Lexus has revealed the latest version of its GS executive car.
Officially unveiled for the first time at California’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Lexus hopes this will finally be the car to topple the class leading BMW 5-Series and Mercedes Benz E-Class.
Lexus say the new car begins a new chapter for the company by providing “a more engaging driving experience, bolder design and a more spacious, contemporary interior”
Changes have been made to the chassis and suspension over the previous generation GS to make the car more agile and rewarding to drive. Changes include a 40mm wider front track and a 50mm wider rear track as well as all-new multi-link rear suspension.
These changes, combined with a stiffer platform and the use of aluminium to reduce unsprung mass should, Lexus hope, make for a more engaging driving experience.
The exterior has been reworked to have a more aggressive and purposeful stance to reflect the supposed performance potential.
This theme is continued at the rear of the car with a diffuser featuring integrated twin exhaust-pipes and at the front where there are LED daytime running lights and a much bolder grille design which will become a signature feature on all future Lexus’.
The interior has been designed to be more “emotional” than previous Lexus’ and has been designed with the driver in mind.
The new GS features a new energy-saving ‘intelligent’ climate control system that detects passengers and only provides airflow to occupied seats. Interior space and accessibility has been increased as has the luggage space which grows by 25%.
Other technological highlights include DVD and MP3 compatibility, 5.1 surround sound speakers, an eight-inch high-resolution central display or an optional, industry-first, 12.3-inch high-resolution screen which supports split screen viewing for larger maps when using the satellite-navigation.
There will be more detailed engine announcements later in the year but already confirmed (for the UK at least) are the 450h hybrid and the 250 petrol engines as well as an F-Sport version.
There are currently no price details but the new Lexus GS will go on sale in 2012.
Source: Lexus