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http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101814

Performance before Luxury? New Lexus sedans set to take on BMW 5 Series
MARK RECHTIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 2/15/05
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- They came right out and said it: The benchmark sedan for the 2006 Lexus GS 300 and GS 430 was the BMW 5 Series. Known for putting luxury before performance, Lexus has let the pendulum swing the other way.

The basics

The V-8 GS 430 reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and the V-6 GS 300 does it in 6.8 seconds. That's about the same as the previous V-8, but the new V-6 is a second quicker.

The new 3.0-liter V-6 comes from the same engine family as that of the Toyota Avalon sedan and 4Runner SUV, though the Lexus gets direct injection and a different cylinder head. It also has variable intake and exhaust timing. The 4.3-liter V-8 is a carryover engine.

Notable features

All models come with electronic power steering. The GS 430 also has variable steering, which reduces the amount of steering wheel turns needed at lower speeds, to improve maneuverability.


Lexus says the GS sedan is the first in a wave of vehicles that will focus more on styling and performance.
The sedan also offers an optional precollision system that uses radar to sense an unavoidable crash and cinches the seat belts and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't heed the warning buzzer.

Adaptive variable suspension is standard on the GS 430 but not available on the GS 300.

What Lexus says

At the media introduction here, Lexus Division General Manager Denny Clements called the GS sedan "the first in a new wave of vehicles that reflect a more passionate direction in styling and a more focused dedication to high performance."

Compromises, shortcomings

Production-spec prototypes of the GS 300 and GS 430 had brakes that were choppy and overly aggressive; a software change is in the works.

Nuts and bolts

The cars go on sale Monday, Feb. 14. Lexus is pricing the base GS 300 at $43,550 including destination charges, a big jump from its predecessor's $39,525. But Lexus says the jump is only $140 on the basis of comparable equipment.

The GS 430 price leaps to $51,775, from $48,625. The GS 300 with all-wheel drive starts at $45,500; all-wheel drive was not offered previously.

The final word

So how do the new cars compete against the benchmark? While still not a 5 series, the GS sedans are strong on the sporting side of the performance-luxury equation. A GS 450h V-6 hybrid sedan arrives in the summer of 2006.

LexFather

This is amazing. Another positve review with barely a whisper of ANYTHING negative... even subjective things like looks....

flipside909

Exactly! Even the V6 despite 3.0L, still getting rave reviews!