The 2013 Lexus GS sport sedan debuts the new face of the brand in an efficient but powerful statement. The stronger design and more luxurious interior are hoped to attract a new type of buyer. The five-seat sedan will be sold in three trim levels – Luxury, F Sport and Hybrid – in rear or optional all-wheel drive.
The new face is highlighted by "spindle grille" with wide lower fascia. Also look for (Audi-esque) arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights.
The re-engineered sport sedan is the same length as before, but two inches wider at the rear and an inch wider at the front. It has a rakishly low 0.26 drag coefficient.
Interior "craftsmanship" has been enhanced (as if Lexus was ever short in quality feel and appearance). Simple, useful additions include a three-blink to pass signal feature and guidance lines (finally) in the standard rearview camera. Interior options include red leather and metal-trimmed pedals.
The 306-hp, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 will push the 3,795-pound sport sedan to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The engine has an intake sound generator for that husky growl 'o power. The six-speed transmission, with paddle shifters, is about the only carryover piece. Fuel economy around town is 19 mpg and up to 28 on the highway on 91 octane.
The GS450h hybrid has a 338-hp, Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter V-6, which has fuel economy of 29/34 mpg city/highway. Trunk space in the hybrid was improved over the previous model by stacking the batteries to give more cubic footage. The lower rear valance conceals the exhaust tips for that look of stealth running.
The GS debuts Lexus' Enform multimedia system with Safety Connect. Enform connects to music, information and entertainment services through the user's smartphone. There also is Pandora and iHeartRadio. A text-to-speech feature allows the driver to be read text messages and send preset responses.
SafetyConnect features automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist, enhanced roadside assistance and destination assist.
Standard equipment includes Smart Access locking and push-button ignition, leather-trimmed seats,10-way adjustable front seats, electric parking brake, rearview camera, 8-inch high center touchscreen, tilt-telescopic (multifunction) steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connection, 12-speaker surround-sound HD-radio audio system with auxiliary-iPod-USB ports, 17-inch alloy wheels standard, bi-HID headlights, heated mirrors with puddle lights and turn signals, ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass for all windows, lightweight asphalt sheets for cabin soundproofing.
Variable Gear Ratio Steering is a highlight of the F Sport package. This is the rear steering assist that at low speeds counter steers to chop the turning circle in half to 17 feet and at high speeds it turns the car in the direction of the front tires to tuck back into the lane. This rear steering gear is an excellent around-town feature that should be available as a stand-alone option. Even if it were an $800 extra, it would be worth it.
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