Being one of the most spied and teased car lately, the new 2013 Lexus GS 350 is now fully revealed. Lexus decided to unveil their all-new GS 350 at a press conference in conjunction with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new model combines bold, dynamic styling, innovative technology, precise handling and a spacious interior. According to the manufacturer, there are also other 2013 GS models that will be launched in early 2012 include hybrid and F Sport versions, with further details to be announced later this year.
“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. “With the all-new GS, we’re giving them what they asked for, and more.”
Coming with a redesigned chassis, at 4849mm long, 1839mm wide, 1455mm high and with a wheelbase of 2852mm, the all-new Lexus GS is 1mm shorter, 19mm wider, 25mm taller and has a 2mm wider wheelbase than the previous model. The biggest dimensional change is to the track, which is 40mm wider at the front and almost 50mm wider at the rear, promising a more poised stance and enhanced cornering ability.
The 2013 GS 350 also features a lightweight aluminum structure and Ventilated disc brakes featuring four-piston aluminum front calipers. It’s all stacking up for a fine sporty sedan.
This all-new model will be powered by the 3.5-litre all-alloy V6 from the IS 350, which produces 233kW of power and 376Nm of torque. Lexus estimates this will lead to a 0-100km/h sprint of just 5.7 seconds. The engine is teamed to a six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shifters and features from the IS F, including faster shifts and downshift throttle blips. Now, for the first time in a Lexus, distinctive engine sound and exhaust note.
Beside this, it also incorporates four driving modes, selected via the new Lexus Drive Mode toggle. Along with Normal mode, drivers can select from ECO, SPORT S, and SPORT S+, which vary everything from the seat heater settings to the suspension and stability control calibration.
As for the design and styling, the new GS features new LED daytime running lights, an aerodynamic body kit, and a trapezoidal front grille which follows to be adopted on the future models but also reshaped optical blocks.
The new model comes with a new interior, with a pleasing leather and brushed metal theme dominating. Two-tone upholstery, wood accents, and streamlined controls throughout the cabin offer a refined, modern look that’s neither too understated nor too busy. The interior is complete with an impressive amount of kit too, including a standard reversing camera and a huge 12.3-inch touch screen on models fitted with sat-nav.
In terms of safety equipment, we can compare it with a Mercedes S-Class, considering that the 2013 Lexus GS 350 is fitted with 10 airbags, collision detection, blind spot monitoring and lane keep assist.
“The new GS 350 combines luxury, outstanding driving dynamics and world-class technology features in a new and bold design,” said Templin. “We expect this car to occupy a key position both at the core of the Lexus brand and at the heart of the mid-luxury sedan segment.”
There’s no word about pricing, but considering the current prices, the new model will probably be priced somewher between $50,000 and $60,000.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 350
Horsepower – 306 hp @ 6400rpm
Torque – 277 lb-ft @ 4800rpm
Transmission – Six-speed sequential-shift; Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)
Seating Capacity – 5
Overall Length (in.) – 190.9
Width (in.) – 72.4
Height (in.) – 57.3
Wheelbase (in.) – 112.2
Driven Wheels – Rear or All-Wheel Drive
Curb weight (lbs.) – 3,715
Brake type – Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)
Wheel size – 17 x 7.5 in. (standard); 18 x 8 in. (optional); 19 x 8 in. (optional)
Tire size – 225/50/17 (standard); 235/45/18 (optional); 235/40/19 (optional)
0 – 60 mph – Estimated 5.7 seconds
Top Track Speed – 142 mph (electronically limited)
Source: Lexus
