2013 Lexus GS 350,the first generation of a new Lexus

Unveiled at Pebble Beach, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda calls the new Lexus GS “the first generation of a new Lexus.”

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph takes 3.0 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limed to 142 mph. In Europe, Lexus will also offer a GS 250, according to the official press release, presumably making use of the IS’s 2.5-liter. The car is also impressive in terms of safety, as it offers a number of both passive and active systems. There are 10 airbags in total, including one for your knees and side airbags for rear passengers.

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 can be equipped with all-wheel drive and a pre-collision system that uses the radar cruise control system to detect a probable accident and an infrared camera that monitors the driver’s eyes. Production starts in December and the first cars will hit showrooms in February.
The 2013 Lexus GS 350 is a much-needed step in a new direction for Lexus.

Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds, which is just as fast as the current-generation GS. Two other GS models will be unveiled by the time the 2013 Lexus GS 350 hits dealer showrooms in early 2012 -- a Hybrid, and an F-Sport. The F-Sport will feature the same engine as the regular GS 350 but with 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, bigger brakes, variable-rate steering, and an adaptive suspension.

Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says the 2013 GS 450h hybrid will outperform the current gent V-8-powered GS 460. Since Lexus didn't spend its whole development budget on engines for the Lexus GS, it had plenty of money to invest in making the new car more fun to drive. In addition to Standard mode, the Lexus GS has an ECO mode that, Lexus says, "revises throttle mapping, seat heating, and climate control systems for better fuel economy." Both SPORT S and SPORTS S+ feature meter lighting in a fierce-looking red.

The 2013 Lexus GS 350 looks much more aggressive than the previous model. The rear bumper and underbody were designed to help the GS slice through the air while remaining firmly planted to the road. Like in the rest of the car, Lexus says aerodynamics play a key role here, as the grille is designed to improve the flow of air around the car.

Inside, Lexus mixes up the GS 350's interior a bit. Lexus said it changed the driver's seating position so that the driver has "increased comfort, better forward visibility, and overall command of the road." And while the exterior dimensions of the GS are virtually the same, Lexus increased both cabin and trunk space. The new Lexus GS features added head, leg- and knee room, as well as more foot space, compared with the old Lexus GS. Trunk space is increased trunk space by 25 percent, with a wider and deeper trunk opening.

Lexus also loaded up the Lexus GS with safety technology, including a system that uses the car's radar cruise control to warn the driver about objects on the road, and an infrared camera to detect if the driver has noticed an object or not. Lexus also will offer night vision, a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Lane Keep Assist.
Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda will be taking over the helm at Lexus, and played a big part in the Lexus GS project, proudly telling us, "This car is amazing to drive."