Automobile Magazine Previews the 2013 Lexus GS 350

Posted by Kevin on July 27th, 2011

For the most part, Jason Cammisa’s Automobile Magazine review of the camouflaged 2013 Lexus GS 350 is another excellent preview of the fourth-generation sports sedan — these quotes really stood out to me:

The driving position is very BMW (i.e. perfect), with all primary controls easily reachable and the steering wheel positioned perfectly to hold at nine and three o’clock. Though overall length remains the same, an all-new platform gives the GS twenty-five percent more trunk space and a larger back seat. Additional width assists in both elbow room and handling, and headroom has been increased thanks to a lower seating position.

Can’t wait to get the full details on how Lexus squeezed more space out of the same overall length — all this extra room is very impressive.

An optional sport package called Lexus Dynamic Handling System, or LDHS, contains active dampers and four-wheel steering with variable-ratio rack. With or without the system, the GS shows exemplary body control and a smooth ride. The old GS’ harsh ride is gone without a trace — though again, our drive was confined to smooth roads. The V-6’s exhaust is audible from behind almost all the time, but fades away into the background under leisurely cruising. Under load, a surprising amount of intake noise combines with the exhaust making lots of pleasant music.

First real impression I’ve read of the GS’ sound, which I’ve been expecting to show some hint of what Yamaha did with the LFA’s exhaust.

Cammisa also has some complaints, including an interesting detail about the new interior controls:

First up is the BMW-style turn signal stalk (the stalk always returns to the center rather than staying where you left it; a computer controls the cancel function). The GS’ chief engineer defended the system saying that European customers want it, but we find conventional turn signals work better — especially in the case of Lexus’ first attempt: the GS forces you to actuate the turn signal in the wrong direction to cancel a signal. (BMWs now allow you to cancel by actuating the switch in the same direction.)

Overall, it’s an insightful and fully-balanced review — too bad that it ends with some rambling about the RX, ES, LFA, and how Lexus is the new Buick.

Read the full 2013 Lexus GS 350 Review from Automobile Magazine

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Comments
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If that's the new GS's signal stalk ... it had minus a BIG mark in my mind !
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    Shane From Australia
  • July 27, 2011
Seriuosly ... take every report with a very small grain of salt - 'Autoblog's review states the new GS is lighter with quicker transmission responses/shifts while 'Automobile' says the new GS is heavier with slower transmission reactions .... pffttt !!  
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    Brendan
  • July 27, 2011
I've been wishing for the BMW-style turn signal stalk forever. It's such a simple device I feel it's been overlooked in the past. The '10 LS finally got the ability to automatically flash the signal 3 times when you move the stalk slightly in either direction. Hopefully this means we'll see this innovative "no-brainer" feature across the board soon.
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      krew
    • August 4, 2011
    Considering all the "firsts" we're seeing with the GS, I imagine plenty of these new features will be making their way across the entire lineup.
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    McLexisLVN
  • July 27, 2011
This thing is awesome.  It's going to put the the M5 to shame.  I predict it's going to beat the M5 and AMG E-class Nurburing times!!!!  Way to go Lexus!!!!
    Y
    Well ... Lexus GS currently only have 250 , 350 , 350 F-Sport , 450h & 220d , how can Lexus beat M5 or E63 with those model ? haha
    M
    200d? thought the diesel version was not going to be released? 
    M
    200d? thought the diesel version was not going to be released? 
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      PG
    • July 28, 2011
    Only if they actually release a GS-F and it can match the power numbers of the German super-sedans. This means a GS-F would need at least 550 hp to even be considered a true rival for the Germans.
    Y
    You can always go for lighter to get handling before power ... because for Nurbugring , power really isn't everything if your car is heavy like a brick (GT-R is exception as it have advance AWD that Toyota/Lexus don't have) .
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      PG
    • July 28, 2011
    Going for weight reduction and handling instead of power might work if your reference is the AMG. But no way the same applies to the M as well. M GmbH simply has too much experience on the 'Ring compared to Lexus. Even the very first M cars were tuned on the 'Ring. As much as I like Lexus, in terms of handling, BMW M is still the benchmark. And considering how they worked their magic on the really overweight X6 and X5, they sure won't have trouble to make a 5 series fast around the Nürburgring.
    Y
    Lexus had recently lapped their LFA Nurburging Edition on Nurburging Nordschleife in 7:22 ... if you applied light-weight study of the LFA to the GS-F (which the regular GS already have some of it) & the suspension adjust , I think the GS-F would be as fast as a M5 or E63 AMG on Nur Nord even it's powered by a 3.5-liter Super Charged engine instead of 5.0-liter V8 . But well ... this is just my thought .
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      LexusFan
    • July 29, 2011
    Just as fast?  It would be faster.  The GS-F will be the king of Nurburing no doubt!
    Y
    Don't say that too early ... German haven't put their M5 , CLS63 & E63 AMG yet while American still able to update their CTS-V into something like CTS-V XX or something . Lexus would be fast on Nur Nord , maybe around 7:50 per lap ... but I won't said it will be the King as Lexus currently only have experience of LFA on Nur , as Street Car .

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