31
December
2011
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00:18
Europe/Amsterdam

The new lexus gs 2012: abridged

THE NEW LEXUS GS 450H, GS 250 AND GS 350AWD

The new, fourth generation Lexus GS goes on sale in Europe as a three vehicle model range; the GS 250, the

GS 350AWD1 and the high-performance flagship, the full hybrid GS 450h.

The GS features an all-new exterior and interior reflecting a further development of Lexus' unique, L-finesse design philosophy. Its new, bold and dynamic exterior design includes a more aggressive frontal treatment, giving the new GS the powerful, commanding road presence appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.

The new interior represents a continuation of the next generation Lexus interior design theme. An ergonomically designed, dual-zone, driver-focused cockpit with advanced Human Machine Interface technologies enables customers to remain alert and comfortable over long periods of time.

Several highly innovative technologies make a first appearance in the new GS model range. A new, 'S-Flow' energy saving air-conditioning system with 'nanoe' technology; a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world's largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems offering unparalleled power and clarity.

The beautifully crafted GS interior offers increased space and comfort to all occupants. Front seat passengers benefit from an increase in legroom and up to 30mm of extra headroom. Rear seat knee room has improved by 20mm and headroom increased by 25mm. GS 250 and GS 350AWD luggage volume has increased by more than 30%. Thanks to the smart-packaging of the hybrid battery into a stacked format, GS 450h luggage volume has increased by more than 60%.

The F SPORT package, available across the GS model range, features exclusive exterior and interior design elements and bespoke suspension tuning.

The GS 450h is the world's first front engine rear-wheel drive premium performance sedan to be equipped with a two-motor full hybrid system featuring a V6 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with next generation D-4S direct injection technology.

Its second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system features improvements to every aspect of the full hybrid powertrain, combining significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and PM emissions with performance on a par with comparable V8 powered rivals.

With a total system power output of 254 kW/345 DIN hp, the GS 450h will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h. Conversely, fuel consumption has been reduced by over 23% to 5.9l/100 km, and CO2 emissions have fallen to 137 g/km.

The new GS 350AWD also benefits from powertrain revisions, delivering both more power and improved efficiency. The GS 250 features a fuel-efficient, low emission 2.5 litre V6 which is new to the model range.

The new, fourth generation GS has been designed to offer customers an engaging driving experience. It combines sharp, accurate steering and excellent body control with outstanding high speed stability and all the ride comfort appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.

The significant improvements to its driving dynamics have been achieved through a re-engineered bodyshell with a 14% increase in structural rigidity, new suspension, more powerful brakes and leading-edge technologies such as Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system.

Available on the GS 450h F SPORT, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system features the world's first integration of Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Electric Power Steering (EPS). It coordinates every aspect of front and rear wheel control to provide sharp, agile and confident driving behaviour, with a more direct response to the driver's actions.

The new Lexus GS is comprehensively equipped with the most technologically advanced active safety and driver assistance systems available on the market today. VDIM Step 5 now integrates the newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system. During cornering or braking the VDIM Step 5 now achieves the ideal slip angle between front and rear wheels. It coordinates every aspect of front and rear wheel control to provide agile and confident driving behaviour, and a more direct response to the driver's actions.

An Advanced Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system incorporates a Driver Monitor Camera, and a complementary Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system now functions at all speeds down to 0 km/h on the GS 450h.

Additional active safety features include a Lane-Keep Assist (LKA) system, a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) system, the Lexus Night View system, and a Head-Up Display (HUD) with an expanded content menu.