Lexus Reloads GS With Luxury, Technology by Mark Maynard on Creators.com

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Lexus Reloads GS With Luxury, Technology

The 2013 Lexus GS sport sedan debuts the new face of the brand in an efficient but powerful statement. The stronger design and more luxurious interior are hoped to attract a new type of buyer. The five-seat sedan will be sold in three trim levels — Luxury, F Sport and Hybrid — in rear or optional all-wheel drive.

The car went on sale last weekend at the same starting price as the 2011 model: $47,775, including $875 freight. AWD adds $2,550.

The new face is highlighted by its "spindle grille," with wide lower fascia. Also look for Audi-esque arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The re-engineered sport sedan is the same length as before, but 2 inches wider at the rear and an inch wider at the front. It has a rakishly low 0.26 drag coefficient.

Interior craftsmanship has been enhanced (as if Lexus was ever short in quality feel and appearance). Simple, useful additions include a three-blink-to-pass signal feature and guidance lines (finally) in the standard rearview camera. Interior options include red leather and metal-trimmed pedals.

The 306-hp, direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6 will push the 3,795-pound sport sedan to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The engine has an intake sound generator for that husky growl o' power. The six-speed transmission, with paddle shifters, is about the only carryover piece. Fuel economy around town is 19 mpg and up to 28 on the highway on 91 octane.

The GS450h hybrid has a 338-hp, Atkinson-cycle version of the 3.5-liter V-6, which has fuel economy of 29/34 mpg city/highway. Trunk space in the hybrid was improved over the previous model by stacking the batteries to give more cubic footage. The lower rear valance conceals the exhaust tips for that look of stealth running.

The GS debuts Lexus' Enform multimedia system with Safety Connect. Enform connects to music, information and entertainment services through the user's smartphone. Passengers can check in with Facebook, access Bing for a local search, Yelp for feedback and go to OpenTable and MovieTickets.com. There also is Pandora and iHeartRadio. A text-to-speech feature allows the driver to read text messages and send preset responses.

SafetyConnect features automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist, enhanced roadside assistance and destination assist.

Standard equipment includes Smart Access locking and push-button ignition; leather-trimmed seats; 10-way adjustable front seats; electric parking brake; rearview camera; 8-inch high center touchscreen; multifunction, tilt-telescopic steering wheel; Bluetooth phone connection; 12-speaker surround-sound HD-radio audio system with auxiliary iPod and USB ports; 17-inch alloy wheels standard (18-inch optional and 19-inch staggered on F Sport); bi-HID headlights; heated mirrors with puddle lights and turn signals; ultraviolet and infrared ray-reducing tinted glass for all windows; and lightweight asphalt sheets for cabin soundproofing.

The F Sport package ($5,690) includes 16-way power sport driver seat (includes power side bolsters, thigh support and four-way lumbar); 19-inch, staggered-width, split five-spoke wheels with summer tires (single width with all-season tires for AWD); sport-tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension; 14-inch front discs with high-friction pads; rear lip spoiler; sport interior of aluminum trim; unique perforated leather trim and black headliner; sport front bumper and rear lower valence; and mesh grille inserts.

Variable gear ratio steering is a highlight of the F Sport package.

This is the rear steering assist that at low speeds counter-steers to chop the turning circle in half, to 17 feet, and at high speeds, it turns the car in the direction of the front tires to tuck back into the lane. This rear steering gear is an excellent around-town feature that should be available as a stand-alone option. Even if it were an $800 extra, it would be worth it.

Other options include: navigation system ($1,735), night vision, head-up display, blind-spot monitor and lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning.

Specs Box: 2013 Lexus GS 350

—Body style: large, five-passenger, rear-drive or AWD sport sedan
—Engine: 306-hp, direct-injection, 3.5-liter V-6
—Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
—Fuel mileage: 19/28 mpg city/hwy; 91 octane
—Length/wheelbase: 190.7/112.2 in.
—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 38/42.3/57.3 in.
—Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 37.8/36.3/55.7 in.
—Fuel tank: 17.4 gal.
—0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds (6 seconds AWD); top track speed: 142 (131 AWD)
—Curb weight: 3,795 lbs. (3,980 AWD)
—Trunk capacity: 14.3 cu. ft.
—Base price: $47,775, including $875 freight
—Where assembled: Japan

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at Mark.Maynard@UnionTrib.com. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage.