- Evocative new design showcases new direction for future Lexus line-up
Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Lexus in the UAE, today unveiled the much-awaited all-new Lexus GS coinciding with the opening of the Dubai Motor Show.
The GS previewing in the UAE is a major event for Lexus as the vehicle embodies the new face of Lexus and reflects the new direction for all future Lexus models to be launched in coming years.
The first car to be built with the new design, GS combines world-class luxury, evocative design, outstanding driving dynamics and innovative technology to create the ultimate luxury performance sedan in its class.
Speaking to the media during the unveil, Fatima Tomoum, Deputy General Manager of Al-Futtaim Motors – Lexus, said, “The all-new Lexus GS is the first car to showcase the new direction for the brand. The car has been designed, engineered, and manufactured without compromise.”
Tomoum continued: “In order to create a completely new GS from the ground up, the starting point for development did not begin in a meeting room or on a computer, but behind the wheel and on the road. The chief engineer and his team drove more than a million km and talked to customers all over the world, to understand what was needed to take the new generation GS to a whole new level”.
While the inspiration for its styling and performance comes directly from the supercar LFA, Lexus comfort and luxury have been taken to the new level which will set the benchmark in this segment.
The new Lexus GS conveys a tangible sense of driver confidence, with a redesigned chassis and a wide, strong stance that inspires and rewards driver participation with crisp, precise handling and comfort.
The new GS now sees an all-new exterior that reflect further development of Lexus’ unique, L-finesse design philosophy. The new signature spindle grille with its trapezoidal contours which evolved from current Lexus styling, gives the car a bolder, more dynamic style, resulting in a commanding road presence. The spindle grille fully integrates into the aggressive front bumper allowing for efficient airflow. 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 spindle grill has now become a trademark in the full scale change taking shape at Lexus. All future models from Lexus will incorporate the head-turning grille as part of the new design direction being incorporated by the luxury brand.
The new GS has been designed to offer customers an even more engaging driving experience. It combines sharp, accurate steering and excellent body control with outstanding high speed stability and all the ride comfort appropriate to a Lexus performance sedan.
This inspiring performance in the new GS is powered by 3.5-liter V6, four cams, and four valves per cylinder with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). 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. The car also comes with an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a compact, high-output, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor. The two powerplants drive the rear wheels both independently and in tandem, as needed.
Acceleration from 30 to 50 mph can take just 3.0 seconds, while improved engine sound characteristics complement the bolder, more energetic personality of the new GS.
Designing the new GS to be both strong and agile was a key focus of the engineering team. They looked to the Lexus LFA supercar for inspiration and carried over some key elements 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.
The new GS expresses a new generation of Lexus’ driver focused interior design.
Painstaking attention to detail was applied to the GS cabin to create a balance of luxurious and technological amenities and emotional design. A redesigned seat frame and changes to steering column architecture enable an improved driver seating position for increased comfort, better forward visibility and overall command of the road. Equal attention has been paid to maximizing space for rear passengers, adding headroom, legroom, knee room and improved foot space compared to the current generation GS. An ergonomically designed, cockpit with advanced Human Machine Interface technologies enables drivers to remain alert and comfortable over long periods of time.
All white LED interior lighting, 18 way powered seats, advanced drive modes, intuitive remote touch and new interior color options enhances the luxury features.
The luxurious interior also comes with several highly innovative technologies that make a first appearance in the new GS model range! A new, energy saving air-conditioning system with S-Flow and ‘nanoe’ technologies; a second generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) linked to the world’s largest on-board multi-information display screen; and a choice of audio systems offering unparalleled power and clarity.
When all elements including exterior design, interior features and a powerful engine come together, the fourth generation luxury performance sedan delivers an absolute emotional experience and the admiration of an even larger fan base.
Tomoum concluded: “This is just the beginning. Lexus will launch five new or updated vehicles next year that will embody the new Lexus design direction. The spindle grille seen on the GS is a significant characteristic of the new design direction and will be incorporated on all future vehicles from Lexus. We encourage everybody to visit our stand at Motorshow to have a close look at the new GS and with Lexus through this year’s offerings.”
The Lexus stand at this year’s motor show is twice as big as the previous year. Visitors will get a chance to engage with the luxury brand in many ways. In addition to checking out the new vehicles in the Performance and Hybrid areas, as well as the recently launched F-sport package in the F-sport dedicated space, visitors will be able to live the Lexus Audio Experience featuring Mark Levinson audio system, and purchase exclusive Lexus merchandise at the Lexus Boutique.