LEXUS 2013 GS 350 sedan

the 2013 model of the ‘lexus GS 350’

the 2013 lexus GS 350 is a mid-size luxury sedan, borrowing elements from the company’s recent LFA supercar but designed with a spacious interior and a range of driving modes to transition easily between performance and more day-to-day needs.

the vehicle is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 306-horsepower and 277-pound-feet of torque and featuring a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

retaining similar exterior dimensions to the previous ‘GS 350’, the 2013 model increases cabin and trunk space and widens the vehicle’s door frames for easier entry and exit. the trapezoidal spindle grille integrated into the front bumper represents a design feature that lexus plans to include in future vehicles.

inside, the ‘s-flow’ auto climate control system saves energy by focusing airflow only to the front areas where passengers are actually seated. as in other lexus models, the vehicle’s ‘remote touch’  interface permits the operation of climate, audio, phone, navigation, and other controls via a single controller at the driver’s right side.

detail view of the newly tweaked trapezoidal front grille

the body design of the ‘GS 350’ incorporates fins into the side of the tail lamps to better direct air flow, while the underbody of the rear bumper reduces wind resistance.

elements borrowed from the lexus LFA limited edition ‘supercar’ include a more aerodynamic body and wider and more rigid platform, with increased numbers of spot welds and the inclusion of laser welds. a new suspension system makes use of lighter-weight aluminum front control arms and an improved rear suspension geometry to at once enhance control and cornering force and also improve rider comfort. inside the vehicle, the dashboard also borrows heavily from the dashboard design of the LFA sportscar, while models with the optional built-in navigation system feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

‘lexus enform’ connects users to web and social media offerings, including bing web searches, movie ticket and dinner reservation services, facebook, pandora, yelp, and stock quotes.

full frontal view

3/4 front view

the ‘GS 350’ features a range of driving modes in addition to its default operation: the fuel economy -optimizing ‘eco’ mode, performance-driven ‘sports’ mode, and handling-optimized ‘sports+’ option. the vehicle is produced in both rear and all -wheel drive, with the latter reportedly capable of varying front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70.

the vehicle’s extensive safety system includes 10 airbags and a ‘whiplash injury lessening’ front seat design that increases the likelihood that occupants will be seated in the safest position possible at the moment of impact. an optional pre-collision alert system uses radar cruise control to provide warning of upcoming objects that may result in collision, using an infrared camera to monitor the driver’s eyes and sound an audio warning if he appears to not be looking forward. the system also can initiate automatic braking two seconds before collision if the driver has not yet responded. a night vision system and ‘lane keep assist’ with ‘lane departure warning’ alerts are also available for inclusion in the car.

detail on headlight

view of dashboard

produced in red, blue, and platinum, the ‘GS 350’ is the first to make use of two new coating technologies: red models incorporate glass flakes into the paint to add brilliance, while the process behind company’s ‘liquid platinum’ exterior has been modified to increase shading and contrast. the vehicle is available beginning february 2012.

lexus’s preview of the vehicle, including drive and interior footage

autoguide walks through the features of the new model at the pebble beach concours d’elegance unveiling event video © autoguide