Ready for an angrier, more aggressive Lexus? The folks at Lexus Manila certainly think so, as they launch what is the sportiest (regular) Lexus models yet, the GS 350 and GS 350 F-Sport. The all-new GS features the new Lexus corporate face, a large hourglass-shaped maw known as the “spindle grille,” or as we like to think of it, the Predator Face. Bold new face aside, the GS follows the L-Finesse styling cues that began with the IS sedan: clean lines, sharp angles, and a smooth profile. LED daytime running lights surround projector HID units. The rear features beady taillights with the signature L-shaped lighting elements, and, on the F-Sport, an aero diffuser under the rear bumper. The Sonic Silver-painted car uses a new coating that gives the exterior a radiant, finely polished appearance.
As can be expected, the GS is not just a pretty face, as it features a sumptuous leather-and-wood (or aluminum) interior, reportedly comfortable ride, precise handling, and a trunk that can swallow several golf bags. The interior features occupant detection for the climate control, that directs airflow only to the front when only the front seats are occupied. A system called Remote Touch uses a control on the center console to operate climate, audio, phone, navigation, and other vehicle menus. An eight-inch video screen dominates the center instrument panel. LEDs illuminate the interior including the door surrounds and footwells. An analog clock, “carved from an ingot,” uses LED indicators.
Lexus promises a stiffer platform using more spot welds and laser welds. A wider track, by nearly 50mm, gives a better stance and potentially better cornering. The GS rides on aluminum double wishbones up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear. Brakes are powerful vented disc brakes at all four corners, with four-piston aluminum calipers at the front.
Under the hood is a dohc, 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 with dual VVTi. This “base” engine produces 312bhp and 378Nm. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic with sport mode and paddle shifters. 0-100 km/h is a tick above 5.7 seconds, and the overtaking range of 48 to 80 km/h is quoted at just 3.0 seconds.
The GS has a Lexus Drive Mode selector that allows the driver toggle between Eco Sport S, and Sport S+ (on the F-Sport only). The control changes throttle mapping, transmission shift programs, and climate control settings for economical or enthusiastic driving—as well as changing the meter lighting from blue (Eco) to red (Sport). Sport S adjusts the adaptive variable suspension and stability control as well.
GS has ten airbags, including knee airbags for front passengers, rear side airbags, and curtain airbags.
Then there’s the F Sport. Although it carries the same engine, the F Sport dials up the sportiness with appearance and exhaust upgrades. F Sport features a mesh grille, rear bumper with integrated exhausts, 18-inch alloys, and moon roof. The interior wood is swapped for brushed aluminum, and the driver’s seat gets all-power movement including thigh bolsters, with memory function. F Sport uses adaptive variable suspension, thicker anti-roll bars, larger front brakes, and a first for the brand, rear-wheel steering. It steers in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds to reduce turning radius, and in same direction at higher speeds to aid stability.
As is Lexus custom as well, the loaded to the gunwales GS 350 comes at a price that may only net a base model of a competing German sedan: P4,238,000, while the GS 350 F Sport goes for P4,818,000.
The racy image of the GS got a boost with Lexus’ Superbowl ad, featuring supermodel Tori Praver’s curves becoming the basis for a “Tori 500” race. (Parental guidance)
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