Lexus: GS News
#562
Senior Moderator
Road Test: 2009 Lexus GS 350 AWD
From here:
It's been several years since I had been behind the wheel of one of Lexus's GS series of mid-sized sport sedans. The last time was with the GS 300 AWD with the then-new availability of all-wheel drive.
Its significance at that time was that it was the first Lexus automobile to be fitted with the drivetrain, joining the ranks of other luxury Japanese makes in offering the traction-enhancing system. Infiniti with its G35x and M35x and Acura's RL (and now TL) had also gotten in on the act. On the European side, Audi had been exploiting all-wheel drive for years, while Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Saab had also seen benefits to adding AWD to models in markets where snow was a significant factor for at least a portion of the year.
The biggest difference in the intervening years is that Lexus has anted up more power for the base GS and changed the numeric portion of the name as a result. As the GS 350, the fastback four-door certainly benefits from the stronger personality of the 303-horsepower, 3.5-litre DOHC V6. No, the extra ponies don't alter the fundamental fact the GS is more of a grand tourer than an out-and-out sport sedan, but the car's increased athleticism is duly noted. Having another 58 hp (the GS 300 was fitted with a 245-hp, 3.0L V6) in a car with a curb weight of more than 1,700 kilograms will do this.
When I say grand tourer, that shouldn't be construed as a negative in any sense. Lexus has always had the smarts to call the GS a "performance luxury" sedan rather than using the "sport" descriptor, acknowledging the brand's desire to indulge the driver (and passengers) as much as involve him or her. That said, the GS 350 will respond when the gas pedal is prodded.
The V6 is hooked up to a close-ratio six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The manual mode is precise (although not as lightning quick as, say, Audi's DSG or Porsche's PDK units) and extracts maximum acceleration out of the car (zero to 100 kilometres an hour in about seven seconds). Fuel economy for the week was a reasonable 11 litres per 100 kilometres in my customary mix of highway and city/suburban driving - premium unleaded recommended.
Though not set up to tackle the Monte Carlo rally's Col de Turini, the GS 350 AWD will not embarrass itself on a curvy bit of road. There's slightly more lean when one gets aggressive on an on-ramp, but the tires stay glued to the road. Plus, it's just plain comforting to know that the all-wheel-drive system has your back when the weather chooses not to cooperate. Plus, in addition to AWD, the GS 350 is equipped with additional safety items such as vehicle stability control and traction control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (a sophisticated handling and control system), Hill-Start Assist, ABS and an assortment of air bags.
As mentioned earlier, the other aspect to the GS is its ability to coddle, starting with an independent suspension that filters the worst bits of road to keep occupants in a happy frame of mind while still providing enough connectivity to keep one aware. Likewise, the electric power steering has a light, positive feel to it.
The biggest surprise in the three years since I last drove the GS AWD is how much it's come down in price. The GS 300 I tested then had a list price of $66,700 for the AWD model; the 2009 GS 350 is a far more affordable $53,900. And, I didn't see any overt cost-cutting measures to cheapen the product. There's a lot to enjoy in the Lexus - upscale leather with wood and chrome accents, all the modern power conveniences including sunroof and premium Mark Levinson audio system with 10 speakers, plus the added touches such as the keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to lock/unlock the doors simply by touching the door handle (as long as the keyfob is in his pocket) and the push-button starter. The only warning for taller drivers is that the sunroof does cut into headroom.
My original thought when testing the GS 300 three years ago was that someone wanting the best AWD luxury "sport" sedan should probably keep looking, but, if travelling long distances in style and comfort, relaxed and confident in the tractive abilities of the car was of greater importance, then the Lexus was definitely worth scoping out. Not much has changed since then. The GS has aged very well, gaining power and losing price but not amenities. As such, it's still a truly decent ride.
Its significance at that time was that it was the first Lexus automobile to be fitted with the drivetrain, joining the ranks of other luxury Japanese makes in offering the traction-enhancing system. Infiniti with its G35x and M35x and Acura's RL (and now TL) had also gotten in on the act. On the European side, Audi had been exploiting all-wheel drive for years, while Mercedes, BMW, Volvo and Saab had also seen benefits to adding AWD to models in markets where snow was a significant factor for at least a portion of the year.
The biggest difference in the intervening years is that Lexus has anted up more power for the base GS and changed the numeric portion of the name as a result. As the GS 350, the fastback four-door certainly benefits from the stronger personality of the 303-horsepower, 3.5-litre DOHC V6. No, the extra ponies don't alter the fundamental fact the GS is more of a grand tourer than an out-and-out sport sedan, but the car's increased athleticism is duly noted. Having another 58 hp (the GS 300 was fitted with a 245-hp, 3.0L V6) in a car with a curb weight of more than 1,700 kilograms will do this.
When I say grand tourer, that shouldn't be construed as a negative in any sense. Lexus has always had the smarts to call the GS a "performance luxury" sedan rather than using the "sport" descriptor, acknowledging the brand's desire to indulge the driver (and passengers) as much as involve him or her. That said, the GS 350 will respond when the gas pedal is prodded.
The V6 is hooked up to a close-ratio six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The manual mode is precise (although not as lightning quick as, say, Audi's DSG or Porsche's PDK units) and extracts maximum acceleration out of the car (zero to 100 kilometres an hour in about seven seconds). Fuel economy for the week was a reasonable 11 litres per 100 kilometres in my customary mix of highway and city/suburban driving - premium unleaded recommended.
Though not set up to tackle the Monte Carlo rally's Col de Turini, the GS 350 AWD will not embarrass itself on a curvy bit of road. There's slightly more lean when one gets aggressive on an on-ramp, but the tires stay glued to the road. Plus, it's just plain comforting to know that the all-wheel-drive system has your back when the weather chooses not to cooperate. Plus, in addition to AWD, the GS 350 is equipped with additional safety items such as vehicle stability control and traction control, Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (a sophisticated handling and control system), Hill-Start Assist, ABS and an assortment of air bags.
As mentioned earlier, the other aspect to the GS is its ability to coddle, starting with an independent suspension that filters the worst bits of road to keep occupants in a happy frame of mind while still providing enough connectivity to keep one aware. Likewise, the electric power steering has a light, positive feel to it.
The biggest surprise in the three years since I last drove the GS AWD is how much it's come down in price. The GS 300 I tested then had a list price of $66,700 for the AWD model; the 2009 GS 350 is a far more affordable $53,900. And, I didn't see any overt cost-cutting measures to cheapen the product. There's a lot to enjoy in the Lexus - upscale leather with wood and chrome accents, all the modern power conveniences including sunroof and premium Mark Levinson audio system with 10 speakers, plus the added touches such as the keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to lock/unlock the doors simply by touching the door handle (as long as the keyfob is in his pocket) and the push-button starter. The only warning for taller drivers is that the sunroof does cut into headroom.
My original thought when testing the GS 300 three years ago was that someone wanting the best AWD luxury "sport" sedan should probably keep looking, but, if travelling long distances in style and comfort, relaxed and confident in the tractive abilities of the car was of greater importance, then the Lexus was definitely worth scoping out. Not much has changed since then. The GS has aged very well, gaining power and losing price but not amenities. As such, it's still a truly decent ride.
#564
Senior Moderator
I've always liked the exterior of the GS, but I've never driven one or even sat in one to know what the handling or interior is like. It's out of my price range anyway.
#566
Senior Moderator
#567
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
#568
Senior Moderator
#569
Senior Moderator
It could be argued that the TL has a better interior...
#570
The sizzle in the Steak
The GS is vanilla...or lets say "conservative" design....but compared to the TL....it's the most beautiful car in the world.
#571
Chloe @ 17mo
#572
Chloe @ 17mo
Compared to the TL, the GS looks very dowdy and feminine. No go. Though if you were to price it in the same ball park as the TL, then it'd be a hard choice for me to make.
#573
The sizzle in the Steak
#574
Pro
I'm a bit confused by the review. It's really not saying much. what source? who?
I tested the GS before getting the 528i. The vehicle feels a bit bland. The size is one of the biggest issues - little head room and small trunk. The manumatic shifts directions are opposite of what one wants (pull back to shift up a gear).
Apparently it's one of the less reliable vehicles from Lexus.
Styling wise, it looks conservative enough. Compared to TL, I certainly would rather be seen in the GS.
I tested the GS before getting the 528i. The vehicle feels a bit bland. The size is one of the biggest issues - little head room and small trunk. The manumatic shifts directions are opposite of what one wants (pull back to shift up a gear).
Apparently it's one of the less reliable vehicles from Lexus.
Styling wise, it looks conservative enough. Compared to TL, I certainly would rather be seen in the GS.
#576
I'm not a big fan of either car's exteriors, so if I had to choose, I would definitely pick the TL SH-AWD and pocket the $10,000. Given that the AWD TL is tuned for a sportier ride than the GS, I really don't see what the GS has going for it, assuming one can tolerate the TL's exterior. I don't think the difference in exteriors is worth $10,000, but that's just me.
#577
The sizzle in the Steak
I'm not a big fan of either car's exteriors, so if I had to choose, I would definitely pick the TL SH-AWD and pocket the $10,000. Given that the AWD TL is tuned for a sportier ride than the GS, I really don't see what the GS has going for it, assuming one can tolerate the TL's exterior. I don't think the difference in exteriors is worth $10,000, but that's just me.
Next you are going to say "assuming pigs can fly".....or..."assuming hell freezes over......or....
#578
I'm not a fan of the GS's interior but in this case, I'd give it the nod over the TL. The TL just has that 'trying too hard' vibe to it. Yes I know they're aiming for techno luxury, but all those silver painted pieces. And even the new aluminum trim looks fake.
#579
Considering the economic situation, the TL is still selling at a respectable rate, so some people don't have major issues with the exterior. Obviously, it may not seem that way based on this forum, but the people on this forum represent only a small portion of the TL's potential market. Anyway, is the GS 350 AWD worth $53,000, when there are competitors priced at thousands less?
#580
Punk Rocker
So if Hyundai built a well designed interior and used Sonata quality materials, using your logic it's luxury. Luxury is in the details. Details usely are present in higher quality materials, hence the higher cost. Luxury brands like BMW and Audi use very high grade interior apppointments. Design is subjective.
#581
Pro
Considering the economic situation, the TL is still selling at a respectable rate, so some people don't have major issues with the exterior. Obviously, it may not seem that way based on this forum, but the people on this forum represent only a small portion of the TL's potential market. Anyway, is the GS 350 AWD worth $53,000, when there are competitors priced at thousands less?
This discussion is mainly about the design.
Performance and value wise, some people would rather give up a bit on size, electronic toys and AWD for better materials and RWD. GS is in a tough segment and its main rival is the E class. In this regard, the GS represents a lot of value.
#582
The sizzle in the Steak
Considering the economic situation, the TL is still selling at a respectable rate, so some people don't have major issues with the exterior. Obviously, it may not seem that way based on this forum, but the people on this forum represent only a small portion of the TL's potential market. Anyway, is the GS 350 AWD worth $53,000, when there are competitors priced at thousands less?
#583
Safety Car
2011
It's looking like 2011 will be the year a next-generation Lexus GS finally hits U.S. showrooms. When it does, as we've previously reported, expect to see a high performance Lexus GS F version join the party.
Sitting on a new platform, the base Lexus GS (the present 2010 Lexus GS 460 is pictured) will lose around 1 inch from its front overhang while width and tread will both expand by roughly the same amount. Wheelbase will remain the same at 112.2 inches, but cabin height will stretch 1.3 inches.
Most surprising will be the change in engine specs. Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6 -- most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 will become the top of the range. About a year after launch, a 2.5-liter hybrid will reportedly be added to the GS lineup.
In contrast, the GS F variant will employ the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but with strategic modifications including revamped ECU and exhaust. Horsepower will reportedly be boosted from 417 hp to as much as 464 hp. While that doesn't touch cars like the Cadillac CTS-V's 556-hp, the GS F should no doubt be plenty fast.
The new GS F should handle well as well. Arguably the most impressive piece of new technology on the GS F will be its (right-left rear) torque split mechanism fitted to the rear drive wheels. This device is being likened locally to Honda's SH-AWD or Mitsubishi's AYC unit, with the big difference being that the latter two examples are all-wheel drive, while the GS F is rear drive.
Rivaling the BMW M5, Benz AMG E63 and the CTS-V, the GS F will also incorporate a lighter platform and some carbon fiber body parts to get pounds down to a target weight of around 3530 lbs. Also expected to join the GS in 2011 calendar is a new Lexus IS, and given the news of the GS F, we wouldn't be surprised to see a next-generation IS F as well.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDucFtL2
Sitting on a new platform, the base Lexus GS (the present 2010 Lexus GS 460 is pictured) will lose around 1 inch from its front overhang while width and tread will both expand by roughly the same amount. Wheelbase will remain the same at 112.2 inches, but cabin height will stretch 1.3 inches.
Most surprising will be the change in engine specs. Gone is the current 4.6-liter V-8, replaced by a 2.5-liter V-6 -- most likely a version of the engine presently found in the IS. The present 3.5-liter V-6 will become the top of the range. About a year after launch, a 2.5-liter hybrid will reportedly be added to the GS lineup.
In contrast, the GS F variant will employ the IS F's 5.0-liter V-8, but with strategic modifications including revamped ECU and exhaust. Horsepower will reportedly be boosted from 417 hp to as much as 464 hp. While that doesn't touch cars like the Cadillac CTS-V's 556-hp, the GS F should no doubt be plenty fast.
The new GS F should handle well as well. Arguably the most impressive piece of new technology on the GS F will be its (right-left rear) torque split mechanism fitted to the rear drive wheels. This device is being likened locally to Honda's SH-AWD or Mitsubishi's AYC unit, with the big difference being that the latter two examples are all-wheel drive, while the GS F is rear drive.
Rivaling the BMW M5, Benz AMG E63 and the CTS-V, the GS F will also incorporate a lighter platform and some carbon fiber body parts to get pounds down to a target weight of around 3530 lbs. Also expected to join the GS in 2011 calendar is a new Lexus IS, and given the news of the GS F, we wouldn't be surprised to see a next-generation IS F as well.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...#ixzz0ZDucFtL2
#584
I'm the Firestarter
3500 lbs, that's pretty impressive for a car in that class!
#587
Honda Fanboy
A midsize 4-door luxury car with a large V8 weighing only 300lbs more than the LFA and almost 300lbs lighter than the compact IS-F? Don't think thats going to be possible at the price-point the buying public is willing to fork out for a GS.
#588
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Somewhere out there
Age: 47
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The GS250 will probably be for overseas markets such as China (where heavy taxes are placed on vehicles with more than 3.0L) and Europe (where the majority of BMW/MB sold are 4 cylinders and low displacement 6 cylinders). In the US expect pretty much the same lineup as the current one. V6, V8, hybrid, and F.
As far as the details of the report I highly doubt any of them are true (3500lb GS? please), but it is exciting to hear that an F model is in the works for the next generation
As far as the details of the report I highly doubt any of them are true (3500lb GS? please), but it is exciting to hear that an F model is in the works for the next generation
#589
Race Director
Why is anyone surprised that in the run up to the much more strict 2016 EPA mileage rules, makers are dumbing down drivetrains in their new models. That 2.5V6 will probably make about 230HP and will provide about the same performance as a GS300 from 5+ years ago - with better mileage. The weight issue can be solved with some trickery - like how the 5 series front frame is aluminum. They only mentioned the F variant getting down to 3500lbs - the regular models will probably be heavier.
#590
#592
What Would Don Draper Do?
The GS250 will probably be for overseas markets such as China (where heavy taxes are placed on vehicles with more than 3.0L) and Europe (where the majority of BMW/MB sold are 4 cylinders and low displacement 6 cylinders). In the US expect pretty much the same lineup as the current one. V6, V8, hybrid, and F.
As far as the details of the report I highly doubt any of them are true (3500lb GS? please), but it is exciting to hear that an F model is in the works for the next generation
As far as the details of the report I highly doubt any of them are true (3500lb GS? please), but it is exciting to hear that an F model is in the works for the next generation
#593
I'm the Firestarter
#594
Safety Car
Test Mule
The current Lexus GS luxury sedan has been on the market since the 2006 model year so it’s not surprising the 1st development test-mules for the next-generation model, due late next year, have been spotted. And the new car can’t come soon enough given the recent launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, and the next-generation Audi A6 is just around the corner.
Hidden under the sheet metal of the current GS seen in these latest spy shots is a brand new platform, expected to be sportier and more efficient. Overall length is expected to shrink slightly, although the wheelbase should remain at 112.2 inches. The modified wheel arches seen here also suggest that a slightly wider track will be present on the new Lexus GS.
Fuel efficiency will be the name of the game for the 2012 Lexus GS, with a downsized V-6 engine expected to replace the current 3.5-liter mill as the entry-level option and the 3.5-liter engine going on to replace the current 4.6-liter V-8. A hybrid model will also return, most likely based around the entry-level V-6 engine.
Performance fans shouldn’t be too saddened over plans to scrap the regular V-8 model as a high-performance GS-F model will be offered for the 1st time. This car won’t pick up the high-revving 4.8-liter V-10 of the LFA supercar as previously reported, however.
Instead, it would pick up an uprated version of the 5.0-liter V-8 from the IS-F, developing around 450 horsepower and set to go on sale in 2013. Special features would include a torque vectoring differential on the rear axle and plenty of carbon-fiber to reduce weight.
#595
Race Director
With less than a year before production I'd think they'd have more than just this mule out testing the new model. I'd think a fairly finalized version would be around for Geneva (March) or NY (April) auto shows.
#597
The sizzle in the Steak
I hope it's less vanilla than the current version.
#599
and the blacked out taillights. I've always hated that, they need to move on from that. I understand it's almost tradition now with the GS (the quad headlamps, the sleek profile, etc), but a nicely done pair of LED patterned taillights would be much better for the GS.
#600
2012 Lexus GS-F: Toyota to build a V-10-powered M5-fighter
WHAT!? Can't wait for this to hit the streets!!! Wonder if Lexus can pull it off!! I love the LF-A by the way!!!
Here's the link: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/...s_f/index.html
Here's the link: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/...s_f/index.html
Last edited by jet_guy; 01-10-2011 at 09:35 PM. Reason: Insert Link