Performance-Driven GS 400 and GS 300 Signal a New Breed of Lexus Sedans
3 September 1997
Performance-Driven GS 400 and GS 300 Signal a New Breed of Lexus Sedans
TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 3 -- Lexus today introduced two new
high-performance models, the 1998 Lexus GS 400 and GS 300 sport sedans,
signaling a new breed of Lexus sedan and a new direction for the luxury brand.
The all-new GS sport sedans' priorities are powerful engine output, nimble
exterior size, superior handling, ample interior comfort and advanced levels
of stability and safety - they are aimed at enthusiast drivers looking for a
fast and fun four-door with comfort and convenience. The new GS is refined
and good looking, yet ready to rumble at a moment's notice.
These two newest Lexus models incorporate abundant new features and
technologies, including two high-performance engines featuring continuously
variable valve timing, a new five-speed automatic transmission with electronic
finger-tip shifting, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), innovative space efficiency,
self-aiming high-intensity discharge headlights, pollution-sensing climate
control and a multi-function touch-screen navigation system.
In developing the new GS series, Lexus designers combined the performance-
oriented chassis layout of front engine/rear-wheel-drive with the space
efficiency usually associated with front-wheel-drive sedans. The GS 400 and
GS 300 go beyond "cab-forward" designs, providing the cabin and trunk space of
large prestige luxury models, yet they occupy the nimbler footprint of smaller
sport sedans.
The new GS is built on a completely new Lexus platform. Only the battery
type, basic front suspension components and the six-cylinder engine's
crankshaft assembly are carried over from the previous generation.
Leading-Edge Design
The aggressive GS front appearance evokes influential design elements
originated by Lexus with the introduction of the SC 400 Sport Coupe. Its
dramatic headlights incorporate optional self-leveling high-intensity
discharge lamps with inboard high beams located in tunneled enclosures. The
signature inboard/outboard lighting beam theme is continued in the taillight
arrangement.
In keeping with its lean and purposeful layout and aggressive performance,
the GS body design emphasizes strength and agility. Extremely short front and
rear decks and minimal body overhangs generate a taut, muscular and stable
profile. Subtle fender flares emphasize the performance wheels and tires,
conveying the car's feisty new personality.
While exterior dimensions have been pared down to fighting form, the GS
interior is roomier in nearly every measure. The new model is six inches
shorter in overall length than the previous generation, yet interior volume is
increased by 4.6 cubic feet and is more generous than the BMW 5-Series or
Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The wheelbase has been lengthened 0.8-inch, making
total front-plus-rear leg room an inch greater than before and more
accommodating than its chief competitors.
Inspiring Power
At the heart of any memorable performance car is an inspired engine
design. The GS 400 is powered by a new generation of the famous Lexus 4.0-
liter 32-valve V8. Cylinder heads, camshaft drives, intake and exhaust
systems, pistons, and most accessory components are completely new. It is an
all-aluminum, four-cam engine with continuously variable valve timing (VVTi),
a first for any V8. This new system of controlling combustion characteristics
eliminates the traditional tradeoffs between standing-start torque and
passing-lane horsepower.
The brawny Lexus V8 produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque,
80 percent of which is available as low as 1,800 rpm. This new powertrain
propels the GS 400 from zero to 60 in a brief six seconds. The companion GS
300 model showcases the ultimate Lexus six: a smooth, high-revving 3.0-liter
twin cam producing 225 horsepower and a broad torque curve thanks to newly
incorporated VVTi technology. Zero to 60 mph is achieved in 7.6 seconds, an
improvement of 0.7 second over the previous GS 300.
An Automatic for Enthusiasts
Additional GS performance highlights include a new five-speed
electronically controlled automatic transmission. The GS 400 also features
upshift and downshift buttons on the steering wheel spokes, controlled by the
thumb and forefinger of either hand. This "E-shift" feature provides quick
shifting performance. The E-shift buttons are operable when the console
shifter is placed in the "M" position. The five-speed automatic also can be
driven conventionally by means of a gated console-mounted lever, trimmed in
walnut and leather.
Driver-Oriented Safety Systems
In keeping with the driver orientation of the GS, active safety systems
help maximize the driver's ability to avoid an accident. In addition to
outstanding inherent handling characteristics, the GS is equipped with a newly
developed Vehicle Skid Control (VSC) system as standard equipment.
VSC employs the sensors, actuators and computer electronics of the anti-
lock braking and traction control systems to help avoid vehicle skids and
spins caused by understeer or oversteer conditions. When the direction of
vehicle travel does not correlate with driver steering inputs, VSC adjusts
engine power and activates individual wheel braking as necessary to help
counteract a spin which might result in loss of control. Highly refined
motion sensors and powerful computer software insure smooth and responsive
emergency handling assistance for the average motorist, without hindering the
skilled enthusiast driver. Electronic traction control and anti-lock brakes
are integrated with the VSC system. All features are standard equipment.
Standard passive safety equipment includes next-generation driver and
front passenger airbags, with reduced propellant power. Side airbags are
integrated into the front seat edges for more consistent positioning relative
to the occupant, regardless of seat position.
Crisp and responsive handling is enhanced by multi-link suspension with
aluminum upper rear wishbones. The redesigned rear suspension layout achieves
optimum suspension characteristics, yet is unusually compact to provide more
interior and trunk space. Suspension tuning provides a balance of confident
cornering and stability for enthusiastic drivers with the refined ride
characteristics expected for day-in, day-out driving comfort. Sixteen-inch V-
rated performance tires on thin-spoked alloy wheels are standard for both GS
300 and GS 400. Factory optional 235/45 R17 Z-rated high-performance tires
are available for drivers demanding ultimate cornering performance.
Interior Accommodations
Acknowledged for their work in human factors design, Lexus engineers have
adopted the first touch-screen display into a Lexus instrument panel. The
optional display controls vehicle navigation functions as well as heating, air
conditioning and audio system settings. The navigation system utilizes
computer map databases and a global positioning system satellite receiver to
track the vehicle's location and to plot optimum routing to the desired
destination. Turn-by-turn route guidance is available by voice and on-screen
prompts. A notable feature is the 1.6 gigabyte hard-disc database source,
which contains complete information for major national highways as well as
detailed maps for 35 U.S. metropolitan areas, with 24 more under development
for early 1998.
Separate temperature controls are provided for driver and passenger as
well as an automatic air pollution sensor which automatically switches the air
to recirculate when certain levels of air contamination are detected. An
activated charcoal micron filter removes dust, pollen and many odors from the
interior air stream.
Power window and moonroof mechanisms feature new one-touch open and close
functions with obstruction-sensing anti-pinch devices. The GS adopts a new
multi-function remote entry system with controls for door lock, unlock, trunk
open, panic and battery condition all built into the compact key itself rather
than requiring a separate key chain fob. In addition, the key and keyless
remote can be used to operate the power windows and moonroof when approaching
or departing the car. The key also is equipped with a key-embedded microchip
transponder for enhanced security. This ensures the correct key is inserted
into the ignition before allowing the vehicle to start.
The performance-driven GS 400 and GS 300 join the successful Lexus lineup
of luxury sedans and are positioned between the entry-luxury ES 300 and the
prestige-luxury LS 400. Chief competitors include the BMW 5-Series and
Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The two new GS models combine leading sport sedan performance and driving
pleasure with unparalleled Lexus workmanship, comfort and ownership
experience. Lexus is the number-one vehicle make for customer satisfaction,
according to J.D. Power and Associates. Lexus vehicles have consistently been
recognized for the highest initial quality at delivery as well as the
automotive industry's best long-term durability after five years of ownership.
The GS 400 and GS 300 will be available in early October at 174 Lexus Dealers,
who have created a tradition of extraordinary service and satisfaction.
SOURCE Lexus
