- The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan makes its world debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
- Hybrid and F Sport editions of the new GS also will arrive in early 2012.
- GS exterior dimensions remain virtually unchanged, but the cabin and trunk have considerably more space.
MONTEREY, California — The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 sedan is making its world debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, with all-new sheet metal, a much roomier cabin and sophisticated new technology.
Lexus initially is showing the five-passenger, rear-wheel-drive GS 350, which is powered by a 306-horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 mated to a six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a multimode selector. All-wheel drive is optional.
Hybrid and F Sport editions of the GS also will arrive in early 2012.
The GS 350 now accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 142 mph. Lexus said fuel economy is improved, but did not provide estimates for city or highway. The current 2011 GS 350 returns 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
The exterior dimensions of the new GS remain virtually unchanged, with the notable exception of the track, which is nearly 2 inches wider. But trunk space has been enlarged by nearly 25 percent, and there is more rear-seat head-, leg- and knee room.
The GS architecture has been extensively redesigned, with a stiffer structure and revised suspension, including a new multilink setup in the rear. Alloy wheels and 225/50R17 tires are standard, but can be ordered in 18- and 19-inch combinations as well.
Among the available technologies on the 2013 GS 350 are a night vision system, head-up display, blind-spot monitor, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control and a pre-collision system.
Lexus has completely revamped the cabin of the GS, which gets a new high-res central control display, automatic climate control, rear back-up camera, ambient LED lighting, three types of wood and lots of leather with contrasting stitching on the instrument panel, door panels, center console, steering wheel and shift lever.
Lexus is offering several entertainment/multimedia systems, including its own Enform communications system, as well as a killer 835-watt, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Inside Line says: A more distinctive design, with better handling and a bit more power. All sounds good so far.
Add A Comment »
CLOcoupe says:
06:21 PM, 09/06/2011
Any one else finds similarities? To me even the wheels look a like...
http://carmexxline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011-Mitsubishi-Galant-Rear-Side-e1304096743554.jpg
rigawa says:
02:12 PM, 08/30/2011
Thank you Jeremy. Appreciate your answer. Maybe now I'll feel a little better about getting the Lexus GS.
jeremy_c says:
11:59 AM, 08/30/2011
@rigawa - don't know if you are being sacarstic but sharing the same thing can be said of Merc and BMW. The C63 AMG and E63 AMG share the same engine but one cost over $40,000 more than the other, a C350 and E350 share the same engine but one cost $20,000 more, BMW 335 and 535. How about the Audi A4 3.2 and the A6 3.2? Your question "where is the extra $$$?" should be directed to almost every car manufacturer.
rigawa says:
09:02 PM, 08/29/2011
I have a question for any of you Lexus fans. The GS is roughly $10,000 more in price than the ES
or the IS 350. The GS has the same engine/trans as the IS 350 and is virtually the same size as
the ES350. I'd like to buy this new GS 350 but having trouble justifying the additional $10000.
I just don't see the extra $10000 between the ES350 and the GS350. My question is where is
$10000? I really like everything about the new GS.......
4maticbenz says:
04:40 PM, 08/28/2011
The interior screams oppulence and high quality, but that exterior.... not lookin too fresh. The design already looks as stale, bland, and dated as the current generation GS and this one hasnt even gone on sale yet. I miss the first generation GS. It had a very nice, distinctive look that almost reminded me of a Mercedes E-class.
Hopefully the driving dynamics have really been improved (we'll have to wait for an official road test to see whether thats true or not) because this car doesnt seem to have much going for it looks-wise and luxury features and creature comforts arent enough to sway E-class, 5-series, A6, or even Genesis buyers in this competitive luxury class these days.
sodiezl350 says:
07:54 AM, 08/26/2011
@yulookinatme
I too have had the same experience. Audi A4 was a nightmare. Lexus IS was far more advanced and yet never gave me any problems. My friends have had the same experience as well.
@danwilson1
I don't think anyone cares who or what you believe. Stastical data has shown this to be true. I would say that you are the fanboy here. I personally prefer the way German cars drive but simply cannot afford the repairs on one.
BMW/MB/Audi don't actually have a reason to improve their reliability the way you are suggesting.
People who can afford them never have them past their warranty period. Those who buy them used are only there to keep filling the corporate pockets through replacement parts and repairs.
There's also a reason why VW reduced its warranty down to 36 months, the lowest in the industry.
If you think the Japanese cars are more reliable by accidents then you need to wake up. Engineers have a very accurate method of predicting how long a part/assembly will last before it needs replacing. It isn't an exact science but it is based on years of data collection and probability. Just google MTBUF and MTBUR. I'm willing to bet that the engineer who did the reliability calculations for the latest 3 Series has a much lower overall MTBUF value than the engineer for the Lexus IS.
yulookinatme says:
09:24 AM, 08/25/2011
@danwilson
I tend to agree with the other guy. Either I had lemons, but after leasing several BMW's and Audi's over the past 15 years, I agree. They ALL had problems. Never any issues where I broke down. Just annoying electrical gremlins. Engine lights, TPMS, engine going to safe mode. My V8 M3 kept telling me I had 999 miles left on my tank. HA! My 911 is rock solid however I only put a few hundred miles on it. My 2000 Tacoma and 2008 Lexus IS which i still own have zero issues. That's just me though. I'm sure others fared better.
lolxd says:
08:20 AM, 08/25/2011
I think it kind of looks bland. What it needs though is shave off that ugly silver paint and add a blacked out front lip. Think Mercedes C63 AMG coupe front with that black area like this one:
http://www.carsendse.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/2012-Mercedes-Benz-C63-AMG-Coupe-Front.jpg
Then pair it with pearl white exterior and this thing will turn heads for sure. Also suggest how "sporty" it is as what Lexus is stating.
I think this looks more aggressive than an Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E class (but It can't beat the Jaguar XF in terms of looks) but I think we should thank the CT200H/IS-F Esque front end for that one.
Interior-wise, I think it looks nice (though I have to admit, it does look like the BMW 5 Series interior). I think its far from Rolex but more likely, Seiko (no, I'm not referring to that analog clock). It's got this German feel of coldness into it but with a bit of Japanese flare (seems cold to me but just like any other German car. Hyundai Equus has a more "at home" feel to it even though It's as good quality as this one IMO).
Be thankful Lexus. The Germans are playing safe a little too much right now. Your only threat in terms of looks would be Jaguar and that's no competition too. I think this will sell really well. Just needs a better coat of paint. Silver = Yuck.
P.S. BD = Hyundai Hater/Lexus Fanboy :P
rigawa says:
08:04 AM, 08/25/2011
Let's face it, the new GS is a big improvement over last year's model. But hoow does it drive?
Can it measure up to the German cars? How is it in city driving? Is it comfortable or does it
have a back-wrenching ride like the german cars? Is the GS reliable or is it in the shop like those
German cars? My friend had a BMW and she was in the shop so often that people thought she
worked there. Everything involves compromises. None of us can drive these sport sedans to
their limits.
The Germans are masters of innovation. That is why we look to them for direction. If you can
come close you are on to something........Let's leave it at that.
danwilson1 says:
01:32 AM, 08/25/2011
lions208487 says:
09:35 AM, 08/19/2011
BMW's, MB's, and Audi are in fact unreliable period. I speak from experience and the words of friends who own them and trade them in for Japanese or Domestic products due to constant repairs.
------------------------------------------------------
LMAO
We're supposed to believe you on the basis of what your "friends" told you? Why does this sound so suspicious? Where have I heard that before? Oh yeah, on VARIOUS INTERNET FORUMS. There is always some hardcore Japanese car fan who "has a lot of friends with unreliable European cars". Yep, seems like every single one of his imaginary friends with a European car has problems. Totally believable. Yep.
Do you really think these companies are sleeping and not working on constantly improving their quality and reliability? Get real.