The premiere of the Lexus GS 300 took place in January 1993. The first generation was a GS 300 sedan with rear-wheel drive and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Suspension on the front wheels - independent with double wishbones, on the rear - multi-link with anti-roll bar. Disc brakes ventilated.
In the role of the main driving force is a longitudinally located gasoline 24-valve engine with a distributed fuel injection volume of 3 liters with a capacity of 212 hp. The maximum speed of 230 km / h. Fuel consumption in the city will be 14 liters. Four years later, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new GS300 already flaunted. The design of the second generation Lexus GS was developed by the famous studio Italdesign Gorgetto Giugiaro. The exterior of the car turned out to be quite distinctive due to the combination of the European “four eyes” and the Asian irregular shape of the headlights and heavy rear end.
Initially, the Lexus GS was equipped with only a three-liter engine, but since 1997 a four-liter engine has been installed on the car. Depending on the engine, the car name is different: Lexus GS 300 and Lexus GS 400. For example, Lexus GS 400 is equipped with an engine with electronic fuel injection, V-shaped, eight-cylinder, 32-valve, 4 liters, 294 liters. from. Electronic fuel injection system has reduced fuel consumption to 10.2 / 13.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, the Lexus GS 400 shows excellent dynamics. From a standstill to 100 km, the car accelerates in 5.7 seconds.
The maximum speed of 250 km / h. The suspension of the Lexus GS 400 was tuned for a sporty type of driving. Note that the transmission control is carried out using the keys under the steering wheel, as in the modern Ferrari Modena. Front and rear stabilizers are installed, on all wheels there are disc brakes with ABS. The standard equipment includes anti-skid, power steering and parking system.
The interior of the Lexus GS400 is full of technical innovations. On-board laptop, navigation system, separate for the front and rear rows of air conditioning systems, heated seats are standard. Plus optional leather upholstery. At Lexus GS300 engine with electronic fuel injection, six-cylinder, 24-valve, 3 l. capacity of 228 liters. from. Able to accelerate the car to 230 km / h. The "hundred" GS 300 dials in 8.2 seconds.
In 1998, a new generation of Lexus GS comes with the prefix 430. The new car looks aggressive, but elegant. Often Lexus is positioned as a vehicle, which is no stranger to the sporting spirit. A set of technical equipment is beyond expectations. Full power, xenon headlights, ABS with EBD brake force distribution system, EBA emergency braking system, TRC anti-skid system, VSC exchange rate stabilization system, leather and natural wood trim, plus electrochromatic (dimming anti-glare) rear-view mirrors.
Automatic mode of switching on ambient light at dusk, central locking of double action (at the first stage only the driver’s door is opened) with alarm and electronic immobilizer, automatic adjustment of the headlight beam angle, moving the driver’s seat and steering column when the ignition is turned off. Separated for the driver and passengers, climate control today for many is taken for granted, but Lexus specialists have gone further. If the air overboard is very dirty or smoky, the special system itself switches the air conditioner to recirculation mode.
The Nakamichi audio system with a 6-disc CD changer and an automatic sound level system adjusts it depending on ambient noise. Moreover, the climate control, audio system, and navigation are controlled by touching the corresponding icon on the multifunctional 17.5-centimeter display in the middle of the center console. Salon trimmed luxuriously.
Excellent leather seats and large trim inserts above the side armrests. High-quality plastic front panel and door facing. Wood trim looks rich and adds respectability to the interior. Everything here is brought to perfection, a distinctive feature of luxury cars. Space in the cabin enough.
However, the car is clearly focused on four people, including the driver. The back sofa is molded for two, and the high central tunnel, the need for which is dictated by the presence of a rear-wheel drive, will not allow even the third passenger to sit with minimal comfort (despite having a separate headrest for him). Under the hood is a powerful 4.3 l-liter engine of 284 hp. against 294 hp at GS 400. But seriously talking about the deterioration of traction characteristics in favor of efficiency and environmental friendliness is not necessary.
Ten lost "horses" are compensated by turns, on which the maximum power is reached - 5600 versus 6000 and, most importantly, maximum torque, which became higher again at lower revs. In addition to the already well-known variable valve timing system VVT-i, the GS 430 engine uses variable intake system geometry, which helps to significantly improve torque, especially on the “bottoms”. As well as the ETSC-i complex, which, in fact, controls the throttle position depending on the driving conditions.
This system tracks the change in speed at a constant position of the gas pedal, for example, when driving downhill. Or vice versa, when the speed drops on an ascent, it provides a smooth increase in speed without switching to lower gears. The magnificent five-speed “automaton” has all the possible modes of limiting top gear: 4, 3, 2, L. There is a kickdown and sports mode. Kickdown adds little to the dynamics, but the sport mode significantly increases the responsiveness of the box. The coefficient of aerodynamic drag Cx is only 0.29 for this car. The GS430 suspension and steering have undergone some revision.
There were reinforced stabilizers of lateral stability, gas shock absorbers of low pressure. The geometry of the suspension is also designed to prevent the so-called dives and squats. The picture is completed with powerful 17-inch wheels with wide-profile 235/45 tires on cast wheels. In 2005, a new generation of Lexus GS. Elegant body lines are harmoniously combined with the ergonomics of the cabin and luxury trim. The body of the novelty is 2.5 centimeters longer than its predecessor (now the length is 4.82 meters) is a solid monolith with elegant lines. The distinctive front-body solution with four headlamps and a proprietary grille immediately indicate that this is a real Lexus.
The GS430 began to look much more muscular and more dynamic thanks to the changed shape of the front headlights, the rounded outlines of the body, the massive bumpers and the cabin shifted back. A rather eccentric roofline gave the sedan a more sporty look. GS headlights use Intelligent Adaptive Forward-lighting technology.
The strength and direction of the light beam changes depending on the steering wheel's rotation, thereby helping the driver to look around the bend. The GS cabin has become a bit more spacious due to an increase in the wheelbase of the car by 5 cm. Special attention, as it should be for cars of this class, was given to the creators of the cabin and the convenience of passengers. At their services are comfortable seats with excellent lateral support, an optional climate control system and a standard audio system with ten speakers.
For the convenience of the driver, they created a smart system of access / exit and launch of the car without using a key. In order to get inside, just touch your hand to the door handle. The lock will automatically open if the key fob is in your pocket. The motor starts by simply pressing a button on the center console. To park a car equipped with a rear-view camera, the signal from which is projected onto the monitor on the console, is a pleasure.
The camera is offered as an option for an additional fee along with the navigation system. Technically, the Lexus GS largely follows the model of the previous generation. The layout is classic, rear-wheel drive. But in order not to yield to competitors (MercedesE-class and BMW 5-series) GS got an active suspension that can change the rigidity of the work, depending on driving conditions. There are also two standard modes: comfortable and sporty. The range of engines is represented by a 4.3-liter V8 with a power of 300 hp. or a new 3-liter V6 power of 242 hp. Both motors are complemented by a new six-speed sequential automatic transmission.
Adaptive suspension adapts to the conditions of the road. Four-wheel drive is only available for cars with a 3-liter engine. Lexus cars were always famous for their safety, GS of the new generation did not become an exception in this respect. It is equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) management system that helps to cope with any drifts and provides a stable movement. In addition, the new GS will receive a Pre-CrashSafety system (PCS) with radar, which in the event of a possible accident optimizes the braking system and tightens the seat belts.
Standard features include adaptive front and side airbags, as well as airbags that protect the legs and knees of front passengers. These pads are sewn into the bottom of the front panel and open at the same time as the main front pads, reducing the risk of injury to the legs on the steering column and front panel. In addition, they help protect the head and chest, preventing the passenger from diving under the seat belt during a strong blow. The car is offered in several trim levels: GS300 (Standart, Executive, Luxury) and GS430 (Executive, Luxury).
In 2008, the Japanese carried out an easy upgrade, during which, instead of the GS 430 variant, the GS 460 appeared. The four hundred and sixtieth was equipped with a new eight figure 4.6 with direct injection from the Lexus LS 460 sedan. The Heart, which included 342 horses and 460 newton meters, worked in tandem with an eight-speed automatic transmission. But GS was not only surprised by this - the list of equipment included radar cruise control, a preventive security system capable of stopping the car on its own, electronically controlled shock absorbers, steering with a variable gear ratio. All-wheel drive versions were also available to customers.
The fourth generation Lexus GS was presented at the motor show-show Frankfurt in 2011. The novelty is built on an upgraded platform with an expanded, compared to its predecessor, 40 mm gauge at the front and 50 mm at the rear. The length remained the same 4850 mm (the front overhang was shortened by 10 mm, and the rear one was lengthened by 10 mm).
Height increased by 30 mm (1470 mm), width by - 20 mm (1840 mm). The wheelbase remains the same - 2850 mm. In Russia and Europe, the car is presented in three versions: GS - all-wheel drive 350 AWD, rear-wheel drive GS 250 and hybrid GS 450h.
Design new items made in the style of the concept Lexus LF-Gh. Compared with its predecessor, the GS 2012 began to look more sporty and fit. The shape of the new grille is associated with an hourglass shape. The lower part of the grille smoothly flows into the bumper, where there is a huge central air intake. Another, no less important change is the rejection of dual headlights, instead of them monoblocks decorated with LED garlands. The block-lightsGS, which are able to “look in” the turn, can be in two versions.
On the gasoline version put biksenon, the main difference - a large high-beam and dim light projector. The hybrid sedan has front headlights with three LEDs, for the first time on Lexus cars, lining up a turn signal and LED headlights of low and high beams in one horizontal row. True, these headlights are only available in Luxury and F SPORT Luxury. In both cases, the headlight is integrated L-shapedHyre of LED daytime running lights. The profile, in comparison with the third generation, has become even more collected and fit. Visually, the bonnet line and front overhang have become somewhat shorter. Thresholds and the second row of doors now have more interesting curves.
Tail lights even more boldly violate the boundaries of the wings, while respecting the balance of harmony of the general surroundings. The drag coefficient is reduced to 0.26 cx. Branch pipes of the diluted exhaust system, in the petrol versions, are integrated into the bumper. The design of the rear bumper hybrid closes the exhaust pipe.
The interior of the Lexus GS 2012 has become even more luxurious. Comfortable seats have countless adjustments. The decoration of the seats and door panels is available in six color variations: ivory, light brown, dark brown, gray, garnet and black. In the interior trim inserts made from natural veneer are actively used, the hybrid version is distinguished by bamboo inserts. The center console has no clear boundaries and protrusions, it stands out only characteristic elements. At the very top, in a special recess, there is an eight-inch diagonal touch-screen display of the multimedia system (12.3-inch version with a navigation package).
Under the start / stop button, there are hidden keys for controlling an electromechanical parking brake with an automatic blocking function. The sedan is equipped with an energy-saving climate control system that automatically detects the presence or absence of passengers, an analog clock on the center console and a Mark Levinson audio system with 17 speakers, available as an option. A wide central tunnel, also trimmed with wood, has already become a kind of business card. Unfortunately, the second row does not fold, but in the trunk there is a special hatch that allows you to carry thin lengthy things.
In ordinary GS trunk increased to 564 liters, thanks to the new design of the rear suspension. The trunk of the hybrid is much more modest - 482 liters. Under the hood of the Lexus GS 2012, three versions of the V6 engines are available: 2.5 liters (209 hp) and 3.5 liters (317 hp), as well as a hybrid version of the latter. All models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual sequential shift mode. Special attention is given to the unique twin-engine hybrid system GS 450h, consisting of a 290-horsepower gasoline engine V6, working on the Atkinson cycle, and a compact electric motor. The hybrid power plant provides the car with excellent dynamics.
The average fuel consumption in the combined cycle, according to the manufacturer, is only 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The total power of the Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid drive system is 252 kW (343 horses). Front suspension is used on the new double wishbone, rear - multi-link, but with separate springs and shock absorbers. The GS 250 and GS 350 AWD are available in five trim levels - Executive (for the GS 250 model only), Premium, F SPORT Premium and F SPORT Luxury (for the GS 250 and GS 350 AWD models).
Already in the starting configuration, the Executive GS 250 is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, side mirrors and windshield in the wiper zone, electrically adjustable front seats. The basic equipment also includes starting the engine with a button, a selector for selecting driving modes, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel trimmed with leather and a second-generation Remote Touch joystick connected to an 8-inch color monitor.
GS buyers in the Premium package will additionally receive 18-diameter alloy wheels of a different design, parking sensors, leather seats with ventilation (front row), electrochromic rear-view mirrors (salon and side mirrors), as well as electrically folding side mirrors. The GS model in the Luxury package is equipped with a HUD display, projecting the readings of devices onto the windshield, a Russified navigation system on a hard disk with the world's largest 12.3-inch color screen and a premium audio system Mark Levinson. Seats are covered with leather Semi-Aniline. Rear-seat passengers have heated seats and a three-zone climate control with air ionizer.
For the first time presented on the GS version of the F SPORT, complementing the Premium and Luxury, includes: 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as the grille and bumpers of a special design, the logos of the F SPORT, a multifunction steering wheel with upholstered leather upholstery. In addition, for surcharge, any version can be equipped with the package F SPORT. Technically, it includes: a modified chassis with thruster rear wheels, variable shock absorbers and steering with a variable gear ratio. Externally, the F SPORT outlines the sedan with a different front bumper with aggressive styling, a different grille grid, and other trifles.
In the arsenal of GS 2012 the richest set of safety features: 10 airbags, data projection system with an extended menu on the windshield, containing even tachometer readings, functional cruise control (which works in the entire speed range), ESP, night vision system, Pre-CrashSafety system (collision avoidance), including a driver monitoring camera, a BSM dead zone monitoring system, an assistant to hold in the LKA band. There is also a system that adapts the head light I-AFS and automatically switches the light between near and far. Now the package includes seat belts with pretensioners.
According to the results of four types of crash tests, the United States Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Lexus GS 2012 the highest rating for protecting passengers - Top Safety Pick.
