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By
EWAN KENNEDY
24 March 2008
Lexus has always regarded its medium-large GS series as being
as much a sporty saloon as a luxury cruiser. The just introduced
GS460 certainly pushes hard in the direction of performance.
Squeezing the large V8 from big brother Lexus LS460 under the
bonnet has given the new GS430 the sort of acceleration once only
available from purebred sportscars.
Acceleration that sees the Lexus leap from rest to 100 km/h in
only 5.8 seconds thanks to the twin-cam engine producing up to 255
kW and 460 Nm. In real world driving the GS460 should prove
exceptionally safe in overtaking on country roads.
Another reason for the superb acceleration is the mating of the
new V8 to the eight-speed automatic transmission introduced in the
Lexus LS460 almost a year ago. The big spread of ratios means this
auto can have nice low ratios at the bottom end of the scale, and
high cruising numbers at low revs in easy-paced running. Seventh
and eight gears both run overdrive ratios.
This has led to fuel consumption that has been officially
measured at 11.4 litres per hundred kilometres, a decrease of
almost a third of a litre per hundred km on the less powerful
4.3-litre engine it replaces. That’s smart engineering because
lower fuel consumption almost certainly means fewer carbon dioxide
emissions.
Smoothness and refinement have long been hallmarks of the Lexus
range and this new GS460 will take the levels even higher. At this
stage we haven’t had a chance to test drive the latest Lexus,
but will do so within a matter of weeks and will bring full drive
impressions then.
Styling changes to this relatively new car have been kept to a
minimum. There's a bolder look to the front bumper and
under-bumper that give the car a more dynamic look. As well as
alterations to the shape of exterior mirrors, door handles and
alloy wheels.
Inside, there are detailed changes to the styling of the
steering wheel, instrument panel and the switches for the minor
controls.
Since its 2005 introduction the current Lexus GS has done
reasonably well in the sales race, in Australia, particularly
since a V8 (4.3-litre) was offered for the first time. Previous GS
models had all used V6 powerplants. The use of the larger V8 at a
comparatively modest price, $134,900, compared with the $186,200
for the LS460 makes it affordable to many more buyers.
Of course, specifications and equipment levels are even higher
in the LS than the GS so it’s, perhaps, not a fair comparison.
Nevertheless, someone aspiring to own a large Lexus at a
reasonable price is now in the market.
Lexus continues to sell the GS300 with its V6 engine, priced
from $96,900; as well as the fascinating GS450h hybrid, which has
a recommended retail price of $124,900.
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Marque Publishing Company
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