2013 LEXUS GS

VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS

The 2013 Lexus GS is redesigned with freshened styling and new features. This is the sportier and more expensive of Lexus' two premium-midsize cars, the other being the Lexus ES 350. The 2013 GS is slightly wider and taller than the outgoing model but is otherwise largely unchanged in terms of exterior dimensions. The base GS 350 returns with the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. It's powered by a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also offered is the rear-drive GS 450h hybrid. It pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 338 horsepower total. It is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that behaves like an automatic. Like other Lexus hybrids, the GS 450h can run on one or both of its power sources and no plug-in charging is needed. The F Sport package is available on rear- and all-wheel-drive GS 350 models. It adds a new front bumper and grille, a rear spoiler and lower valance, sport suspension, specific interior trim, and 19-inch wheels with summer-only performa

nce tires. Also available for rear-drive F Sport models is the Lexus Dynamic Handling package that adds rear-wheel steering. Also offered is the Adaptive Variable Suspension. It includes driver-selectable shock absorber settings. The V8-powered GS 460 has been discontinued. Safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, front- and rear-side airbags, and driver- and front-passenger knee airbags. Blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, and a head-up display are available. A 5.1 surround-sound audio system, HD Radio, and rearview camera are standard. An uplevel 7.1 audio system is optional. Forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control are optional, as is a navigation system with a 12.3-inch split-screen display. Also offered is Lexus Enform multimedia suite, which works with data-enabled smartphones to provide, among other services, Internet searches, streaming audio, and restaurant reviews and reservations. This evaluation is based on preview test drives of pre-production vehicles.