating system. The GS430 also comes with the Lexus Parking Assist system, which uses a rear-view camera linked to the central display screen to provide ideal guidance for reverse manoeuvres.
The output from the V8 isn't vast but it's easily exploited, with a fine spread of torque and a six-speed automatic box to make good use of it. The 279 horses do their job with a zest and exuberance that is quite refreshing, thanks to the wide spread of torque available.
Power is transferred to the road via the rear wheels, with the 6-speed automatic transmission with its wide range of ratios doing a great job of channeling the energy produced up front. The automatic has a multi-mode feature, wherein manual shifts can be actuated to provide a sportier driving feel.
On the road we found the downshifts to be jerky at times but the chassis has such good balance and fluency, having great front-end grip and near precise rear-drive handling. The suspension definitely has a sporty bias, delivering a hard ride on poor surfaces - in many ways thanks to the 18-inch alloys.
But on smooth black top, the GS430 is a joy to drive and drive hard. It tracks straight and handling is absolutely fluent. There is tautness to this car that is so inspiring, and with all that hi-tech working unseen for the driver; the GS430 can raise your ego by several notches. But notwithstanding, the GS430 is still some way behind its competition in terms of pure driving pleasure (read that as sporty) and Lexus has to work a bit harder in this respect to make converts out of its detractors.
Now that it has got the looks, it needs some more pep and excitement to truly emerge as a global car. Knowing Lexus, this shouldn't be a problem.
Key Technical Specifications:
Engine: 3.0 Liter V6/ 4.3 Liter V8
Power: 239 bhp/ 279 bhp
Torque: 312Nm/ 416Nm
Body Type: Sedan
Transmission: Automatic - Tiptronic
This story was posted by Pankaj Dev, Managing Editor, Auto Emirates
United Arab Emirates: Saturday, May 14 - 2005
http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/60001.html
06-07-05, 11:50 AM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
Another very positive review of the GS430
http://www.thecarconnection.com/Vehi...183.A8685.html
2006 Lexus GS 430
Is it live, or is it a Lexus?
by John Pearley Huffman (2005-05-30)
As an exercise in software engineering, the new Lexus GS sedans may be the most impressive things on four wheels. There are so many high tech features on this thing that just making sure that the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system can keep the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system from mucking up the Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) without impinging on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) syst***s operation or clogging up the Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) or driving the electronically controlled throttle nuts is an achievement of which Microsoft would be proud. And that's before throwing in the complexity of the optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that tautens the suspension, preemptively retracts the seat belts, pre-initializes the BA system, and automatically applies the brake when the driver doesn't if the PCS determines a collision is unavoidable. Or the even starting to consider the Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) in the stereo system that maintains consistent sound levels at varying vehicle speeds.
For the record, the acronyms for the technologies in the above paragraph use full half of the alphabet's 26 letters. As you read this Lexus engineers are surely hard at work coming up with fresh gadgets that can make use of the F, H, J, K, N, O, Q, T, U, W, X, Y, and Z.
But no one has ever been attracted to a car because it packs some damned sexy algorithms. And in the ways that have always mattered, the new GS is an altogether impressive collection of bits, bytes, and pieces.
Hitting the German's soft spot
Aimed straight at the now-vulnerable BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class, the 2006 GS is at Lexus dealers now in both rear-drive GS300 and GS430 forms. The GS300 drops the venerable Supra straight-six in favor of a new 245-horsepower, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve, VVT-i 3GR-FSE V-6. This is yet another member of the V-6 family from which also spawns the 4.0-liter V-6 used in Toyota trucks and the 3.5-liter unit planted in the new Toyota Avalon but throws in the novelty of direct gasoline injection. The GS 430 on the other hand gets the carryover 3UZ-FE 300-horsepower, 4.3-liter, all-aluminum, DOHC, 32-valve, VVT-I V-8 from 2005's GS 430 and the larger LS 430. Both engines are backed by new six-speed automatic transmissions - the A960E in the GS 300 and A761E in the GS 430. There's also a new all-wheel-drive version of the GS 300 and that gets its own six-speed automatic known as the A760H (an all-wheel-drive version of the V-8 car is promised for later).
While the GS bodywork is new it carries forward themes that were established in the car's first two generations including the thick C-pillars and wedge-shaped nose. But this car is a much more sophisticated design with nicely sculpted sides and wheel openings drawn closely around the tires. The corner-mounted headlight buckets are particularly good-looking pieces of architecture. GS 300's get ten-spoke, 17-inch wheels and P225/50R17 tires while the 430 is equipped with a set of five-spoke 18s inside P245/40R18 tires.
Virtually every conceivable luxury amenity comes standard on both GS models and what isn't conceivable is likely on the options list. But that's true for virtually all cars in this $50K-and-up price range and what distinguishes the cars is how they work.
Sophisticated works
The GS works flat-out wonderfully. Both engines have the temperaments of puppy dogs and the eagerness of she-wolves in heat. Of course the V-8 is quicker, but the six is more than adequate for virtually anyone who doesn't crave the biggest-block bragging rights. The chassis is supple and responsive with the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension soaking up bumps with grace, aplomb, and without ruffling even the chiffon on your prom date's dress.
Inside the GS is plush without being either over-decorated or overwhelmed by technical do-hickeys. Though this is one of the world's most technically complex machines (car, ship, aircraft, or spacecraft), Lexus makes most of it transparent to the driver. In fact it even hides some of the less often used controls (like mirror adjustments and trip odometer re-set) in a pod to the left of the steering wheel that emerges from the dash when they are needed and then recedes back into its cubbyhole when they aren't. The seats feel great, the instrumentation glow lustrously, and the Mark Levinson audio system could only be bettered if the car came equipped with the ghosts of Ella Fitzgerald and the entire Duke Ellington Orchestra performing concerts at the base of the windshield.
But the one disconcerting element in the GS is that you're never quite sure that you're getting honest reactions from the car or a simulation of honest reactions from the car's computers. Is this real steering feedback? Or the electronic power steering system shuttling just the right amount of effort and response to make you think this is genuinely perfect steering? Are the brakes providing progressive, well-controlled modulation? Or are the braking systems flailing away down there while sending soothing signals to your left foot? Who knows?
In so many ways the new GS is more attractive than either the 5-Series or the E-Class (it's better looking than the 5, and drives better than the E) that it's bound to take sales from those two icons. But at some point are we actually driving a car? Or just along for the ride in a really good driving simulator?
06-15-11, 08:44 AM
#43
Not 2006 but this was the Closest Review Thread I Cound Find
Summary Rating:
Styling (90%)
Accessories (84%)
Space and Access (86%)
Comfort (87%)
Performance (85%)
Driving Dynamics (85%)
Safety (85%)
General Appreciation (90%)
With the amount of gravel and debris on our roads this spring, the AWD system in the GS kept wheel spin to a minimum and me on track. When I went out to play boy-racer on some of our dirtier interchanges, the AWD system along with traction control helped me stay on my chosen line regardless of how much fine sand was left on the road.Styling (90%)
Accessories (84%)
Space and Access (86%)
Comfort (87%)
Performance (85%)
Driving Dynamics (85%)
Safety (85%)
General Appreciation (90%)
I also managed to go down a few of our soggier non-paved roads. Aside from ground clearance issues on some roads (this is a car after all); there was never a doubt about the car’s ability to get through the soft spots. I did stay away from some of the roads that were underwater. If you can’t see it, don’t drive on it. Besides, road crews will have enough to fix without me tearing up another chunk of ruined road.
The GS 350 AWD can still embarrass many so called sports/performance sedans without having the driver break into a sweat.
Luxury and Performance Driving
1 of the things I did notice while driving was that the emphasis of the GS has shifted from the original sport to luxury. That does not mean sport has lessened, just that luxury has increased. The GS 350 AWD can still embarrass many so called sports/performance sedans without having the driver break into a sweat. It just doesn’t feel like it until you push the pedal past the halfway point.
Getting the rpm up and the transmission down a gear or two does wonders for the ability of the car to get out and get by everyone. If you really want to have a go at rowing your own way through the gears, Lexus does provide a “sport shift mode” that you access by moving the shifter lever into the +/- gate and then have at it!
Most of the time, I just left the shifter in drive. Part of the reason was laziness on my part because the electronics did a very good job of getting me into the right gear at the right time and part of the reason was that loafing along in this car was very comfortable.
Handling
When it comes to comfort and sport, the GS strikes a great balance. The front buckets fit a broad range of sizes, yet have firm sides to hold you in place when going a bit faster than everyone else around some corners. At the same time, the suspension soaks up all the road thumps and bumps. In addition, when you smoke into a corner, the suspension doesn’t let the car feel like it is going to trip over the outer front wheel.
The front buckets fit a broad range of sizes, yet have firm sides to hold you in place when going a bit faster than everyone else around some corners.
City Driving
Back to reality, with the side seat cruise control (aka, the wife) in place and the list of shops to go to firmly in hand, the GS 350 comes through as a luxury car. Decent side visibility means being able to change lanes easily. Parallel parking takes a bit of practice because the car is a few cm longer than you think it is and getting the angles just right in our parking spaces is a necessity.
Trunk Space
As for what will fit in the trunk, don’t go there. It will hold more groceries than I want to carry or for that matter, pay for. I know it will hold golf clubs without problem and a couple of hockey bags. The sticks are a bit long, but that is what ski pass through spaces are for.
Still Pursuing Perfection
Not all was perfect in Lexus-land as there were a couple minor points that I didn’t like. First up was the fact that the center arm rest could slide forward enough to cover off the heating/cooling switches for the front seats. My other complaint is that this car is turning into a button pusher’s delight.
The sweeping lines start at the front grille, which is distinctly Lexus.
When you have to push a button to get at more buttons, then it is time to think about what everything does and what really needs to get done. In the GS 350 AWD, there is a button to open a panel that gives way to the mirror adjustments and other lesser adjustments. To me, it is a distraction I don’t need or want.
Design
Outside, engineers have given the GS 350 AWD a stance and a design that complements the way the car goes. It looks purposeful and comfortable. The sweeping lines start at the front grille, which is distinctly Lexus and carry right on up and over to a trunk line that seems to have a slight lip on it that could act as a spoiler. The typical “shark’s fin” antenna seems to fit right in with the lines of the car and not look like an add-on that some kid with no taste just plunked down.
If you ask an owner what he thinks of his GS 350 AWD and all you get is a Gaulic-like shrug and an “it’s OK”, look closely upon his face. The grin that follows will be a give away to what he really feels.
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