By Harvey Schwartz

‘NEW HIGHER LEVELS OF STYLING, PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY’

I just finished testing the all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350 and have to say that it is a giant leap forward for the model with its redesigned chassis, wider and stronger stance, a more spacious interior that is richly endowed with world-class features and premium details.  The new advanced performance enhancing technology makes it more than just a luxury car.  The all-new GS 350 is available in RWD, AWD and can be equipped with the available premium, luxury or F Sport packages for greater personalization.  I tested the GS 350 with the luxury package.

The new GS 3.5 liter engine has been enhanced to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance.  The four-cam, four-valves per cylinder, all-alloy V6 engine also comes with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence.  At 306 hp, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection.  It propels the GS 350 from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 sec. and at the same time, boosts it fuel economy to EPA-estimated 19mpg/city and 28mpg/highway.  Acceleration from 30-50- mph can take just 3 sec. and improved intake and exhaust sound characteristics via an intake sound generator and optimized muffler chamber complement the bolder, more energetic dynamics of the new GS 350.  The RWD six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters and sport driving functions for enhanced driving pleasure.  The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan-including faster shifts, earlier torque converter lockup and downshift blips-to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the new Lexus Drive Mode selector located on the center console.  In addition to Normal mode, the following settings let you customized your driving experience: ECO mod-revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control settings for better fuel economy.  In ECO mode, meter lighting changes to blue; SPORT S model-revises throttle mapping and transmission shifting priorities to fully exploit the capabilities of the powertrain.  In SPORT S mode, meter lighting changes to red; SPORT S+-is available with the F-SPORT package and Luxury Package-engages handling enhancements via a sport setting of the adaptive variable suspension, steering system, and Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) together with the powertrain enhancements of SPORT S mode.  I really felt the changing dynamics of the suspension when I pushed the Sport S and Sport S+ modes.  Damping forces were increased and the steering became even more responsive to my inputs.  You can now change the setting to suit how you want the GS 350 to drive when you are in a spirited mind or conventional easy going mind set.

Designing the new GS to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team.  They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for design and dynamic inspiration.  The new platform is more rigid.  Engineers conducted extensive testing, ultimately increasing the number …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts