|
| Background: Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. , began selling vehicles in the United States back in 1989 when its first two offerings, the LS 400 and ES 250 signed on. Since its inception, Lexus has utilized alpha-numeric names when introducing new upscale models. The two-letter 'alpha' portion designates the model while the numerical suffix denotes engine displacement. Both the LS and ES are still around in 2005, albeit with slightly larger powertrains (and updated suffixes). The LS represents full-size Lexus luxury while the ES denotes the entry-luxury model.
In March of 1993, Lexus debuted a mid-size 'performance' sedan falling between LS and ES; the GS 300. In 1997, the second-generation, rear-wheel drive GS debuted with two variants; the six-cylinder powered GS 300 and new, more potent GS 400 models with a V-8 powertrain. In 2000, the GS 8 powertrain. In 2000, the GS recieved a new 4.3-liter V-8 powertrain and also recieved a new name: the GS 430.
Now as the 2006 model year comes into view, the third-generation GS 430 and GS 300 are hitting the streets. The 2006 versions have a longer wheelbase (distance between front a rear axle) for a smoother ride. It's also slightly wider and longer than last year's model. Dealers started receiving shipments in late March.
The GS 300 and GS 430 are assembled in Tahara, Japan. Luxury mid-size competitors include the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS and the Infiniti M Series.
Engine: The GS430's (4.3-liters) all aluminum, double overhead cam 32-valve V-8 generates 300 horsepower and is one of the most potent offerings in the Lexus car stable. This engine remains virtually unchanged from the 2005 model year. It's similar to the engine powering the flagship LS 430 full-size Lexus sedan and the diamond-in-the-ruff SC 430 convertible.
The six cylinder version is all new for 2006. Gone is the inline six cylinder from the second generation incarnation. The new double overhead cam, 24-valve V-6 now generates 245 horsepower, up 25 from 2005. Both engines require 91-octane premium unleaded fuel for the 18.8-gallon tank. The larger-engined GS 430 generates an estimated 18 miles per gallon city and 25 m.p.g. highway. For 2006, both engines are mated to a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with the option to manually shift forward gear points up and down without using a foot clutch.
In 2006, the six-cylinder GS 300 is available with all-wheel drive. It represents the first Lexus passenger car ever available with this feature.
Features: Because the GS sedan falls in the luxury segment, many popular items come standard. Notable luxury features include 10-way power driver's and front passenger's heated bucket seats, automatic dual zone climate control, power tilt and telescoping steering column and both cassette and compact disc players.
New in 2006 is an available, dealer- installed XM Satellite radio system. Other options include a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, rear sunshade, ventilated front seats, in-dash DVD-based navigation system, headlamp washers, upgraded radar sensitive cruise control, rear spoiler, run-flat tires, steering-sensitive park assist and a rear backup camera.
Price: The 2006 model year V-8 powered rear-wheel GS 430 Lexus provided the Daily Herald listed on the window sticker $51,125. With options including an in-dash navigation system combined with the upgraded Mark Levinson sound system ($4,000) moonroof ($1,000) ventilated seats ($200) and a few other notable nuances, the bottom line ended at $58,734 including a $650 destination charge.
During the past week, Lexus announced a slight 0.5 percent increase on the 2006 GS models, adding abut $250 to the price of the GS 430.
With this recent price increase factored in, a 2006 GS 300 starts at $43, 150 for rear-wheel drive editions and $45, 100 for the new all-wheel drive GS 300 model.
Inside: Both GS 430 and GS 300 now feature a keyless push-button engine start system. No key is required to start or stop the engine, but a key-fob-sized transponder must be within range (in a pocket or purse) for the car to start. Simply depress the foot brake and push the "start-stop" button on the dash where the ignition cylinder is normally located, and the engine turns over. After the drive is complete, shift the transmission into 'park' and push the 'start-stop' button to quiet the engine.
The attractive interior features an instrument panel with three independent, deep-set gauges with white backlighting. Cruise control is monitored via a square appendage on the steering column's right side.
Headlights monitor from the turn signal stalk while the front windshield wipers activate from a right-side steering column stalk. The driver's door is home to power window levers controlling all four side windows and power door lock buttons. On the far left side of the dash, Lexus has a nifty, retracing console about three inches in width that includes side-view mirror controls, trunk and fuel release buttons, dashboard illumination buttons and other useful controls. When not in use, the console closes back up into the dashboard. The parking brake is foot-operated.
Between the leather bucket seats is the templated automatic transmission shifter and to the right, dual in-line beverage holders with a flip-up cover. Three leather seating color choices are offered: Ash, Cashmere and Black.
A seven-inch multi-information touch screen is prominently displayed in center of the dashboard. This screen incorporates the user-friendly DVD-based navigation system when ordered. A few functions, including fan speed intensity, must be commanded through the touch screen exclusively rather than dealing with knobs or buttons.
Headroom in front is average while a tad snug in back, where two adults travel in optimal comfort. The rear-drive transmission hump occupies some leg room. A fold down arm rest cloaks a pass-through window leading to the trunk.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Overall length: 190 inches
Overall width: 71.7 inches
Overall height: 56.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,745 pounds
Exterior: Lexus, long known for conservative styling for its sedans, takes a more radical approach with the GS 2006 redesign. The sleeker-looking GS features a vertical slated waterfall grille with the Lexus L logo front and center. Strap-like handles are body colored as are the side-view mirrors. The GS comes with dual exposed exhaust tips. The square rear window connects down to a high, short rear deck lid. Both front and rear utilize headlight housing that's more compartmentalized in nature rather than bandlike. The GS continues the popular trend of smaller side windows and ahigher belt line along the side. Looking from the side, the front and back side windows create a long, narrow oval effect. However, the smaller windows don't diminish the view from the inside. Drivers have good road perception in all directions. The radio antenna, molded into the rear window,eliminates the need for a free-standing mast type.
The trunk features diminutive, shock-absorber-type hinges outside the cargo area. The trunk accommodates a slightly below average 12.7 cubic feet of room (less space than the previous generation). The spare tire situates under the flat floor along with a handy tool kit. A first aid kit is tucked along the far right-side region of the trunk. A small, unintrusive rear spoiler is a $200 option. The lid features a power-close feature eliminating the need for a hard slam.
Safety: Standard in both models are daytime running lights. High-intensity discharge headlamps come standard on GS 430 while optional on GS 300. Both models come with driver and front passenger air bags, front side curtain airbags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags. New for 2006 are rear side curtain air bags along with driver and front passenger knee air bags and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Also standard are four channel four sensor anti-lock brakes, brake assist, traction control, stability control, theft deterrent system, front and rear energy managing crumple zones and fog lamps. Heated, auto-dimming side view mirrors also tilt down when shifting into reverse for a clearer view of the sides.
Standard exclusively in the GS 430 is the vehicle dynamics integrated management system (VDIM) utilizing software sensors and gather information from brake assist and other functions to enhance handling and traction performance with minimal driver input.
Lexus was also one of the first automakers to feature a tiny rear-mounted camera aiding drivers in determining what, if any, low-lying objects are lurking behind. Shifting the car into reverse activates this handy system which provides a motion picture in the center dashboard screen of what's behind. This rear backup camera is optional when ordering the in-dash Navigation system.
Warranty: All Lexus vehicles include a better-than-average 72-month or 70,000-mile (whichever comes first) power warranty and a basic-limited warranty good for 48-months or 50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is covered for 48 months with no mileage restrictions.
Final thoughts: The GS trim continues on with Lexus' commitment to an eerily quiet interior. As far as quite rides and interiors, Lexus set the standard. While many rivals have caught up to the 'noiseless ambiance,' Lexus continues scrambling for ways to hush noise levels even further including recently incorporated fluid filled front engine mounts.
Lexus also does a commendable job of making high-tech functions easy to use and understand. From the navigation system to the rear-view mounted camera, it's generally logical enough for the average consumer to quickly pick up without constantly referencing the owner's manual.
The addition of an all-wheel drive variant keeps GS on par with rivals. The 2006 versions of the Infiniti M Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac STS all offer all-wheel drive in addition to rear-drive while the Audi A6 is an all-wheel drive exclusive. The GS's pricing falls in the middle of the pack with some competitors slightly higher and others a little lower.