Lexus Introduces Third-Generation GS Luxury Sports Sedan
Reveals New Design Direction for Company

The new Lexus GS luxury sport sedan, first introduced at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will have its Canadian debut today at the 2005 Montreal Auto Show. The all-new, more powerful GS utilizes the latest in advanced technology to improve both performance and handling and is the first in a new wave of Lexus products to reflect a new, more passionate direction in styling.

“From a technology standpoint, the GS employs a sophisticated array of advanced safety, comfort and convenience features that will cause even the most enthusiastic driver to take notice,” said Stuart Payne, Director responsible for Lexus in Canada. “From a design standpoint, the new GS will be the first vehicle in our lineup to benefit from a new, more passionate direction in styling.”

First All-Wheel Drive Lexus Car
Significantly, the new GS 300 will feature available all-wheel-drive, the first such application in any Lexus car, while the GS 430 will offer the performance enhancements and advanced vehicle control of the Lexus Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Monitoring a variety of sensors, the system is capable of anticipating vehicle stability problems and correcting them with a combination of braking and throttle control. The new VDIM system is less intrusive than conventional VSC but ultimately more effective.

Performance Optimized
Joining the potent and refined 4.3-litre V8 on the GS 430 will be an all-new 245-horsepower V6 engine replacing the current inline six on GS 300. Both the powerful V6 and V8 engines benefit from an all-new close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission with a sequential manual-shifting mode. The combination provides faster and substantially smoother acceleration for even better performance and, surprisingly, improved fuel economy. A new Adaptive Variable Suspension allows the driver to fine-tune suspension damping with four settings ranging from normal-mode for everyday driving to a sport-mode for a tighter, more precise feel.

New Lexus Design Direction
From an architectural standpoint, the GS marks a move towards a more sculptural direction…that is artistic, dynamic, simple… yet intriguing. A 51 mm longer wheelbase and short overhangs on the new GS creates a wide, powerful stance. A long hood, pulled-back cabin and slingshot windows recall classic sports car proportions and the vertical grille surrounded by four independent headlamps connects the new GS with the outgoing model, but with a futuristic look. The front also features an aggressive lower valence with integrated fog lamps. Dynamic 18-inch wheels on the GS 430 model help tie the muscular yet elegant look together.

The creation of a unique spatial feeling in the passenger compartment is central to the new Lexus design direction. The interior of the new GS has a precision, luxury feel with real wood, polished metal and leather accents. Everything inside the GS is designed and styled to create a haven for peaceful comfort and relaxation, from contoured and supportive front seats with optional climate control to the standard 10-speaker audio system with simple steering wheel controls.

New Intelligent Luxury Sport Sedan
In addition to a new look and feel, the new Lexus GS also improves upon the increasingly complex nature of automotive technology. The GS offers numerous standard features, such as keyless SmartAccess that allows the driver to lock, unlock and start the car simply by touching the door handle (with a key fob in pocket) and then, with the brake pedal depressed, simply pressing a push-button to start. An advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) can detect and notify the driver, via an indicator warning light, of a significant loss in pressure in one or more tires, a condition that could potentially lead to premature tire wear and loss of control. The GS will also feature optional Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which helps illuminate a turn or curve as the driver steers into it.

A rear back-up camera is also available, providing an extra margin of confidence when reversing the vehicle. Available in conjunction with the optional DVD-based navigation system, it automatically projects an image of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the vehicle is in the reverse gear.

“With the new GS we took all that was good in terms of technology and found ways to make it more intuitive, more intelligent and more relevant to the needs of its driver,” said Payne.

Advanced Safety Features
The GS 430 will also offer an optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) that can help reduce collision injury and damage. The system uses a millimetre-wave radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and a pre-collision system computer with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate inputs that help to determine in advance whether a collision is unavoidable. The system then preemptively retracts front seat belts and prepares Brake Assist for increased braking force to help reduce collision speed. In addition, the new GS gains new knee airbags for the driver and front passenger as well as front and rear side curtain airbags as standard equipment. The Supplemental Restraint System in the new GS also includes variable-force front airbags for both driver and front passenger. Sensors determine the severity of the accident and in turn the force with which to deploy the front airbags, helping to provide the appropriate level of occupant restraint.

The GS 300 will start at $64,300 for the rear-wheel drive version, while the GS 300 All-Wheel Drive will start at $66,700CAD. The GS 430 equipped with VDIM will be priced at $74,700. CAD

“Nearly every feature on the GS makes this sports sedan more manageable and more engaging to drive,” said Payne.

Specifications *
Wheelbase: 2,850 mm
Length: 4,821 mm
Width: 1,821 mm
Height: 1,425 mm
Engines: 3.0 litre V6 – 245 hp; 228 lb.-ft. of torque
4.3 litre V8 – 300 hp; 325 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission: 6-speed sequential automatic