Calendar year 2011 has yet to reach its conclusion, but already automakers are advancing a few 2013 goodies into the fray; case in point, the2013 mid-size Lexus GS sedan.
While not presently available at dealers, Toyota's luxury division hosted a preview event for the next-generation Grand Sedan in the city of sin that never sleeps. Unlike the gambling mecca's latest tourist tag line, 'what happens in Vegas will not stay in Vegas' as the
2013 Lexus GS is set to arrive to dealers next February on the heels of the 2012 Chicago Auto Show (Feb. 10-19 at Chicago's McCormick Place).
Unveiled in 1993, the GS rates as Lexus division's most popular-selling sedan available in several trim packages, and a gas-electric hybrid variant sans a power cord and requiring no overnight charging (the GS 450h, arriving late Spring). Changes for this all-new, fourth-generation are more evolutionary than revolutionary, a wise choice for a model holding its own in the sometimes fickle, relatively conservative luxury niche.
Pricing has yet to be determined, but expect about the same $47,000 starting point of the current GS 350.
From a marketing stand point, Lexus plans a big splash. Five days prior to the 2012 Chicago Auto Show opening, Super Bowl XLVI takes to the air with the Chicago Bears tackling the underdog Denver Broncos (follow this dream sequence closely). Not only is this a grueling rematch of the two team's earlier December grudge match, but it's a grand stage for the triumphant return of quarterback Jay Cutler and his technologically healed bionic thumb with stone-cold Kung-Fu grip. Lexus has a seat at the Big Game with a TV spot secured for the 2013 GS 350. As the weather thaws later in 2012, a GS Performance Drive Tour is planned with stops in all major cities, hopefully Chicago. (prior to the Chicago Bulls hoisting their seven-peat NBA finals trophy. Dream sequence over).
The sole powertrain in all 2013 gasoline trims is a potent 3.5-liter (thus the 350 suffix) V-6 generating 306 horses connected to a standard six-speed automatic transmission (up from Gen 3's five-speed). This marks a shift from the third generation GS where both V-8 and V-6 engines were offered. Lexus is quick to point out that 95 percent of customers in the mid-luxury segment opt for V-6 engines over V-8s, thus leading to a quiet exit for the eight cylinder. For those pondering, "I could've had a V-8" (the engine, not vegetable drink), Lexus continues offering the 4.6-liter V-8 in the slightly larger LS 460 sedan.
Fuel economy and horsepower get tweaked up a bit. While city estimates remain unchanged, the 2013 GS 350 registers two miles better in the highway category (19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway). Horsepower stands at 306, up slightly from the third generation. The fuel tank holds a relatively large 17.4 gallons of premium octane fuel.
This fourth-generation five-passenger offering doesn't skip on well-established Lexus nuances including a hush-quiet interior, elegant inside amenities and pricing less than mid-sizers from Germany's Big Three (BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi). While the 2013 GS targets the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series, Infiniti's mid-luxury G sedan received an impressive makeover in the 2010 model year.
Updated appointments for the conservatively styled 2013 include an overall 10 percent weight reduction compared to GS Gen 3 thanks to lighter weight high-tensile steel. A lighter, stronger suspension assists dynamic cornering. Front seat positions get slightly elevated for improved field of vision with the steering column angle now at a more driver-friendly 21 degrees. The number of air bags now reaches 10 as GS now includes knee air bags for front passengers. Outside, the most striking feature is an inverted trapezoidal 'spindle grille,' hinting at a new face other Lexi will most likely sport during next-generation makeovers. Improved underbody airflow benefits fuel economy while adding to the already quiet Lexus ride experience.
Lexus provides several option packages (Premium, Luxury, F Sport) for the rear-drive GS which add quickly to the starting price. All-wheel-drive, seamlessly splitting front-rear torque, is available with all packages.
The premium package includes heated/ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and power rear sunshade. The Luxury group includes rear audio controls, a wood and leather steering wheel, upgraded leather and three-zone air conditioning. What's with F-Sport? That includes a rear spoiler, larger front brakes and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both Luxury and F-Sport packages include up-level adaptive variable suspension.
A-la-carte options include a heads-up windshield display, blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, upgraded stereo, lane departure warning and an in-dash, 12.3-inch split screen navigation system with multi-media display. Notable standard fare includes push-button electric start, rear back-up camera and one-touch moon roof.
Seating colors include black, grey, red or flaxen. The driver's seat includes a varying amount of power moves depending on the trim package (10-way, 16-way and 18-way adjustments). Leather seating comes standard as does a stately analog clock with hands on the center dashboard. While the wheelbase (distance between from and rear axle) remains unchanged from the previous generation, rear riders enjoy two additional inches of room thanks to recessed front seat backs.
Electric power steering helps move this 3,795-pound vehicle with ease. The three-spoke steering wheel includes different contours for better feedback and standard paddle shifters in all trims. The turn signal appendage now includes a self-cancelling feature after three or four blinks once nudged up or down. At 14.3 cubic feet of cargo room, trunk space increases by approximately 25 percent (or 1.6 cubic feet), with an opening six-and-a-half inches wider.
A welcome addition is a second-generation joy pad mechanism between the front buckets allowing easier interface with in-dash navigation and audio systems. Prior models required a squeezing motion to opt in commands. The 2013 GS utilizes a more intuitive pressing motion of a square joy pad.
All models include circular, chrome, drive mode selector adjacent to the joy pad. Twist the knob to choose 'normal,' 'eco,' or 'sports' ride selections. Portable electronics benefit from standard USB and iPod ports tucked inside the center arm rest. A three-month subscription to XM Radio comes standard along with HD radio and iTunes tagging compatibility.
Earlier in December, Lexus' parent company Toyota announced a technology-sharing arrangement with Germany's BMW. Technological alliances of this sort make economic sense for both parties since research and development costs add up quickly.
Toyota benefits from BMW's long-running diesel knowledge. The German automaker will supply diesel-powered, fuel-extending four-cylinder engines. In exchange, BMW gets a chair at Toyota's gas-electric hybrid table. The two will also combine resources by investing together in light-weight lithium-ion batteries. While Toyota has a decade of success with its nickel metal hydride batteries powering its Prius and the Lexus GS 450h hybrids, all-electric plug-in vehicles require lighter-weight lithium-ion batteries utilized in the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf.
In 2010, Toyota made headlines by purchasing a large chunk of Tesla Motors, Inc. stock. Based in Palo-Alto California, upstart Tesla builds small volume of plug-in electric cars.
Overall 2011 car and light truck sales in the U.S. are projected in the 12.7 million unit range, a nice step up from 2010's 11.5 million units. Of that, luxury units account for approximately 1.4 million units.
At a Glance2013 GS 350Anticipated starting price: Under $50,000
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Overall Length: 190.7 inches
Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Curb weight: 3,795 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 70,000 miles/72 months