Lexus GS (S190)
The
Lexus GS (S190) is the third generation of the Lexus GS line of
mid-size sports sedans and
executive cars. Sold by Lexus since 2005, the line includes multiple
V6,
V8, and
hybrid models. A concept model for the GS line, the
LF-S, debuted in late 2003 at the
Tokyo Motor Show. The third generation GS first appeared as a pre-production vehicle at the 2004
Geneva Auto Show with the production version shown at the 2005
North American International Auto Show in
Detroit.
The initial lineup featured V6 and V8 engines with rear-wheel drive,
and for the first time on a Lexus sedan, the option of all-wheel drive
with the V6-powered GS 300 and GS 350 models. The GS 450h performance
hybrid joined the lineup in 2006.
The production GS was built on a newly designed midsize platform which would also be used on the second-generation IS.
Production of the third generation began on January 24, 2005 in the city of
Tahara, Aichi, in Japan, where all GS models would be built. The third generation GS was also the first model to feature Lexus' own
L-finesse styling upon its introduction.
History of development
The Lexus LF-S concept at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto show.
Concept
In October 2003, Lexus premiered the LF-S (Lexus Future Sedan), a concept car which presaged the design characteristics of the upcoming GS.
The design features on the LF-S concept included a slingshot cabin,
sleek profile, and fastback rear deck lid, which were translated to the
production GS, while the windshield cleansing system, glass roof, and
side cameras were not.
2006–2009 Lexus GS 450h (GWS191R; Australia)
Exterior
The third generation GS was the introductory Lexus model for the marque's new
L-finesse design philosophy. Characterized by swooping lines, a
fastback
profile, and more muscular styling, the GS indicated the future
direction of the Lexus lineup. The production GS featured a slingshot
cabin, first previewed on the earlier Lexus LF-S concept. The production
GS also retained the quad headlamp design from the second generation
model and previous Lexus SC while adding
LED
tailamps, and one-piece bumpers to create a more uniform appearance.
The drag coefficient on the third generation GS design reached 0.27
Cd.
Interior
Third generation GS interior (GRS190R)
The GS interior was available with ash leather and black
Bird's eye maple wood trim, cashmere leather and brown bird's-eye maple trim, or black leather and walnut trim.
Major standard features included a water repellent front door glass, an acoustic windshield, solar energy absorbing glass,
electrochromic auto-dimming side mirrors with puddle lamps, electrochromic
auto-dimming rearview mirror,
10-way driver and front passenger power and heated seats with
three-position Lexus Memory System, power tilt/telescoping steering
wheel, and a power trunk closer.
The GS sedans also were the first to feature the latest generation of Lexus'
SmartAccess keyless system–-adding a
push-button start for the first time as standard.
Other unique features included a driver-side hidden drop-down panel
for infrequently used controls, a standard 7-inch touchscreen display in
the center console, and LED lighting in the cabin.
Unique to the Lexus GS series was a three-pod instrument cluster with
machined aluminum facings and an electrochromic feature which adjusts for the amount of reflected sunlight to reduce glare.
Optional features included a power moonroof, ventilated front seats
with perforated leather, power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, a
discrete 5.1 surround sound 14-speaker 330 watt
Mark Levinson premium sound system,
XM-satellite radio and DVD-based
navigation with
backup camera and
Bluetooth technology.
Safety systems
GS 460 equipped with Pre-Collision radar system with grille sensor
The third generation Lexus GS came standard with dual front airbags, front driver and passenger
knee airbags, front and rear row
side curtain airbags, and front row
side torso airbags standard while rear row side torso airbags were optional.
An
Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) was standard on the V8 model while optional on the V6 model. The radar-based
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with a
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
system was optional. PCS can automatically apply up to 0.3g of
deceleration if the driver does not react to imminent crash warnings.
Anti-lock braking,
electronic brakeforce distribution,
brake assist and
Vehicle Stability Control
(VSC) are standard on all models. VSC with the electric power steering
system can immediately alter steering torque assist during evasive
maneuvers.
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
(VDIM) is standard on the GS 430/460/450h models and coupled to VGRS it
can alter steering gear ratios. VDIM became standard on the 2008 GS 350
but does not include the VGRS system.
The GS 450h was among the first Lexus vehicles to receive the
Driver Monitoring System in certain markets. This safety system featured an
infrared
steering wheel mounted camera which monitors driver attentiveness,
sounding an alarm if danger ahead is detected and the driver is not
paying attention.
In
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) tests the GS received the "Good" overall rating in both frontal
and side impact tests. The GS also received the "Good" rating in 13 of
the 14 measured categories.
Euro NCAP
scores for 2005 gave the GS the maximum five stars in Adult Occupant,
four stars in Child Occupant, and two of four stars in the Pedestrian
test categories.
In the executive class the GS outscored all three of its German
competitors in terms of adult occupant and pedestrian protection.
[11][12][13]
Models
GRS191 / UZS190 (2005)
2005–2006 Lexus GS 430 (UZS190; U.S.)
In September 2005, the
GS 350 (GRS191) and
GS 430 (UZS190) went on sale in Japan; the GS 350 using a 3.5-liter
2GR-FSE engine with D4-S direct injection, while the GS 430 used the same 4.3-liter
3UZ-FE V8
used in the previous model. Sales in the United States began the
following March as a 2006 model, with the initial U.S. model lineup
including the
GS 300 (GRS190), featuring a ULEV certified 3.0-liter
3GR-FSE V6 engine, and the GS 430. The GS 300 featured a
D4 direct-injection
fuel system for all markets except Continental Asia, excluding
Singapore, becoming Toyota's first vehicle equipped with direct
injection sold in the United States. The 3.0-liter engine was also found
in the Toyota Mark X as well as the
Zero Toyota Crown,
however the new GS 300 was never offered in the Japanese market. The GS
300, GS 350, and GS 430 engine options were paired to a new 6-speed
automatic sequential shift gearbox.
An
all-wheel drive system was made available in the GS 300, thus becoming the first Lexus sedan to offer such a configuration;
the system varied the front/rear wheel torque split anywhere from 50/50 to 30/70 depending on conditions.
2005–2008 Lexus GS 300 (GRS190R; Australia)
Also new to the GS line was an
Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replacing the previous model's hydraulic steering pump, while the V8 model featured a
Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system and
Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) a type of
brake-by-wire system.
The GS 430 also featured an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that individually alters suspension
damper firmness at each wheel continuously.
Using the EPS system the GS can automatically compensate for crosswinds.
For the 2007 model year, the GS 350 replaced the GS 300 in the U.S. and other export markets. Due to a change in
SAE
testing procedures, the 2007 GS 430 horsepower rating was reduced from
300 to 290 (with 319 ft·lbf (433 N·m). of torque), while the V6-powered
GS 350 was rated at 303 hp (with 274 ft·lbf (371 N·m). of torque). Lexus
reported 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds for both vehicles.
For 2008, the GS 350 came with
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management
(VDIM), which was previously standard only on V8 and hybrid models. The
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) was now an option on the V6 model as
well.
2005–2008 Lexus GS 350 (GRS191; Japan)
In 2007,
Consumer Reports'
predicted reliability survey blamed the 2006 first-year GS in the
all-wheel-drive form, which had problems in integrity (rattles), body
hardware and sound system, as the sole reason for lowering Lexus'
overall score.
Despite the reliability issues among 2006 GS models, the vehicle earned a "Recommended" rating from
Consumer Reports
for vehicle features, overall value and previously automatically
assumed reliability for that year. However, the problems have apparently
been solved, and the GS AWD was rated "average" in later years.
GWS191 (2007)
Cutaway model showing the GS 450h powertrain.
Unveiled at the 2005
New York International Auto Show, the
hybrid GS 450h
(GWS191) joined the GS line in 2006 for the 2007 model year. It was the
first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car. Its
powertrain included a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter
2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a
continuously variable transmission. This powertrain made use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of integrating electric and gasoline engine motors, giving the GS 450h a
Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) emissions rating.
In some markets, however, the car could only be purchased with at least
one option package, which raises the price by several thousand dollars.
The rear-mounted battery also consumed significant trunk space, which
was improved in 2009 when Lexus redesigned the trunk area to increase
space by forty percent,
from 7.5 cu ft (210 L)
in 2007 and 2008, to 10.6 cu ft (300 L).
The GS 450h went on sale in Japan on March 16, 2006.
2006–2009 Lexus GS 450h (GWS191; Europe)
The GS 450h weighed 1875 kg (4134 lb), but the combined hybrid powertrain produced 253 kilowatts (339 hp),
allowing the GS to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.2 seconds, according to manufacturer data,
compared to the GS 460's 5.4 seconds.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-rated
highway fuel economy was 25 mpg (8.4 l/100 km), while the city fuel
economy was rated at 22 mpg, which is slightly unusual for hybrid
vehicles of this type (as they normally have higher city fuel economy
ratings).
2009–2010 Lexus GS 450h (GWS191R; Australia)
Motoring journalist
Jeremy Clarkson, a famous critic of hybrid vehicles and the Toyota Prius
especially, admitted he loved the GS 450h. After claiming that you
spent most of the time on the Prius "chewing a lot of fuel" and "making a
green statement," he described "with the Lexus I drove up and down
Piccadilly all day. It was great." He also felt that the GS 450h was
"balanced nicely by the styling, the quality and the sense that you
really are in something a little bit different." Clarkson also
positively referred to the benefit of a hybrid car being exempt from the
London congestion charge (for a
£10 one off administration fee to register it).
For 2009, the GS 450h received a new hybrid-only grille.
URS191 (2008)
MY2009 Lexus GS 350 (GRS196; U.S.)
A 4.6-liter
GS 460 (URS191) replaced the GS 430 in 2007 for the 2008 model year. Equipped with the new 4.6 liter
1UR-FSE
V8 engine generating 342 hp (with 339 ft·lbf (460 N·m). of torque) and
an 8-speed automatic transmission. Lexus reported a 0-60 time of 5.4
seconds for the GS 460.
Along with the hybrid GS 450h and previous GS 430 models, the V8-powered GS 460 offered the
Active Stabilizer Suspension System for improved handling.
Coinciding with the introduction of the GS 460, the GS lineup
received a mid-cycle styling refresh, including a revised front bumper,
headlights and grille,
turn signals
added to the side mirrors, and new wheel options and exterior colors.
Inside the vehicle, the GS received a redesigned steering wheel, revised
instrument cluster gauges, and different trim pieces.
Limited editions
GS 450h Targa Newfoundland racer
75 "
Neiman Marcus
Edition" GS 450h sedans were offered as the annual holiday catalog car
at a price of $65,000. All were sold in less than three hours on October
19, 2005 and were delivered around April 2006.
In 2008, Lexus Japan released a 500-unit limited "Passionate Black"
edition of the GS 350, GS 450h, and GS 460, featuring a custom black
leather interior with red piping trim, priced at ¥576-721 million.
Lexus Japan also released a 300-unit limited "Meteor Black" edition of
the GS 350, featuring all-black leather interior with silver trim.
For 2010, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the launch of Lexus
Japan, a "Sunset" special edition model was produced in conjunction with
Spanish design duo Stone Designs.
The GS "Sunset" model featured a multi-tone interior with contrast seat leather hues of orange and saddle.
The Lexus is now being used by the
Wiltshire Police Constabulary in England as an unmarked police car. In 2007, a GS 450h was also entered in the
Targa Newfoundland event.
Specifications
| Model configurations by region |
| Chassis code |
Model no. |
Model year(s) |
Drivetrain |
Transmission |
Engine type |
Engine code |
Region(s) |
| GRS190 |
GS 300 |
2006– |
RWD/AWD |
6-speed AT |
3.0 L petrol V6 |
3GR-FSE |
Australia,China, Europe, Middle East |
| GRS191 |
GS 350 |
2007– |
3.5 L petrol V6 |
2GR-FSE |
Canada, Europe, Japan, United States |
| GWS191 |
GS 450h |
2007– |
RWD |
CVT |
3.5 L hybrid V6 |
2GR-FSE |
|
| UZS190 |
GS 430 |
2006– |
6-speed AT |
4.3 L petrol V8 |
3UZ-FE |
Australia,Middle East |
| URS190 |
GS 460 |
2008– |
8-speed AT |
4.6 L petrol V8 |
1UR-FE |
Australia,Canada, China, Europe, Japan, United States |
Awards
Several awards won by the third generation Lexus GS include the Paul
Pietsch Prize for Advanced Technology in 2007, awarded by technical
editors of
Auto Motor Und Sport,
2007
IF product design award from the
International Forum Design group in Hannover, Germany,
and
Auto Bild "Auto 1" award for best sedan in 2007.
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2 ความคิดเห็น:
I say that if I were to own this car, it would create to much anticipation for me. Nice article.
This car is very well designed.if we have owned this car.
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