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. Production of the third generation began on January 24, 2005, with sales in the United States beginning the following March. The initial model lineup included the GS 300 (GRS190), with a ULEV certified 3.0-liter 3GR-FSE V6 engine, and the GS 430 (UZS190), with the same 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8 used in the previous model. 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. Both engine options were paired to a new 6-speed automatic sequential shift gearbox. The equivalent Aristo was not released as Toyota introduced the Lexus channel to Japan and sought to align all world markets using Lexus as their luxury brand worldwide. In September 2005, the GS 350 and GS 430 were launched in Japan, the GS 300 was never offered in the Japanese market.
An all-wheel drive system was made available in the GS 300, thus becoming the first Lexus sedan to offer such a configuration. This all-wheel drive system varies the front/rear wheel torque split anywhere from 50/50 to 30/70 depending on conditions. New to the GS was an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replacing the previous model's hydraulic power steering pump and both the V8 and hybrid models feature a Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system and Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) a type of brake-by-wire system. V8 and hybrid models also feature an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system that can alter suspension dampner firmness at each wheel continuously.
The third generation GS is 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 indicates the future direction of the Lexus lineup. The slingshot cabin on the GS was first previewed on the earlier Lexus LF-S concept. The GS also retains the quad headlamp design from the second generation model and previous Lexus SC while adding LED tailamps, and one-piece bumpers that to create a more uniform appearance. The drag coefficient on the third generation GS design reached 0.27 Cd. 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 include 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, is a three-pod instrument cluster with machined aluminum facings and an electrochromic feature which adjusts for the amount of reflected sunlight to reduce glare.
The 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 with and walnut trim. Major standard features include a water repellent front door glass, 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. Optional features include a power moonroof, ventilated front seats with perforated leather, power rear sunshade, rain-sensing wipers, a discrete 5.1 surround sound 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, XM-satellite radio and DVD-based navigation with backup camera and Bluetooth technology.
In the U.S., the GS 350 begins at $44,150, while the GS 460 retails at $52,620. Competitors to the Lexus GS include the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Cadillac STS, Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Infiniti M, and Acura RL.
In 2007, Consumer Reports dropped Lexus from 1st to 5th in their predicted reliability survey. The magazine 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 the slip. 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 is now "average".
Model year changesThe GS 350 (GRS191), using the 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE engine, replaced the GS 300 for the 2007 model year. 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 reports 0-60 times of 5.7 seconds for both vehicles.
A 4.6-liter GS 460 (URS191) replaced the GS 430 for the 2008 model year. Equipped with the new 4.6-liter 1UR-FE V8 engine generating 342 hp (with 339 ft·lbf (460 N·m). of torque) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Lexus reports 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 offers 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. Also, for 2008, the GS350 came with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which was previously standard only on V8 and hybrid models. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is now an option on the V6 model as well.
GS 450hUnveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the hybrid GS 450h (GWS191) joined the GS line for the 2007 model year. It is the first mass-production rear-wheel drive luxury hybrid car. Its powertrain includes a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter 2GR-FSE V6 engine mated to an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission. This powertrain makes use of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system of integrating electric and gasoline engine motors. The GS 450h has a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle emissions rating and an MSRP (including delivery) of $55,595. In some markets, however, the car can only be purchased with at least one option package, which raises the price by several thousand dollars. The rear-mounted battery also consumes 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 is among the first Lexus vehicles to receive the Driver Monitoring System in certain markets. This safety system features 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.
The GS 450h weighs 1875 kg (4134 lb), but the combined hybrid powertrain produces 339 hp (253 kW), 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 is 25 mpg (8.4 l/100 km), while the city fuel economy is rated at 22 mpg, which is slightly unusual for hybrid vehicles of this type (as they normally have higher city fuel economy ratings).
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. The GS 450h went on sale in Japan on March 16, 2006.
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).
The Lexus is now being used by the Wiltshire Police Constabulary in England as an unmarked police car.
SafetyThe Lexus GS comes 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 are optional. An Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) is 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 is 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 electic 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.
Euro NCAP scores:
Adult Occupant: 5/5
Child Occupant: 4/5
Pedestrian: 2/4
In 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. In the executive class the GS outscored all three of its German competitors in terms of adult occupant and pedestrian protection.
Video: KBB Review: Lexus GS
Source: Wikipedia: Lexus GS
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