Lexus GS test drive since 2012 sedan

Japanese jet

Let me say goodbye to such a comparison, but the updated Lexus GS460 as an energy drink, which the more you drink, the more it is required to maintain tone. Are you tired at work, your eyes stick together? Climb into this cockpit, click the button with the inscription Start, press the extreme right pedal to the floor. Well? The eyes opened, the vision became sharp, the fog in his head scattered, as if he had not been, but from somewhere from below, from the same pedal, energy went to the body, which, it turns out, is not only to frantically rotate the rear drive wheels. Now you can relax a little and absorb a fraction of comfort, as when flying in a private jet aircraft. The main thing is not to sleep. Although it is hardly possible. On the GS460, after all, you can quickly reach the bed and then fall asleep immediately
Swift grace
A brief excursion into the latest history, namely in 2005. Then the third generation of Lexus GS appeared, which, in my opinion, radically changed the idea of \u200b\u200bthe brand. The Japanese even came up with the name of this L-Finese metamorphosis, which reflects a new corporate philosophy, but in Russian it sounds monstrously L-Inglery. However, no matter how it sounds and means a fresh approach to the design of the exterior and interior, and to the running properties of the car, all together. And it worked!
The car looks both solid and sporty at the same time, which is now especially appreciated. After the update, which is expressed in barely noticeable strokes, the appearance of the model has not changed at all. How his perception has not changed. The audience still refers to GS respectfully, and many understand that this is the choice of a wealthy and stylish person.
But the appearance is deceiving: unlike many other machines, Lexus GS 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 is sitting behind the wheel according to all the rules. 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 it is not crowded. That is, there is another compromise between comfort and sports, albeit with a bias in sports.
The 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 dials with well -readable numbers. The character of GS is also emphasized by the metal button instead of the ignition lock. Double side glasses practically do not miss the noise outside.
On the central console there is a color screen with touch control. At its edges, the button of the quick transition from one function to another, which noticeably facilitates communication with the on -board computer. The lever of the automatic KP is sheathed with leather, has inserts of the same wood as the steering wheel and the central tunnel. A wide armrest is convenient, and besides, it can move. Having shifted it back, you find the heating and ventilation buttons of the front seats, disconnecting the anti -circus system and the stiffness of the stiffness of the pendants. The Lexus GS 460 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’s ability to choose one of the two Normal or Sport modes.
On the left side, closer to the door, the control keyboard is located 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.
Well, of course, one cannot fail to mention the Mark & \u200b\u200bLevinson music center, which brightened up traffic jams and bad weather, does not always manage to, dispersing the dream, rush through the night Moscow. The center consists of an audio cassette player and a chainer built into the central console on 6 discs, perceiving all formats, including a capable 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 Surround Sound Sound 7.1 volume sound can be considered that you are in the concert hall. Not bad!
 
What does V8 mean
To order that Lexus GS460 Fast car is the same as saying nothing. This is a car car. 347 horses are, I will tell you, a reader, a herd that can scare someone and whom to please when the body presses into the back of the seat. Soft back, however. In less than six seconds, the speedometer shooter will overcome the mark of 100 km/h, but you can continue with the same success. At this moment, adrenaline and the memory of new fines for traffic violations begin to fight in my head, which will allow any inspector to easily get the same GS. And this is even somehow insulting
And yet, nevertheless, from the sound of the motor, which fills the cabin, the tachometer arrow pass a mark of 4000 rpm, a completely combat mood appears. And with what excitement does an 8-speed automatic transmission are sorting through the programs? This is a song! By the way, the programs can be changed and manually, or you can immediately press the Sport button then from thoughtfulness there will be no trace. Of course, do not forget that the rear -wheel drive does not like jokes. However, in the case of the GS460, it will not work to be particularly holigal. ESP does not turn off, any attempts to disrupt the stern in sliding are stopped in the root. Moreover, the GS460 is in series is equipped with a VDIM system.
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 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 3.7. 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 that in a fraction of a second, for example, a skid will begin. And then slightly straightens the steering wheel, without the participation of the driver. If this is not enough, then the stabilization system will reduce the supply of fuel and the engine speed, and even slow down one or more wheels. 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, I personally would not in any case.
A few more words should be said about VGRS. In general, I was 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. Moreover, this system can save strength, especially in urban conditions. But! Perhaps I am old -fashioned, or too used to keep the situation under full control, or I like to drive a suitable car for this briskly, but I came to the conclusion: with active actions, VGRS still does not help, but interferes. And to predict her reactions excess trouble. Although for a person of a different warehouse, I fully admit, the help of the rule will be in handy. He may not notice her at all, sometimes just wondering how obedient the car is!
It remains only to say about the brakes, in the power of which there can be no doubt. They are able to quickly stop the car on any coating, and dose the effort on the pedals is not at all difficult. As for the pendants, they left the most pleasant impression. In Normal mode, they are quite soft, in Sport mode they become tough. But in any case, the rolls of the body in the bends are almost invisible, and only the energy intensity of the shock absorbers, it was worth it a couple of times in deep pits, left a not too pleasant sediment a couple of times I heard an unpleasant knock of the suspension that worked before the end of the suspension.
How much?
Possessing an extraordinary appearance and excellent running qualities, the third generation of Lexus GS is quite stable in demand. After all, the main competitors, among whom I would allocate the BMW of the 5th series, Mercedes-Benz E-class and Audi A6, in similar trim levels and with the same powerful engines, as a rule, are more expensive. And the prices for the updated GS begin at 1,753,000 rubles. The tested GS460, which is offered in the only, most complete configuration costs 2,397,500 rubles. So it's practically a plane

Andrey Osipov
Photo by Lexus
 

A source: Magazine Automobile Izvestia [July 2008]