Lexus GS test drive since 2008 sedan
Test drive of the new Lexus GS 350 F Sport
It took only one circle on our track to feel how different the Lexus GS 350 F Sport from the three previous GS generations is. Heck! That's all that our usually eloquent and verbose test pilot uttered. During the previously conducted test drive of the prototype, we got an idea of \u200b\u200bhow much GS 350 was buried against the background of his predecessors. But at that time we did not have data for reinforcing impressions. Now they are.
He rides and rides well
A few circles later, Lexus GS 350 F Sport surprised us, surpassed more miniature, narrowly -fired Lexus is F, dispersed on our slalom to 112 km/h. This is 7.2 km/h more than I could develop the last GS 350, which we tested in 2008. In the test for lateral acceleration, the newcomer developed solid 0.88G.
Do not forget that F SPORT equipment is much more aggressive than the standard GS 350. This machine has a more responsive steering wheel, adjustable shock absorbers, more rigid springs, thickened peretial stability stabilizers, Bridgestone Potenza wide summer tires, an optional rear wheel wheel and increased 14- inch front brake discs. This is a serious sports equipment, which GS needed for a long time.
If we talk about the time of passing the highway, the mission is completed, the Germans have nothing to contrast GS F Sport's ability to change the direction of movement. On the other hand, this is not only a fast car, but also a luxury sedan.
Old motor, new sound
As a power unit, the GS 350 received the same 3.5-liter V6 with a system of change in gas distribution phases and direct fuel injection along with the fuel supply system to the intake channel. The power has grown, but very slightly, only to 306 hp. for 6,400 revolutions per minute and 375 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. Minor changes aimed at increasing economy, gave the following results: according to the preliminary forecast of the ERA, the GS 350 consumption will be 12.3 liters per 100 km in the city, 8.4 l on the highway and 10.2 liters in mixed mode (this is 0.6 The liter is less when driving along the highway and 0.4 liters in a mixed cycle). It seemed to us a more significant change that this motor has gained some character thanks to the sound generator installed in the intake system between the air filter and the throttle unit. Yes, it may seem unnatural, but it is better than nothing. At the cruising speed on the GC highway, it is almost silent, but you just have to give gas after 3,500 revolutions, and it will begin to rumble very pleasantly.
It is not surprising that the Lexus GS 350 F Sport demonstrates about the same acceleration time compared to GS 350. From zero to 96 km/h, it accelerates in 5.8 seconds and passes a quarter of miles in 14.1 s, accelerating at the finish line up to 160 km /h. This puts Lexus on a par with the BMW 535i (from zero to hundreds in 5.7 seconds), but in 2012 Audi A6 Quattro with the supercharger he can’t keep up (5.2 seconds). The six -speed GS 350 machine has been updated now it changes speed faster and previously blocks the torque converter. In addition, now all GS 350 in the standard are equipped with steering wheel speed switches on the steering column. Unfortunately, this system produces an independent transmission change at 6,400 rpm, even if the manual speed of speeds is selected, which became especially noticeable on the carbon, when the GS itself switched a third before we began to slow down before the next bunch of turns.
The essence of F Sport
The suspension structure did not undergo significant changes in comparison with the previous generation of GS two -leaf in front, multi -link behind. True, in the elements of the front suspension there is now more aluminum, and a modified link appeared from behind, which allows to increase the carrying capacity (a weak place GS at all times) and, accordingly, the luggage volume of up to 405 liters.
F Sport also implies a tougher version of the Lexus adaptive suspension and the VGRS system of the electronic steering wheel amplifier. Our car was equipped with an optional steering system for the rear wheels DRS.
If you select Normal (regular) or Sport (sports) using a selector, F Sport offers a completely comfortable movement along the road, which, nevertheless, cannot be called plush. There is another ECO mode (economical), but we have never used it. If you choose the position of the Sport Plus selector, two things happen: the first on the monitor appears the outline of GS with selected shock absorbers, a steering wheel and an engine, which means activation of a more sports tuning; And the second Lexus GS 350 F Sport comes to life.
The steering wheel becomes extremely accurate, like a racing car, and GS F Sport goes exactly where you are directing it. There is a small roll of the body, which is quite natural, but in general, GS is perfectly holding the road. This is undoubtedly the merit of the system of active stealing the rear wheels, which turns the rear wheels two degrees to the side, opposite to the direction of the front wheels at speeds up to 80 km/h, and to the side in the direction of the front wheels, when the speed is over 80 km/h.
The brakes did not cause complaints. The test for a complete stop at a speed of 96 km/h showed 34.1 meters, and this was the seventh attempt, and therefore, fatigue of Lexus brakes is unknown. The idle stroke is minimal, the pedal is pleasant, however, the front part nods more when braking than we would like.
Hard body Despite the fact that the total length of the GS body and its wheelbase remained unchanged (4.84 and 2.84 meters, respectively), a new model 5 cm wider and 3 cm higher, which makes the salon more spacious, and the base is more stable. The new leaf metal has become a new Lexus face, but at the same time the GS body is 14% tougher thanks to additional rigidity and an increased number of cooked seams.
If the Lexus experts set the task of making the GS suspension more rigid, then the weight of the machine is maximally reduced to the developers of the interiors, because due to various luxurious lotions, this weight would be returned. The engineers managed to reduce the weight of the doors by 21%, the head restraint by 14%, the trunk sheathing by 20%and the rugs by 3%. As a result, the weight of the car arrived for the car was 1,738 kg, which is only 17.5 kg more than the mass of the GS 350 of the 2008 model year.
The salon is completely new. Most of the used materials of higher quality than before, there are a lot of soft skin and real polished aluminum. We especially liked the quality of the skin covering the front console in the place where the driver's right knee should be.
Front seats F Sport have 16 adjustments, including power sides. Despite the fact that Lexus slightly lowered the driver's seat and steering wheel, even in the lowest position it seems that you are sitting high. The 12-inch monitor of the optional navigation system is magnificent, and the new joystick Remote Touch, reminiscent of a computer mouse, is much more convenient.
Power F
When in February the Lexus GS 350 goes on sale, it will be available in two versions with a drive to the rear axle or with all -wheel drive. The baton will be picked up by the GS 450H. Prices have not yet been announced, but according to our forecasts, GS 350 in the USA will be no more than $ 48,000. And this means that it will cost cheaper than the Audi A6 3.0t Quattro ($ 49,000), BMW 535i ($ 52,250) and Mercedes-Benz E350 ( $ 50,490). If you prefer F Sport top equipment, it will cost you another $ 4,000, plus about a thousand for the rear wheel steering system.
Lexus GS 350, especially its version F Sport, has undergone significant changes. This is Lexus, from which lovers of sports cars can enjoy. Not only promises, but real pleasure from driving. And unlike the IS F, the adjustable GS 350 F Sport suspension will not require the bribe in the form of comfort for the possibility of fast driving. This car can go smoothly and quietly, and maybe quickly and aggressively, the choice is yours.
And this makes us ask the question: what about GS F? Despite all efforts to knock out at a press conference on the announcement of the model, from Lexus representatives a promise, they never said whether GS F would be expected to be expected to deny such an opportunity either. And if the GS 350 F Sport has such abilities with the V6, try to imagine what the true GS F with a mighty V8 with a supercharger under the hood will be. He would be good. Extremely good.
A source: Insideline
