2013 Lexus GS 350, First Look

2013 Lexus GS 350

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. Two other GS models will be unveiled by the time the 2013 Lexus GS 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 -- a Hybrid, and an F-Sport. The F-Sport will feature the same engine as the regular 2013 Lexus GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.

Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid will outperform the current gen V-8-powered GS 460.
Since Lexus didn't spend its whole development budget on engines for the GS, it had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. In addition to Standard mode, the GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy. SPORT S+ builds upon SPORT S by firming up the suspension, tightening up the steering, and remapping the stability control system to allow more aggressive driving. Both SPORT S and SPORTS S+ feature meter lighting in a fierce-looking red.

The 2013 GS looks much more aggressive than the previous model.
The rear bumper and underbody were designed to help the GS slice through the air while remaining firmly planted to the road. Like in the rest of the car, Lexus says aerodynamics play a key role here, as the grille is designed to improve the flow of air around the car. The GS incorporates tech favorites like Pandora, iHeartRadio, Face book, Yelp, and Open Table, among others.

Lexus also loaded up the GS with safety technology, including a system that uses the car's radar cruise control to warn the driver about objects on the road, and an infrared camera to detect if the driver has noticed an object or not. If no further action is taken, the GS will start braking 2 seconds before impact, Lexus says, to help to lessen the severity of the collision. Lexus also will offer night vision, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist.

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda will be taking over the helm at Lexus, and played a big part in the GS project, proudly telling us, "This car is amazing to drive." The Lexus GS was a comfortable, reliable and finely crafted midsize sedan. But sporty? Lexus hopes to remedy that situation with the 2013 Lexus GS 350, unveiled this weekend at Pebble Beach.

Lexus engineers are said to have taken the LFA super car as their inspiration for a sportier GS sedan.
When consumers think about the pinnacle of luxury, we want them to think Lexus, Toyoda said. We hand picked a team from all over the world to head up a new Global Lexus Division at TMC and have combined engineering, design, and marketing all under one unit, separate from any other group.”

Since I am so passionate about the future of Lexus, I wanted to be personally involved, Toyoda added. “We are reasonably certain they have accomplished this goal in the 2013 Lexus GS 350. “Today, buyers in the mid-size luxury segment want a more engaging driving experience, styling that makes a statement, and a roomier interior package, said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. In the new 2013 Lexus GS 350, Lexus wanted both strength and agility so they drew upon the Lexus LFA super car for inspiration, carrying over key elements for a more engaging driving experience. Like the IS-F, the 2013 Lexus GS 350 emits a distinctive engine sound and exhaust tonalities – an engine that literally sings to you.

The roughly two-inch wider track works a revised suspension design to create a more solid stance and excellent cornering ability.
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 features a 3.5-liter V6, four cams/four valves per cylinder, with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-I). The transmission incorporates many features of the aforementioned Lexus IS-F. These include startlingly quick shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes operated by the new Lexus Drive Mode selector. An electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that enhances traction in a variety of driving conditions is optional