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Price - $29,987

• Doors: 4
• Engine: 3.5L V6
• Exterior: Capri Blue Metallic
• Interior: Cashmere
• Stock Number: 66561A
• Transmission: Automatic
• VIN: WDBUF87X58B315005
• Mileage: 28,053

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Check out the crash test model developed by Lexus in pursuit of industry leading safety!

2013 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Details

• F SPORT Package Features 19-Inch Staggered Width Wheels
• Dynamic Handling with F SPORT Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Stopping Power with New Larger Front Brakes with High Friction Pads

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 – Lexus will reveal the all-new 2013 GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan with F SPORT package at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. 

The Lexus press conference to reveal the 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT package will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. PDT at the outdoor Lexus exhibit tent, located between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Following the press conference, media will have an opportunity to experience track rides in the all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package.

 

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will be on display at the Lexus tent from Nov. 1 – 4. JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 Team driver, Joe Bacal and race car driver, Scott Pruett will be on hand signing autographs on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m., respectively, at the Lexus tent. Joe Bacal will also be available to sign autographs throughout the day on Nov. 2.

Building on the excitement of the fourth-generation GS 350 which was revealed at Pebble Beach in August, the GS 350 with F SPORT package was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with factory engineering and the ability to take performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition, rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).  Inside, the all-new package also features a sporty attitude with a new 16-way power driver’s sport seat, unique interior design treatment and available F SPORT exclusive Cabernet Red leather interior.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, with four cams, and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the car from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved.

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment.

The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.
 
Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

To provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body, a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure, a transmission with quicker shifts, distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes, and better seat support, Lexus engineers looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration. 

The new platform has been designed to be more rigid. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to help ensure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance. 

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that helps retain tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly. 

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. 

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer an optional newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for those seeking more agility. This leading edge platform technology offers Lexus’ first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. LDH helps to optimize the vehicle slip angle. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The latest generation of Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates Lexus Dynamic Handling; the Anti-lock Braking System; Traction Control; Vehicle Stability Control; and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Adaptive Variable Suspension helps front and rear wheel control and provides agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver’s actions. The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input, to a maximum DRS angle of 2.0 degrees. At most speeds below 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. In certain conditions at speeds over 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction.

Further coordinating DRS with VGRS and AVS, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically customize the adaptive suspension tuning and active safety systems to suit road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style, giving drivers the confidence to fully utilize the exceptional driving performance of the GS with F SPORT package.

The GS 350 RWD with F SPORT package will be exclusively equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels paired with 235/40/19 front and 265/35/19 rear tires, the widest rear tires ever on a Lexus sedan. The wider width wheels allow for a sportier look, and will also help provide added traction.  All-wheel drive (AWD) models will be paired with 235/40/19 all-season tires in the front and rear. 

Safety/Security Features

As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats designed to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of rear-end collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a Pre-Collision System, which uses the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System to provide early warning of certain objects traveling directly ahead that might result in a front-end collision. The system also uses a Lexus-first infrared camera with new scanning technology to monitor the driver’s eyes. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to 1.2 seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision. With available Lexus Dynamic Handling, PCS will help further mitigate the occurrence of a collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display; a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.
 
Exterior Design

The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for low coefficient of drag.

Following the inspirational design cues of the IS line-up and CT 200h, the F SPORT package separates itself from the GS line-up with distinctive exterior details. To display its aggressive attitude, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be outfitted with a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches add an athletic stance-enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will feature two new colors: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum, and also be available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian.  Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appears finely polished.

Interior Design

To complement the aggressive-looking exterior of the F SPORT package, the interior will feature an exclusive design treatment with smooth striated aluminum trim, unique perforated leather trim, black headliner and aluminum pedals. Distinctive F SPORT badging will be showcased on the steering wheel. Focusing on the driver, the F SPORT package will feature a new 16-way power sport seat for increased lateral support. The driver’s seat will include a Lexus-first with power side bolsters, thigh support, adjustable seatback and four-way lumbar. To complete the uniqueness of the F SPORT package, a striking Cabernet Red leather interior will also be available. 

Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well, to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls, such as audio and climate, were relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout.

The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations control.

The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote Touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add convenience.

The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional.

“The GS 350 with F SPORT Package will be a distinctive offering of luxury and excitement,” said Templin. “With its dynamic handling, stopping power and true sporty feel this F SPORT package will be sure to please our enthusiasts.”
 
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS FOR GS 350 WITH F SPORT PACKAGE
 
Horsepower: 306 hp @ 6,400rpm
Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 4,800rpm

Transmission

Six-speed sequential-shift with paddle shifters, Electronic Controlled Automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i)

Seating Capacity: 5

Overall Length (in.): 190.9
Width (in.): 72.4
Height (in.): 57.3
Wheelbase (in.): 112.2
Driven Wheels: Rear or All-Wheel Drive
Curb weight (lbs.): 3,715 (RWD) 3,890 (AWD)

Brake type

Ventilated front and rear disc with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system (VDIM)

Wheel size: RWD 19” x 8” (Front), 19” x 9” (Rear), AWD 19” x 8”
Tire size: RWD 235/40/19 (Front) 265/35/19 (Rear), AWD 235/40/19 (Front and Rear)

0 – 60 mph: Estimated 5.7 seconds
Top Track Speed: Estimated 142 mph (electronically limited)
MPG (City/Hwy/Comb.): 20/27/23 (RWD), 18/25/20 (AWD)

 

Courtesy of lexusenthusiast.com

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Lexus to Reveal All-New 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT Package at 2011 SEMA Show!

• F SPORT Package Features 19-Inch Staggered Width Wheels
• Dynamic Handling with F SPORT Tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS)
• Stopping Power with New Larger Front Brakes with High Friction Pads

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 25, 2011 – Lexus will reveal the all-new 2013 GS 350 mid-size luxury sedan with F SPORT package at the 2011 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. 

The Lexus press conference to reveal the 2013 GS 350 with F SPORT package will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 1:30 p.m. PDT at the outdoor Lexus exhibit tent, located between the Central and South Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Following the press conference, media will have an opportunity to experience track rides in the all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package.

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will be on display at the Lexus tent from Nov. 1 – 4. 

JT Grey Racing Lexus LX 570 Team driver, Joe Bacal and race car driver, Scott Pruett will be on hand signing autographs on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. and 12:00-1:00 p.m., respectively, at the Lexus tent.   Joe Bacal will also be available to sign autographs throughout the day on Nov. 2.

Building on the excitement of the fourth-generation GS 350 which was revealed at Pebble Beach in August, the GS 350 with F SPORT package was designed to engage driving enthusiasts with factory engineering and the ability to take performance to an entirely new level. Unique to the F SPORT package will be aggressive 19-inch wheels, F SPORT-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), thicker anti-roll bars, bushing changes, and new larger front brakes with high friction pads. In addition, rear-wheel drive (RWD) models will be equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS).  Inside, the all-new package also features a sporty attitude with a new 16-way power driver’s sport seat, unique interior design treatment and available F SPORT exclusive Cabernet Red leather interior.

“The all-new GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer our customers more agility and a sportier appearance,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “The

racing-inspired F SPORT components were precision engineered for this vehicle, providing quality performance without compromise.”

Engine/Transmission/Drivetrain/Performance

As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package is powered by an advanced 3.5-liter V6, with four cams, and four valves per cylinder and dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence. At 306 horsepower, it is one of the most powerful base engines in the segment, as well as the only one with both port and direct injection. It propels the car from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and at the same time, fuel economy has been improved.

Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, and improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS. The six-speed sequential shift automatic transmission has paddle shifters and sport driving functions as standard equipment.

The transmission incorporates many features adopted from the Lexus IS F high-performance sedan — including faster shifts, and downshift throttle blips — to support four driving modes that can be operated by toggling the Lexus Drive Mode selector. In addition to the Normal mode, the driver can customize the driving experience using ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

An optional electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is designed to enhance traction in a variety of driving conditions. The system can vary front-to-rear torque balance from 50/50 to as much as 30/70, depending on driving conditions, for exceptional control.

Chasis/Body/Susension/Tires/Brakes

To provide a more engaging driving experience, including a new aerodynamic body, a completely new platform with a wider stance and stiffer structure, a transmission with quicker shifts, distinctive engine sound and exhaust notes, and better seat support, Lexus engineers looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration. 

The new platform has been designed to be more rigid. Engineers conducted extensive platform testing, ultimately increasing the number of spot welds and adding laser welds in very specific locations. The track, wider by almost two inches, works in combination with a revised suspension design to help ensure a more solid stance and superior cornering performance. 

The new suspension system is designed to help guide the 2013 GS through corners with precision. In the front, upper and lower control arms are made from aluminum and employ larger bushings. The rear subframe has been completely redesigned to accommodate an all-new multi-link rear suspension, using improved suspension geometry that helps retain tire cornering force and enhances rear control. With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shocks can use lighter-viscosity oil, so they move easily and respond to small inputs more quickly. 

The use of front and rear aluminum control arms helps reduce unsprung weight and results in significant improvements in agility, roll damping, ride comfort, body control and steering precision. Overall, the suspension is lighter and stronger, allowing it to react to driver input readily, and ride quietly without harshness. 

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will offer an optional newly developed Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) for those seeking more agility. This leading edge platform technology offers Lexus’ first integration of DRS; Electric Power Steering; and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Monitoring vehicle speed, steering direction and driver inputs, the system calculates the optimum angle for all four wheels. LDH helps to optimize the vehicle slip angle. Using VGRS in the front and DRS in the rear, the system can independently manage both front and rear wheel steering angles to help improve turn-in response, rear grip, vehicle control and overall agility when cornering.

The latest generation of Lexus’ unique Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system coordinates Lexus Dynamic Handling; the Anti-lock Braking System; Traction Control; Vehicle Stability Control; and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Adaptive Variable Suspension helps front and rear wheel control and provides agile, sharp and confident driving behavior with a more direct response to the driver’s actions. The LDH system monitors vehicle speed and yaw rate, steering angle and speed, and lateral G to calculate the required rear wheel steering input, to a maximum DRS angle of 2.0 degrees. At most speeds below 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in opposite directions. In certain conditions at speeds over 50 mph the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction.

Further coordinating DRS with VGRS and AVS, the Lexus Dynamic Handling system will automatically customize the adaptive suspension tuning and active safety systems to suit road conditions, vehicle speed and driving style, giving drivers the confidence to fully utilize the exceptional driving performance of the GS with F SPORT package.

The GS 350 RWD with F SPORT package will be exclusively equipped with 19-inch staggered width wheels paired with 235/40/19 front and 265/35/19 rear tires, the widest rear tires ever on a Lexus sedan. The wider width wheels allow for a sportier look, and will also help provide added traction.  All-wheel drive (AWD) models will be paired with 235/40/19 all-season tires in the front and rear. 

Safety/Security Features

As with the GS 350, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be standard equipped with 10 airbags, including a knee airbag for both front driver and passenger. Rear seat occupants have seat-mounted side airbags, and all four outboard occupants are equipped with side curtain airbags. Also standard are new Whiplash Injury Lessening front seats designed to help limit excessive head movement, and help decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries in certain types of rear-end collisions. Standard seatbelts with pretensioners with force limiters used for front and outboard rear seats further assist occupant protection.

Available options to help further enhance occupant safety include a Pre-Collision System, which uses the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System to provide early warning of certain objects traveling directly ahead that might result in a front-end collision. The system also uses a Lexus-first infrared camera with new scanning technology to monitor the driver’s eyes. In the event that the driver does not appear to be looking forward when a collision appears imminent, the system will initiate the warning at an earlier threshold. If the driver still does not respond and make the appropriate maneuver, the system will initiate braking intervention up to 1.2 seconds prior to impact, helping to lessen the severity of the collision. With available Lexus Dynamic Handling, PCS will help further mitigate the occurrence of a collision.

Other available safety systems include a Night Vision System that enhances driver visibility at night; Heads Up Display; a Blind Spot Monitor that helps detect vehicles in rear/side blind spots; and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW). GS is the first in its segment to offer LKA with active steering torque to provide a small amount to assist in maintaining course, while the LDW feature alerts the driver if the system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift out of the lane.

Exterior Design

The 2013 GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ design philosophy with its precisely sculpted exterior and will lead the rest of the lineup in an entirely new direction. When designers shaped the GS they visualized the flow of air around it and, like the LFA supercar, maximized aerodynamic efficiency for low coefficient of drag.

Following the inspirational design cues of the IS line-up and CT 200h, the F SPORT package separates itself from the GS line-up with distinctive exterior details. To display its aggressive attitude, the GS 350 with F SPORT package will be outfitted with a sport front bumper and rear lower valence, rear lip spoiler, unique F SPORT mesh grille inserts and F SPORT badging.

The GS fuses distinctive style with engineering functionality. The signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. Air inlets located on the outer edges of the lower grille serve as cooling ducts. This distinctive Lexus design feature combined with the deep-set, high-tech headlamps and L-shaped LED daytime running lamps further express the vehicle’s confident and dynamic character. The headlamps use a projector beam design, adding a strong, chiseled appearance and excellent illumination. Fins incorporated into the side of the tail lamps and the design of the trunk area all help direct air over and past the car. The rear bumper underbody area was designed for reduced wind resistance to help keep the car firmly planted on the ground.

From the side, the GS projects the image of a spacious sport sedan with a road-hugging wider stance. The tapered lower rocker panel and the short front overhang give the vehicle a sense of motion. Width-enhancing front and rear wheel arches add an athletic stance-enhancing the vehicle’s dynamic presence.

The rear bumper features a distinctive exhaust diffuser and centered aero fins to help control underbody airflow. Combined with the L-shaped LED tail lamps, a Lexus design cue, these rear bumper features lend a high-performance appearance. Overall, the new GS sheet metal represents a significant extension of the Lexus L-finesse philosophy that is the core of all Lexus product design.

The GS 350 with F SPORT package will feature two new colors: Riviera Red and Liquid Platinum, and also be available in Starfire Pearl, Nebula Gray Pearl and Obsidian.  Vehicles in Riviera Red will benefit from glass flakes incorporated into the coating that adds a high level of brilliance to the paint. Lexus engineers developed a new advanced coating process for Liquid Platinum exteriors. The GS 350 will be the first Lexus to adopt this new coating technology. Vehicles with the Liquid Platinum exterior will appear more radiant as an additional metallic texture gives both strong shading and defined, sharp highlights. This metallic effect makes subtle and defined bodylines more noticeable and the surface appears finely polished.

Interior Design

To complement the aggressive-looking exterior of the F SPORT package, the interior will feature an exclusive design treatment with smooth striated aluminum trim, unique perforated leather trim, black headliner and aluminum pedals. Distinctive F SPORT badging will be showcased on the steering wheel. Focusing on the driver, the F SPORT package will feature a new 16-way power sport seat for increased lateral support. The driver’s seat will include a Lexus-first with power side bolsters, thigh support, adjustable seatback and four-way lumbar. To complete the uniqueness of the F SPORT package, a striking Cabernet Red leather interior will also be available. 

Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin as well, to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. The new layout of the long, sculpted dash gives the driver and front passenger a sense of roominess through its clean center stack and new, large high-resolution center control display placed deep near the front windshield. Most of the comfort and convenience controls, such as audio and climate, were relocated to provide a cleaner and more sophisticated dash layout.

The interior includes a number of embedded premium upgrades as standard equipment. A new energy-saving auto climate control system called S-Flow uses the occupant-detection system to focus airflow only to the front area where passengers are actually seated, a first-in-class technology. A next-generation Remote Touch with one-push confirmation is standard on all models and enables smooth, intuitive operations control.

The Remote Touch allows the user to operate the climate, audio, phone controls, optional navigation system and more. The screen menus are selected with the controller, eliminating the need to reach out. Remote Touch also reduces eye movement and helps users operate functions with reduced effort and distraction. A standard rear back-up camera helps add convenience.

The finely crafted cabin detail is complemented further by ambient lighting that unobtrusively welcomes and guides the user into the vehicle, providing a carefully designed experience. New white LED lights are sequentially lit to illuminate the areas around the doors, center console and footwells. A new analog clock with LED indicators, carved from an ingot, adds a unique touch, at once both modern and traditional.

“The GS 350 with F SPORT Package will be a distinctive offering of luxury and excitement,” said Templin. “With its dynamic handling, stopping power and true sporty feel this

F SPORT package will be sure to please our enthusiasts.”

Courtesy of Lexus.com

This car is hot! Come down and take it for a test drive! You'll fall in love!

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Price
$48,827

• Doors: 4
• Engine: 4.4L 8 Cyl.
• Exterior: Lucerne Green
• Interior: Ivory
• Stock Number: 14421P
• Transmission: Automatic
• VIN: SALME15438A268107
• Mileage: 29,865

 

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Learn more about Smart Stop Technology!

“WHO KNEW?”

If you visit Lexus magazine often enough, then you’ve no doubt noticed that it’s designed to be an inside track for Lexus owners—bringing to life little-known experiences and journeys that exemplify the Lexus philosophy.

So when the embryonic idea for this month’s travel story on British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley first emerged in a discussion with my friend, Lexus contributor and “non-buddy” Crai Bower, I jumped at it. After all, I’d long been a fan of B.C. wines after years of ski trips to Whistler, but I’d never been to their source—the Okanagan Valley.

I mentioned this to several of my colleagues at Lexus magazine, and most of them had never even heard of the Okanagan. Not only that, when I mentioned that there were over 140 wineries up there producing award-winning wines, the universal reaction was: “Who knew?”

Exactly. It’s time Lexus owners knew.

First of all, whether you like wine or not, a trip up there is worth the journey. For me, things only got better when I heard we’d be playing two world-class golf courses and staying at a brand new Austrian-spa-inspired hotel. However, it got worse when I found out we’d be freezing our, ahem, assets off in a “cryosauna” at minus 166 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, that’s right, minus 166, wearing only swim shorts and socks and shoes. It’s not a good look, but more on that in a minute.

So what about the wine, you say? As we cover in the story, the Okanagan is home to two especially worthy wineries, and they’re as different from each other as a Napa Merlot and a French Muscadelle. The wines coming out of Mission Hill Family Estate are exceptional—trust me, just go and taste, or look for them at a wine purveyor near you. Also, Ex Nihilo Vineyards’ are also worth a close look—their style is passionate rock and roll meets meticulous wine making, and they really do have a Rolling Stones wine.

But I must also make a special mention of a winery that we didn’t cover in the story: Vibrant Vine Vineyard. Where Mission Hill is the granddaddy in the valley, Vibrant Vine is the scruffy new kid on the block, the recalcitrant child that questions everything and to whom Status Quo is a rock band and not a way to live your life.

When we stopped by, we were met by winemaker Tony Lewis, a 20-something former drummer from his brother’s rock band and an extremely personable, excitable young man whose mad scientist approach to wine-making is tearing up the rulebooks, much as Wylie Dufresne did with molecular gastronomy.

Lewis runs his Okanagan winery mostly from his iPhone app, recording pH levels, de-constructing centuries-old techniques and accepted wisdom, and so on (he cares less about terroir and more about the temperature at which his wines are fermented and stored).

He was one of the first winemakers to create the straight-from-the-barrel approach to pouring wine at events (why bother with the time and expense of bottles?), and he pairs his wines not only with food but also with music (his Riesling goes with a Cat Stevens track). Not only that, his psychedelic bottle art was designed by his brother and is truly...vibrant!

There will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth from the wine establishment, but here’s someone not afraid to reinvent the ways things are done, with great passion and innovation. Hmmm, much like Lexus!

Who knew?

And if all this isn’t enough to spark your interest in this month’s Okanagan getaway story, let me share a word or two more about it. Our author, Crai Bower, is a renowned travel writer, and let’s just say he has a unique sartorial style: part hipster, part professor, part hippy, part scarf. Yep, scarf. He always wears one.

Naturally, the Lexus magazine crew asked me if Crai wore his scarf in that minus-166-degree cryosauna. Sadly for him, it was a scarfless spa. Happily for you, Crai’s the kind of travel writer willing to bring unique experiences like cryotherapy to the world’s Lexus owners. (Cryotherapy, by the way, works wonders on all manner of inflammatory ailments, including arthritis—people in the know swear by it.)

And lastly, I should mention the story’s golf experiences. We played two of the Okanagan’s breathtakingly beautiful courses, and a sartorial highlight for me came early at Predator Ridge Golf Resort, where the spontaneous bet was the loser having to “pop” their collar and play the rest of the round looking like a preppy schoolboy.

To my eternal delight, Crai lost. Ah, schadenfreude is underrated. But he got his revenge at the next hole. As I faced an eagle putt, lo and behold, a majestic bald eagle soared overhead. “That’ll be the only eagle you see on this hole,” Crai quipped, and he was right.

Somehow, he just knew.

Article written by Simon Kelly

About Lexus Corporate Information Lexus Covenant Philanthropy Manufacturing Environment & Technology Investor Relations Press Releases Owner Benefits Sponsored Athletes Lexus International A

TORRANCE, Calif., October 13, 2011 – Toyota and Lexus are once again celebrating the entertainment industry’s environmental efforts as the presenting sponsors of the Environmental Media Awards on Saturday, Oct. 15. In its 21^st year, the annual event honors film and television productions that communicate environmental messages in the most creative and influential ways. This year’s honorees are actor and musician Justin Timberlake, communications executive Marc Nathanson, Southern California Edison, and the Producer’s Guild of America’s environmental initiative – PGA Green. The nominees include films such as Yogi Bear, Disneynature African Cats and The Other Guys, and TV programs such as The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Biggest Loser and Futurama. This year marks Lexus and Toyota’s 11^th year as the presenting sponsors.

“More than a decade ago, Toyota and Lexus joined forces with the Environmental Media Association to help communicate the benefits of hybrid technology.  It’s inspiring to see how EMA links the power of celebrity and the influence of entertainment to environmental awareness,” said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president and secretary of Toyota Motor North America. “We congratulate the nominees and special honorees, and we thank you for continuing to convey environmental messages and actions in creative and influential ways.” 

The Toyota and Lexus line-up of hybrid vehicles will be featured at the ceremony at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, Calif. Attendees will get a preview of several Toyota vehicles before they go on sale, including the all-new Prius v, 2012 Camry Hybrid, 2012 Prius Plug-in and the second-generation RAV4 EV prototype. On October 15, interested customers can begin signing up for updates on the RAV4 EV production vehicle coming in 2012 by visiting http://www.toyota.com/rav4ev. In addition, the Lexus CT 200h, the world’s first premium luxury compact hybrid, the RX 450h and LS 600h L, as well as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will be on display.        

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. is a member of the Environmental Media Association’s Corporate Board. 

For more information on Toyota and Lexus environmental initiatives, please visit www.toyota.com/about/environment.  />
To view live tweets from the Environmental Media Awards starting around 6 PM PT on October 15, follow www.twitter.com/toyota and www.twitter.com/lexus with the hashtag #EMA2011, and for the first time ever, the Environmental Media Awards will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/EMAOnline.>

 

Courtesy of Lexus.com

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Defensive Driving Rule #5: Don't Drive Impaired

First, let's define "impairment." Webster's New World Dictionary defines impairment as "making something worse, less, weaker, or damaged." Applied to driving, impairment means there is a factor present that decreases your ability to operate your vehicle safely.

The first thing that comes to most folks' minds is impairment through alcohol or other drugs. There are others as well: impairment through fatigue, or as a result of disabling injuries or illness. There was a case a few years ago where a man attempted to drive with some broken limbs. He used a stick to operate the gas pedal, and ended up losing control, overran a sidewalk, and killed a person who was using a pay phone.

Alcohol is a prime cause of impairment. Since it acts as a depressant, it begins to diminish a person's abilities with the first sip. Many people do not realize that even at very low blood alcohol levels, way before reaching any "legal limit," impairment of physical and mental abilities is occurring. In the USA, all states now have a .08% presumptive level -- the alcohol concentration at which a driver is presumed to be impaired, with no other evidence required. But impairment often begins at AC levels as low as .04%—less than half the "legal limit." What's worse, it acts on the very skills and abilities you need most as a driver: judgment, vision, and the ability to do several things at once. Since alcohol slows your mind and your motor skills, it has a dramatic effect on your reaction time and distance. If impairment causes your reaction time to double, for example, at 70 mph that can result in an additional 103 feet traveled. Obviously, this could mean the difference between a miss and a collision. Driving with other impairments could have similar results.

One of my common themes in teaching this topic is personal responsibility. We all have the obligation to make sure we are able to drive safely whenever we operate our vehicle. Ask yourself, "Am I safe to drive? Am I rested? Am I ill? Have I taken medications that might affect my abilities? Are my limbs available for use? Has it been long enough since I had that drink for the alcohol to have worked its way through my system?" (Generally, the body can eliminate one drink per hour, and, contrary to popular beliefs, nothing can speed up that process.) Do I have my glasses on, if needed?" Only if you can answer yes to all these questions should you exercise your privilege to drive.

I am convinced that if everyone would (1) not speed; (2) pay attention; (3) not drive impaired; and (4), wear seat belts (and use other safety systems such as air bags and ABS brakes), no one would ever get killed in a traffic collision. Just these four things, practiced habitually, would eliminate most serious collisions and save 50,000 lives each year. In the real world, though, we're human, and because we are, there will always be mistakes that lead to collisions. Since we do subject ourselves to hostile environments and physical forces that are incompatible with life, we should do everything possible to minimize the risks, yes? So, again, practice paying 100% attention to your driving, drive at a reasonable speed, never drive impaired, and buy and learn how to use safety systems correctly. These ideas are the foundation of any defensive driving "system." Keep the shiny side up!

 

Courtesy of www.roadtripamerica.com

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THE LEXUS COVENANT

Lexus will enter the most competitive, prestigious automobile race in the world. Over 50 years of Toyota automotive experience has culminated in the creation of Lexus cars. They will be the finest cars ever built.  Lexus will win the race because: Lexus will do it right from the start. Lexus will have the finest dealer network in the industry. Lexus will treat each customer as we would  a guest in our home.  If you think you can’t, you won’t … If you think you can, you will!  We can, we will.
  
 

QUITE THE CATCH- Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the Arizona Cardinals’ wide receiver took the Lexus LFA out for a test-drive

—Recently, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., the Arizona Cardinals’ standout wide receiver, had the opportunity to take the Lexus LFA out for a test-drive. What we discovered was that even with the National Football League in a lockout, the five-time Pro Bowler still has a very busy schedule. In between taking a spin in the Lexus supercar, organizing a practice for his Cardinal teammates, and attending the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, we were lucky enough to speak with the man who one radio analyst claims “could catch a bee with chopsticks.”

LEXUS: So we hear that you’ll be attending the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Did you ever consider becoming a multi-sport athlete?

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.: I played basketball, football, and ran track in high school. I played one year of baseball, but it wasn’t my best sport. I stuck with football.

With the NFL lockout, what kind of preparation are you doing while you’re waiting for football to resume?

I’m just working out with my teammates and trying to get better. We’re trying to be as cohesive a group as possible during the lockout.

What are you doing with your free time?

I’ve gotten the chance to spend time and have fun hanging out with my son, my nephew, my brother, and my father. I’ve also had the opportunity to take my son to school and swim lessons, and be an everyday father, something that I haven’t been able to do in the past because of my schedule.

Do you do any traveling?

My passions are travel and photography. This summer I was able to travel to 12 countries, including Spain, Turkey, Nigeria, and Kenya. I took some amazing photos on safari.

When football season starts up again, how do you think the Cardinals will do this season?

Unfortunately, with the lockout we haven’t been able to address some of the needs that we have with free agency and such, yet. But I’m really excited for when things get rolling and hopefully we can get back to the playoffs and compete for a championship. That’s the goal.

Are there any opponents that you’re not looking forward to playing?

No, no, I look forward to all challengers. That’s part of being a competitor. You want the best teams and you want to give the best team your best shot. That’s part of my philosophy: To be the best, you have to beat the best.

Do you have any advice for young athletes?

I give them the same advice that I got when I was younger: Just work hard. No matter if you are an athlete or the editor of a magazine, hard work is always going to pay off.

 

We hear that you just had a chance to test-drive the Lexus LFA supercar. What were you first impressions?

All I can say is amazing.

What was it like to get behind the wheel of the LFA?

I feel like it’s a driver’s car. I’ve ridden in a lot of exotic cars and this one is really comfortable. If I needed to drive to Flagstaff for training camp, three hours away, I would not hesitate to jump in the LFA. It’s easy to operate for such a high-tech vehicle.

Were there any “Wow!” moments?

0 to 60 was that moment for me. It just put me back in my seat. Plus, it stopped on a dime.

If you could compare the LFA to a football position, which one would it be? A wide receiver like you?

No question. It’s a diva car and wide receiver is a diva position. We’re the fastest guys on the field and we’re the playmakers.

Lexus has always been committed to the pursuit of perfection. As a football player, do you feel the same way?

Absolutely. I’m always in the pursuit of perfection. We all know that it’s impossible to truly achieve perfection, but striving for excellence is something you need to do on a daily basis.

We understand you are also involved in the community and local charities. Tell us how that came about and why it's important to you.

The first foundation I started was the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, in honor of my mom who passed away nine years ago from breast cancer. That’s my passion. I’m also involved with the Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center here in Arizona and I’m happy to be a part of that. I also have a First Down Fund that supports education back home in Minneapolis and I’m trying to make an impact there.

Article written by Dave Johnston, Photos by Mark Peterman

Can a smarter dummy help make a safer vehicle?

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Tips for saving at the pump

With fuel prices hovering near all-time highs throughout much of this year and everyone looking for ways to save money in their budgets, there are some simple and low-cost ways to make trips to the pump less frequent. Whether your car has 20,000 or 200,000 miles behind it, keeping it properly maintained will always help it perform better and use less fuel. 

The heart of any car is the engine, and if it doesn’t pump effectively, it will have to work harder and be thirstier. The sophisticated computer control systems on newer engines are able to automatically compensate for current conditions by blending the ideal amount of gasoline or diesel with the incoming air and firing sparkplugs at the best time for clean, efficient operation. Unlike older vehicles with carburetors and distributor ignition systems, modern engines don’t need frequent timing adjustments or sparkplug replacement, but they only work properly when all of the sensors work properly. Fortunately, the electronic systems are smart enough to detect failed sensors and let the driver know through the “Check Engine” warning lamp.  

When a failure has been detected, the control system switches over to default settings, which can lead to increased fuel consumption of up to 40 percent. Drivers should get any problems fixed as soon as possible; that warning light you’ve been ignoring for three months might not mean disaster, but it could be costing you quite a bit of money.

With all of the moving parts in an engine, proper lubrication is critical for both efficiency and durability. Oil and filters should be replaced regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual or the oil life monitor, if the car or truck has one. It’s also important to use the grade of oil recommended by the maker of the vehicle. Using oil with too high or low a viscosity can lead to increased friction, lower mileage and premature wear.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s FuelEconomy.gov website (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml), “You can improve your gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.” The EPA site also recommends using “motor oil that says ‘Energy Conserving’ on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.”

Another easy and inexpensive way to improve mileage is to replace clogged air filters. The EPA says that swapping out a clogged filter may “improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability.” Drivers that live in dusty environments should have their filters checked more frequently and replaced as needed.

Many cars and trucks today are equipped with lower rolling resistance tires to help fuel economy. Unfortunately, these are only beneficial when the tires are properly inflated. Many new cars and trucks sold today are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems that warn the driver if a tire is getting low, and all drivers should carry a pressure gauge in the glovebox along with registration and insurance. Every vehicle has a recommended tire pressure on a sticker that can usually be found on the driver’s doorjamb, and drivers should check their pressures at least once a month.

All tires leak some amount of air over time, and cold temperatures can cause the pressure to drop even more. From www.FuelEconomy.gov, “Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires,” and a tire that is more than 10 psi lower than normal can cut mileage by three percent. Low-pressure tires also wear out faster and degrade vehicle handling, leading to safety problems.

The designers of modern cars and trucks spend thousands of hours tweaking the shape of those vehicles in wind tunnels so they slip through the air with less resistance. While sports fans often love to show support for their teams by adding flags to their windows and roofs, these ornaments work against the aerodynamic shape, especially at highway speeds where up to one-third of fuel is used just to overcome wind resistance. Replacing those flags with magnets or stickers inside the windows can save you money at the pump.

Finally, few things affect fuel economy as much as driver behavior. Avoiding jackrabbit starts and excessive highway speeds can help to save money. When combined with proper maintenance, these measures can keep your ride running reliably for many years to come.

Lexus Introduces 2012 Special Edition Models for LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h

• LS 460 RWD Adds to Sport Package with Navigation and Exclusive Two-Tone Interior Trim
• ES 350 Luxury Augmented by Unique Saddle Leather Interior and High-Gloss 17-Inch Wheels
• CT 200h Further Reinforces Fun To Drive Hybrid Image By Offering F Sport Performance Components and Visual Cues

See the full gallery on Posterous

TORRANCE, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2011) – Continuing to expand the brand’s wider range of style and customer appeal, Lexus today announced Special Edition models for the 2012 LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h. Well-known for indulging its customers with incomparable comfort and elegance, Lexus will offer numerous exclusive exterior and interior features for an even sportier look and feel.

“The Special Edition models will offer our customers choices to fit their luxury and sporty needs,” said Mark Templin, Lexus Division group vice president and general manager. “With the unique and exclusive package offerings, the Special Edition models further demonstrate Lexus’ commitment to our customers.”

Lexus also announced Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of $77,000 for the 2012 LS 460 Sport Special Edition, $40,475 for the 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition and $37,995 for the 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition. The CT 200h Special Edition will arrive at dealerships next month and the LS and ES Special Editions will arrive in November. The MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $875. Production of the Special Edition models will be limited to 250 units of the LS Sport Special Edition, 2,000 units of the ES 350 Touring Edition and 900 units of the CT 200h F Sport Special Edition. 

LS 460 Sport Special Edition

The LS 460 Sport package was introduced for 2010MY and is the first of its kind for the LS and exudes sporty exterior styling with a distinctive look. Available only for the 2012 LS 460 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model, the 2012 LS 460 Sport Special Edition will include all existing Sport package performance and appearance elements, and a distinctive interior package. It will be distinguished from other LS models by an Obsidian exterior and the following features:

·        Two-tone black and topaz beige interior with contrast stitching on black leather trim

·        Lexus HDD Navigation System

·        Sport and Comfort Packages

o   19-inch, split 10-spoke forged alloy wheels with summer tires
o   Brembo brakes
o   Sport-tuned air suspension with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS)
o   Sport exterior trim and grille
o   Sport front seats with climate control
o   Leather-trimmed heated steering wheel with paddle shifters

o   Headlamp washer

o   Intuitive Parking Assist

o   Matte Dark Brown Ash Burl wood trim

o   One-touch open/close power trunk

o   Power door closers

o   Heated rear seats

o   Rear power sunshade

ES 350 Touring Edition

The 2012 ES 350 Touring Edition, only available in two colors, Stargazer Black and Starfire Pearl, will be set apart from other ES models by the following elements:

·        17-inch 10-spoke wheels in Liquid Graphite finish with full-size spare wheel and tire

·        Wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob

·        Heated and ventilated front seats

·        Lexus HDD Navigation System

·        Saddle Tan leather-trimmed seats, center console lid and door armrest

·        Brown Walnut wood trim

CT 200h F Sport Special Edition

The popular CT 200h hybrid premium compact model will expand its line with a 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition. Available for only the Premium model, the 2012 CT 200h F Sport Special Edition is offered in three colors, Nebula Gray Pearl, Starfire Pearl and Tungsten Pearl, and includes the following features:

·        F Sport 17-inch alloy wheels with Liquid Silver finish

·        F Sport suspension with anti-sway bar and springs

·        Ocean Blue NuLuxe trimmed seats

·        Black F Sport floor mats with blue contrast stitching

·        TUMI tote and backpack both with F Sport embossed logo and Ocean Blue NuLuxe zippers and lining

·        F Sport Package

o   Unique front mesh grille

o   Larger rear spoiler

o   F Sport exterior badge

o   Metal front scuff plates

o   Aluminum sport pedals

o   Metallic trim added to dash panel

o   Perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel with F Sport logo

o   Leather-trimmed shift knob

o   Black headliner

·        Navigation Package

·        Premium Audio Package

“The LS, ES and CT Special Editions are unique packages of style and excitement. With limited units available nationwide, they’ll sell out fast to customers who want an all-inclusive sport and luxury package,” said Templin.

# # #

Courtesy of Toyota.com