Test drive Lexus GS 2005 - 2008 sedan

Lexus nuances

For a week, the GS 430 allowed himself to understand and evaluate

Once again we are convinced: it is one thing when you are trying to fully evaluate the car in a matter of hours of the official test drive, and quite another, if there is the opportunity to travel on it for a week or two. In the morning to work, day on business, in the evening home; According to the nervous Moscow traffic jams and suburban routes, under the sun and in the rain. Here, for example, if any of us had questions to the VDIM system (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management), now they are not. And the active steering of VGRS as it turned out, not Newton's bin. And the car itself makes in the Russian capital the same impression that in the south of France. What is it about.

Grace, as it is


GS has become the first Lexus model, created in accordance with the new Corporate philosophy of L-Fancy. When translating into Russian, this sounds monstrously L-excretion (although now the abuse of the great and powerful is in fashion, one fine-fingered one is worth it). But behind this name, no matter how it sounds, lies, in fact, a fresh approach to the design of the exterior and interior, to the running properties of the car. And we came to the conclusion that, in the aggregate of qualities, the new GS is a cut above all other cars that were offered Lexus before.

Outwardly, the car looks both solid and sporty at the same time, which is now especially appreciated. But the main thing is not reminiscent of any of the competitors. And at the same time, his appearance is deceiving: unlike many other Lexus GS machines, it seems more outside than from the inside. It's all about a large angle of the anterior (and rear) racks. This solution significantly reduces the interior space, and, say, a tall person, ninety -meter tall, risks resting his head into the roof if he sits behind the wheel according to all the rules. But at the same time, the solution is quite justified: it emphasizes the dynamism of the machine, gives the feeling that you are in a very strong and very fast car. In addition, at the shoulders of the place there is enough place, and in the back seats quite freely. That is, another compromise was found between comfort and sports, but with a bias in sports, which in the case of GS430 is more than reasonable.

The soft and supple seat is successfully profiled, has very good lateral support. The range of electrical adjustments seem endless. Leved by the skin and the tree of the steering wheel, which can also move with servo drives within huge limits, is convenient and pleasant to the touch. Three rings on the instrument panel hide deeply drowned steel dials with well -readable numbers. Double side glasses practically do not miss the noise outside. The character of GS is also emphasized by a metal button that replaced the usual ignition lock.

On the central console there is a full -color screen with touch buttons framed by chromium. At its edges, the buttons of the quick transition from one function to another, which noticeably facilitates control of the on -board computer. The lever of the automatic KP is sheathed with leather, has inserts of the same natural tree as the steering wheel and the central tunnel. A wide armrest is convenient, and besides, it can move back and forth. So, having shifted, you will find the heating and ventilation buttons of the front seats, the disconnection of the anti -circus system and the stiffness of the stiffness of the pendants. The Lexus GS 430 is equipped with AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension), which can independently adjust the rigidity of shock absorbers depending on the driving and quality style, and also provides the driver with the driver to choose one of the two Normal or Sport modes.

On the left side, closer to the door, a keyboard was located to control a number of additional functions. You can’t immediately find it on a special button, after which it will emerge from the panel. It is on it that the mirror control unit, the parking sensors, the rear electric curtain and are near the additional functions.

And we consider ourselves simply obligated to say at least a few words about the MARK & LEVINSON music center, which has brightened up the despondency of traffic jams and bad weather. It consists of an audio cassette player and a chainer built into the central console on 6 discs, perceiving all formats, including capable of reproducing a recording with DVD. The sound pours a total of 14 columns, including one 10-inch subwoofer. In the trunk, a 11-channel amplifier is hidden with a total capacity of 350 watts, which also performs the function of a musical processor. And, of course, the system of volumetric sound Surround Sound 7.1 completes the formation of the music hall in the car. We managed to listen to music in different styles, we liked it.

Power control

GS 430 is a very fast car that needs only 6.1 seconds to gain 100 km/h. In this case, three circumstances should be taken into account. First: the drive is carried out on the rear wheels, which provides special smoothness, but requires certain skills from the driver. Second: about accelerated dynamics can be judged by the degree from which the body presses into the back of the seat, but even this feeling is leveled by the comfort of the salon. And the sound of the power unit begins to penetrate the salon only after the tachometer arrow passes 4,500 rpm, until that moment the complete silence and the absence of any vibrations. Third: you can get so carried away by riding that you risk being too far from the gas station, and loves to eat the engine, especially when you spur it or, conversely, crawl in traffic jams (otherwise it is impossible to move in our metropolis). In a word, the average fuel consumption during the test was 22 liters per 100 km of run. More than declared by the manufacturer, so Moscow and its surroundings are not a azure shore, on which the consumption was almost perfect.

As for the mighty V8 with variable phases of gas distribution, so it more than compensates for the slight thoughtfulness of the automatic transmission. Of course, the box can be forced to work in sports mode by just by pressing the key with the inscription Sport. Although she can adapt to the driving style without a team. You can switch the gears yourself, it is worth moving the automatic transmission lever to the left. However, it is verified: the speed of changing the steps will be approximately the same as in sports mode. Unless when reaching the maximum permissible revolutions, electronics will not allow himself to switch to the next step without a driver’s command, only a revolutionary limiter will work. We would not advise bringing the power unit to this regime: to lose power suddenly inappropriately.

The brakes were a little upset. Looking into technical data, we found that the diameter of the front and rear brake discs of the GS 430 is the same as in the GS 300, a weaker version. Therefore, with a sharp slowdown, sometimes there was a feeling that there was not enough brakes. And the VDIM system was generally pleased. In fact, this is a separate electronic brain that combines the ABS, stabilization system, anti -circus system and working in cooperation with numerous sensors and with the VGRS system (Variable Gear Ratio Steering). It is she, with the help of a motor mounted on the steering rack, that changes the number of turns of the steering wheel from edge to edge in the range from 2.7 to 3.2.

In general, the main principle laid down in VDIM technology to maintain the stability of the car at all costs. Under the vigilant control of electronics at each moment, the speed of the car, the angle of rotation of the lamb, the degree of pressing to the accelerator, longitudinal and transverse accelerations are. The speed of the computer is great, and therefore it instantly determines how it predicts through a fraction of a second, for example, a skid. And then slightly straightens the steering wheel, without the participation of the driver. If this is not enough, then the stabilization system will begin to work, it will reduce the supply of fuel and the engine speed, and even slow down one or more wheels. You can’t turn it off, by the way,. Practice has shown that VDIM acts very competently, and will help in a difficult situation. Perhaps even this is the best, or one of the best stabilization systems, but to rely on it, especially on a slippery road, is not in any case. It must be remembered, especially driving a car with such huge potential that no electronic brain does not compensate for the lack of skills.

But a few more words should be said about VGRS. In general, we were quite adapted to her, on the second or third day already at the level of reflexes feeling at what speed and even in what situation the steering wheel will become sharper. We also appreciated the fact that this system can save strength, especially in urban conditions. But! Perhaps both of us are old -fashioned, or we are too accustomed to keep the situation under full control, or we love to drive a suitable car for this briskly, but came to a single conclusion: with active actions VGRS, it still does not help, but interferes. And to predict her reactions excess trouble. Although, for a person of a different warehouse, we are fully admitted, the help of the rule will be in handy. He may not notice her at all, sometimes, just wondering how the car is obedient to him!

Demand exceeds the proposal

The third generation of GS since the appearance of official dealers in the show rooms is in quite high demand. And the point is not only in an attractive appearance and a rich list of equipment. Lexus GS competes with Mercedes-Benz E-class and BMW 5th series, which, with similar engines and in similar trim levels, are more expensive (the price list on the GS 300 begins with $ 61,900, the GS 430 version will cost $ 81,900). And we all allow ourselves to notice that all these cars are different, each brand has its own characteristics.

A 3-year warranty (or 100 thousand kilometers of mileage) is provided for the car. The owner of the GS also receives an emergency subscription that allows you to count on round -the -clock service support and free evacuation of the machine in the event of an accident or malfunction.

Text: Andrey Osipov, Oleg Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 21 (88), 2005]