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Introduction
Lexus GS 430 -- 2006 Preview: Calling it "one of the most advanced vehicles on Earth," Denny Clements, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, unveiled the striking new 2006 Lexus GS at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. Though the general shape and quad headlamps tie the new Lexus GS to the outgoing model, the redesigned car is longer, appearing to be lower to the ground thanks to its long hood, shapely flanks and "slingshot" windows. The roofline is swept so dramatically back that the 2006 Lexus GS barely has a rear decklid, looking more like a hatchback than a sedan. The company's Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) is available, tracking with the steering to illuminate around dark turns.
What's Inside
Inside, the new Lexus GS is simply stunning. Beautiful wood, polished metal and rich leather coat most surfaces, and the three round gauges continue to feature electroluminescent lighting. Standard equipment includes a ten-speaker audio system and a keyless SmartAccess system that allows the driver to unlock and start the car without using a key, as long as a transmitter fob is on the driver's person to communicate with the car's software. Options include climate controlled front seats and a navigation system that includes a reverse camera to make backing up or parking on the street easier.
Safety gear includes knee airbags, side curtain airbags and variable force front airbags. An optional Pre-Collision System (PCS) employs a radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. By comparing this data with vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate, PCS determines if a collision is imminent and retracts the front seat belts to remove excess slack while simultaneously preparing Brake Assist for maximum braking.
What's Under the Hood
Two versions of the new Lexus GS will be available. The 2006 Lexus GS 300 is equipped with a new 3.0-liter V6 engine that makes 245 horsepower and 228 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2006 Lexus GS 430 has today's 4.3-liter V8 engine under the hood, making 300 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Both models transmit power to the rear wheels through a new close-ratio six-speed automatic transmission. Remarkably, the Lexus GS 300 will be available with all-wheel-drive. The Lexus GS 430 comes with standard 18-inch wheels and tires.
A Vehicle Dynamic Management (VDM) is also standard. This next-generation stability control system that can predict the onset of a vehicle skid or slide operates less intrusively than today's Vehicle Skid Control (VSC). The 2006 Lexus GS also features an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that allows the driver to select from four suspension settings ranging from normal to sport.
What Lexus Says
Lexus spokespeople claim that the new GS points the way for Lexus styling in the future, embodying the company's more passionate direction. Based on what we witnessed in Detroit, Lexus is on the right track. The 2006 Lexus GS evokes emotion for its dramatic design in addition to admiration for its class-leading engineering. But is the 2006 Lexus GS the most advanced sedan on Earth? It doesn't go on sale for more than a year, and that's a bold statement to make in a fast-paced, highly competitive technological age.
by Christian Wardlaw
Photo Credit: Toyota Motors Sales, USA Inc.
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