All-New 2013 GS Illustrates Fresh and Exciting Brand Identity

Lexus raised anticipations when the all-new GS debuted at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The new 2013 GS combines bold, dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology, and a spacious interior.

In addition to the GS 350 that will be at dealerships early next year, Lexus completes the line-up with the GS 450h hybrid which goes on sale in spring 2012.

The new GS conveys an enhanced sense of confidence to the driver, with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp and precise handling. Engineers developed a more spacious interior environment while leaving exterior dimensions virtually unchanged to ensure excellent maneuverability. Richly endowed with world-class features and premium details, the new GS is supported by advanced, performance-enhancing technology that makes it more than just a luxury car. The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is available in rear-wheel driveor all-wheel drive configurations, and can be equipped with the available Premium, Luxury or F SPORT packages for greater personalization.

The GS 450h was the first hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan to enter the market when it was originally introduced for the 2007 model year. Today, it is part of Lexus’ five-vehicle hybrid line-up, more than any other luxury brand.The new GS powertrains have been enhanced for 2013 to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance. The GS 350 is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. At 306 horsepower, 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 5.7 seconds and at the same time, boosts its fuel economy to projected EPA-estimated ratings of 19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved intake and exhaust sound characteristics via an intake sound generator and optimized muffler chamber complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission comes with paddle shifters and sport driving functions for enhanced driving pleasure. An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.

The 2013 GS 450h incorporates improvements to its hybrid powertrain and is equipped with a second generation Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

With a total system power output of 338 horsepower, the GS 450h will accelerate effortlessly from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Conversely, fuel consumption is expected to be improved by more than 35 percent versus the previous version with projected EPA-estimated ratings of 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. The GS 450h is expected to be certified as a Super-Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle which has lower emissions than clean diesels. For enhanced driving dynamics, the new GS hybrid also features a Drive Mode selector with Normal, Eco, Sport S, Sport S+ and EV modes.

As with all Lexus hybrid vehicles, the new GS 450h is a full hybrid capable of operating in gas-only or electric-only modes, as well as a combination of both. Its Lexus Hybrid Drive system features an ultra-smooth running, next generation D-4S direct and port fuel injection system with an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor powered by a high performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as needed.

Improved fuel consumption is achieved through a high compression ratio of 13:1, a new mid-port intake tumble generator and the adoption of a Lexus four-stroke, direct injection technology, D-4S.

With one injector installed in the combustion chamber and a second mounted in the intake port, D-4S combines the strengths of both direct and port injection, realizing optimum engine efficiency throughout the power band and improving torque across the rev range, while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions.

The D-4S system features new slit-type injector nozzles with a modified port shape, a higher fuel pressure for more efficient combustion, and idle port injection for improved NVH characteristics.

The cooling performance of the hybrid system’s Power Control Unit helps reduce fuel consumption and has been improved through the adoption of dual cooling paths and a single-piece, integrated DC/DC converter.