NEXT-GENERATION LEXUS GS 350 DETAILED, HEADS TO JIMS 2011

Lexus has brought out the all-new GS 350 sedan from its covers, ahead of its African debut at the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October. The new GS range launches in South Africa in 2012 in order to compete against the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. From these pictures and details it seems lots of innovative work has gone into the car.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was the occasion through which the GS lost its covers. Redesigned through and through, the car features Lexus’ new front grille with its signature spindle look and integrated LEDs.

Young CEO Akio Toyoda took over during his family brand’s worst time; a hard global recession had just hit and Toyota was in the midst of a massively embarrassing recall programme that affected both Toyota and Lexus brands. However, he always kept his eye on the ball; revolutionising the entire company from one that only attracts 51 year olds to one in which young people also feel at home.

With Lexus slipping so deep in its biggest market the US, something had to be done. One of the cars with the best potential to lift sales is the GS, regardless of its competition’s credentials. And this new one wants to play with the big boys. And win.

Therefore, while things like “green” credentials are essential in this day and age, they aren’t enough. Lexus then looked to its current halo car, the LFA, for inspiration. Found it in the chassis, transmission and dynamics. Suddenly Lexus is talking about handling competence, performance and style. Even the exhaust note is said to be sportier.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine with VVT-i, and it makes 228kW of power. Lexus claims a 0 – 100km/h time of 5.7 seconds for the GS 350. The 6-speed sequential shift automatic works in one of three modes: ECO for fuel-saving, SPORT for quicker changes, and SPORT S+ which is the sportiest.

Some interior features, depending on the market, include climate control, navigation, Bluetooth with streaming audio, a 31.2 cm split screen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Should Lexus specifically SA bring the GS 350 model, we reckon the car will be priced at something over R630 000 standard.