2006 Lexus GS 430 Review

The redesigned 2006 Lexus GS sedan is meant to compete with top European sports sedans such as BMW and Mercedes, but seems to have the space shuttle's computing power and goes a long way toward becoming a fully automated car.

The GS still mainly drives like a typically fast, luxurious Japanese sedan because Lexus doesn't want to entirely give up the soft refinement that has made it a hit. It thus needs more passion. Competing with outfits such as BMW is tough because they've spent 50 years developing steering and suspensions that can handle twisting Alpine roads. However, the GS is firmer and thus sportier than one might expect. Its new electronically controlled suspension allows alert handling while retaining the car's composure and good ride on bad roads.

The new GS is loaded with electronic gadgetry -- it even has variable-ratio, electronically assisted steering that automatically corrects for wind gusts in a crosswind.

An optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage; it uses such things as a radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car and helps determine in advance if a collision is unavoidable. It then does such things as allow increased braking.

Consider the car's Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM). It takes cues from a comprehensive range of sensors to anticipate the onset of a skid and then helps correct the situation with a combination of braking, throttle and steering control in a way that's essentially undetected by a driver.

There's all sorts of gimmickry. For instance -- an access fob automatically unlocks the car when a driver just touches the door handle. He can forget about using an ignition key because a new push-to-start ignition system just requires that he keep an access fob in a pocket or purse. He only needs to push a dashboard button to start or stop the engine without inserting a key.

The 190-inch-long GS is slightly larger than its predecessor and has good room for four tall adults, despite a large front console and a driver's seat that should slide back a little more for the long-legged. Five adults fit, but the rear seat center section is too hard for comfort. There's plenty of luggage space.

The sleeker GS turns heads with such things as new body panels and wider stance, but the smooth Lexus look is retained. A long hood, "pulled-back" cabin and shorter rear end recall classic sports sedan proportions. The car looks expensive.

While luxurious, with such items as a wood-and-leather steering wheel and French-stitched leather seats, the new GS interior has a low-clutter look reminiscent of German sports sedans.

Keeping things neat in the tomb-quiet interior are such items as a drop-down hidden panel to the left of the steering wheel that contains buttons and switches infrequently used, such as power mirror controls. That panel seems like a good idea until you must stretch your neck to adjust those mirrors.

Every GS is packed with comfort, convenience, luxury and safety equipment, although there still are plenty of options, including a sunroof and ventilated seats.

The new GS comes as the GS 300 with a new 245 horsepower V-6 for $42,900 with rear-wheel drive and for $44,850 with the first all-wheel-drive system for a Lexus car model. A hot rod, rear-drive-only GS 430 with a 4.3-liter 300-horsepower V-8 costs $51,125.

The light aluminum V-6 replaces a heavier, same-size inline six-cylinder with 220 horsepower. The V-6 gets more power from an astronomically high 11:5.1 compression ratio, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing for the dual overhead camshafts to provide immediate response at all speeds.

The GS 430's V-8 has a carryover engine, but has such things as wider wheels on larger 18-inch tires, versus larger new 17-inch tires for the GS 300.

The GS 300 does 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds with rear drive and in 6.9 seconds with all-wheel drive. That nearly identical acceleration is noteworthy because all-wheel-drive cars usually are noticeably slower because of their extra weight. The GS 430 hits 60 mph in a sizzling 5.7 seconds.

Lexus figures that the GS 300 will be the most popular GS. That's because it costs less than the GS 430, is plenty quick -- and all-wheel-drive is fast becoming a popular feature among car owners because they're accustomed to sport-utility vehicles having it.

While the GS 430 lacks road-gripping all-wheel drive, it has a vehicle control system that's part of the complicated VDIM system, which helps keep the car on the road under trying conditions.

The all-wheel drive system shoots 70 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels most of the time for a European rear-drive sports sedan feel, but splits it 50-50 if more traction is needed up front. The system comes with standard all-season run-flat tires, which are optional for GS rear-drive models.

The engines are backed by a new six-speed automatic transmission, with Power, Normal and Snow modes. The transmission replaces a five-speed unit and has an easily used manual shift feature, although its shifter gate is notchy during normal automatic shift moves, such as switching from Park to Reverse.

Estimated fuel economy for the V-6 is 21-22 mpg in the city and 27-30 on the highway, with the V-8 delivering a few less mpg in city and highway driving.

To minimize reflections from gauge faces, a unique new lighting system uses variable transparency glass to help optimize gauge visibility in all lighting conditions.

Steering is quick, and a powerful new braking system provides short stops. The Adaptive Variable Suspension in the GS 430 automatically selects appropriate sus- pension damping for driving conditions while allowing selection of a sport mode for a tighter, more precise feel.

An available new back-up camera comes in handy for providing more confidence when backing up the GS, but the car seems to have excessive gadgetry.

For instance, the advanced control allowed by the VDIM system integrates and manages -- take a deep breath -- a new Electronically Controlled Brake system (ECB), Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS), Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and engine torque via an electronically controlled throttle.

Henry Ford, who invented the dirt-simple Ford Model T, must be turning over in his grave.

2006 LEXUS GS

PRICES
$42,900-$51,125

LIKES
Nicely redesigned. All-wheel drive. Fast. Good handling. Roomy. Refined.

DISLIKES
Needs more passion. Excessive gadgetry. Notchy transmission shift gate.